The space domain is emerging as a new arena for competition, power and cooperation, characterised by new technologies. For centuries, powerful states have fought for control over land, sea and air to shape the world in accordance with their strategic interests. Today, the fulcrum of power is shifting towards space-based capabilities. While space has long been the subject of science fiction and has inspired astronauts and exploration, it is metamorphosing into one of the most competitive environments in contemporary global politics. Space has emerged as a strategic domain of warfare embedded in a complex multipolar world order. Moreover, Europe is striving to develop its own satellite constellations to avoid the risk of strategic dependence.

It is pertinent to familiarise readers with the nomenclature and discourse of outer space. Historically, empire-building occurred primarily through land; over time, the global balance of power was shaped by nations with the strongest navies. Likewise, the development of air power profoundly influenced global politics over the past century. The next major arena for great-power competition is space power. Nations are competing for security and economic leverage over their adversaries, and are moving into space for both military and economic reasons. Space politics is guided by agreements such as the Artemis Accords, which outline principles and visions regarding space activities.

In the contemporary geostrategic environment, there is renewed appreciation for how classical geopolitical ideas can be applied to outer space. Functional domains such as communication, banking, weather forecasting and military operations all depend on space systems. If any of these systems were compromised or taken over by another nation, it could leave a country highly vulnerable. This risk also poses significant challenges during urban warfare. Thus, space is becoming a central component of global military strategy as well as an arena of scientific growth, leading to the rise of ‘astropolitics’ in the global chessboard. In the longer term, some scholars refer to this development as heliopolitics — the political and economic organisation of the entire solar system as humans move beyond Earth. Questions will arise about how new settlements on Mars or the Moon will be governed. Will they remain subject to Earth’s legal systems, or develop sovereign systems of governance?

Some scholars argue that space military power is an extension of geostrategy. Others contend that space power represents a distinct form of global military power. The role of space in global military strategy has increased dramatically over recent decades. This emerging trend is referred to as ‘astrostrategy’, meaning the application of traditional strategic concepts — such as control of transportation routes, procurement and defence — within an outer space environment.

Certain orbital positions are more significant to a country or organisation than others. Strategic control of cislunar space, the area between Earth and the Moon, could create substantial advantages for those who control it. States such as the United States, China and Russia have accelerated their space programmes. In the United States, Space Force spending could reach $40 billion in 2026. The growing competitiveness among these nations reflects a broader historical pattern: great-power geopolitical and military rivalry on Earth extending into new frontiers.

The militarisation of outer space is a serious concern arising from the expansion of military presence beyond Earth. Outer space was once described as a domain reserved for peaceful purposes for all humanity. Multiple countries have announced lunar missions, some powered by nuclear technology, to establish a human presence on the Moon. However, satellites can be intercepted, jammed or destroyed using advanced technologies. With artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and automated control systems managing satellites or missile defence systems, the unpredictability of space confrontations may exceed that of conflicts on Earth.

Strategic collaboration in the space race is crucial among the United States, Russia and China. Public and private stakeholders must develop a sustainable policy framework for space governance. The role of middle powers is equally important, as states must enhance situational awareness to anticipate and counter both natural and man-made crises. Pakistan has also begun to treat space as a critical defence domain by recalibrating its strategy, as seen in the launch of HS-1, Pakistan’s first hyperspectral imaging satellite equipped with a high-resolution camera. The satellite’s data will support stakeholders in climate policy planning and national security strategy. As stated in Pakistan’s National Space Policy 2024, space technology provides a cost-effective means to address issues such as agricultural productivity, food security, environmental degradation and national security.

Humanity stands at a crossroads: we can develop outer space as a cooperative environment, or we can turn it into a new arena for competitive warfare.

Zaid Bin InamThe writer is an academic and faculty member at NUML, Islamabad.

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