Our growing place in space
Firstly, what happens in space will affect everyone. We understand that what happens today in different parts of the world affects us, which is why we have foreign policy. Space is no different. And in the coming years it will likely be a dominant aspect of foreign relations as activity increases exponentially.
Secondly, the idea that space and earthly development are at odds is a false choice. It’s not a zero-sum. And the idea that only the very rich will benefit from space is a self-fulfilling prophecy made more likely by inaction. People are going to space. Who that benefits is up to us.
Thirdly, as a launch state, we can have a disproportionately large impact. We can act with intent, bring a clear vision, and build a strong ecosystem that works for everyone.
That last part can be a big challenge.
Our tech sector has struggled in balancing values with competition in an international market before. Thanks to Lord of the Rings, we have a world-class film industry. Yet the controversy surrounding the Hobbit films proved it hadn’t yet evolved to work for all. Building something resilient means going beyond simply supporting key players.
In the past, resilience has come from improving on good ideas. If we want to secure our future in the space sector, that’s precisely what we need to do now.
One place we might start is Luxembourg – a country of just half a million people which, in a matter of years has built a dedicated space university, a space resources centre and an independent space
Lagency. They offer financial support and tax incentives, engage in international projects, and instruct their embassies to headhunt innovators.
Marc Serres, CEO of Luxembourg’s Space Agency, has said ‘‘continuous political commitment and a clear strategic vision, true to the country’s identity and expertise, have been instrumental in the implementation of the national space strategy’’. ike Luxembourg, we should support the burgeoning private space sector – an investment which pays dividends. And we should develop values-driven policy and dedicated institutions. Fully commit.
Kiwis are experts at leading from the edge of the world and should not be afraid to have a clear voice that reflects the public interest either. Environmental regulation. Payload transparency. A vision of how different private and public stakeholders might work together.
Finally, we should consider launching more missions of our own. Costs have dropped from billions to tens of millions. The Capstone mission cost Nasa just under $US30 million, including the launch by Rocket Lab from Hawke’s Bay. For a budget of $50m over the next 10 years, we could do something to demonstrate international cooperation in deep space. Set an example.
The symbolic value alone would help make clear we’re more than just a launch site.
On June 24, we celebrated Matariki. Four days later, a spacecraft bound for the
Moon was launched from Mahia. Centuries after Polynesian explorers navigated the Pacific by looking to the stars, people of all ages are looking up with deep appreciation. Aotearoa has always been the land at the edge of the world. And that has always been a privilege and a responsibility. It’s time we embrace it.
Chelsea Robinson is co-founder of Generation Zero and chief operating officer for San Francisco-based Open Lunar Foundation; Tristan O’hanlon teaches Physics at the University of Auckland and has worked with Auckland Space Institutete Pu¯ naha A¯ tea in developing cubesat missions; Daniel Mackisack is a sociologist, former diplomat and founder of Celestial Commons, a network devoted to improving public interest representation in the space sector.