'New Space': The U.S. Militarization of Orbital Space

Abstract

My research focused on the effectiveness and overall policy goals of the United States towards commercializing and militarizing orbital space. Whereas most legislation of U.S. space policy focuses upon the commercialization and liberalization of space, U.S. space policy, the executive policy may take a different aim. Therefore, I used NASA policy as an example of direct U.S. space policy goals. I created a database from NASA’s inception to present, of discrepancies between budget appropriations, research appropriations, allocations for particular research projects, and overall private contractor spending . In this manner, I empirically tracked the relationship behind policy and implementation. Finally, in a more substantive manner, I collected executive statements, published NASA policy statements, and structural reviews of the NASA program. Overall, I was able to collect both empirical and substantive data for an accurate depiction of U.S. space policy. Through my research I was able to uncover an evolving policy of absolute defensive control to strategic economic control of orbital resources, amidst global competition. In this manner, I argue the U.S. is able to achieve global space hegemony in economic space, as a legitimate space actor, thereby justifying its defensive mobilization and status in defining global space policy. Control over space, in this regard, focuses on the creation of normal practices and justification of one’s presence in space.