Industry analysis

We have so far described the evolution of space-related activities from the Cold War era to the globalization era. Much of the twentieth-century space activity was dominated by Cold War considerations, reflecting super-power rivalries and representing one more source of competition between the USA and the Soviet Union. The era of globalization has been reflected in the evolution of space-related activity. Competition in space has been accompanied increasingly by cooperation reflecting the collaborative imperative of globalization. Just as previously state-controlled activities in many spheres have been privatized, so have space-related activities entered the private realm. Increasingly, space-related activities have become the business of space as entrepreneurs and other private entities not only embark on pursuits previously only undertaken by governments and their agencies, but also begin to venture into previously unexplored and unexploited opportunities in space. These developments are consistent with the dialectic of de-territorialization and re-territorialization. More obviously, the establishment of permanently manned space stations and the vision of establishing lunar and Martian colonies are also consistent with the dialectic of de-territorialization and re-territorialization. As space activities continue their evolution from space race to the business of space, the globalization perspective provides us with a useful means of framing this evolution, and with an enhanced understanding of the dynamics of the business of space.