S1E7: The Geopolitics of Space and The New Space Race with Namrata Goswami

TerraWatch Space Podcast

English - March 30, 2021 00:20 - 1 hour - 48.1 MB - ★★★★★ - 4 ratings
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Previous Episode: #6 - A Rational Perspective on the Space Launch Market with Pierre Lionnet

Next Episode: #8 - Broadband, IoT and the Quest for Global Connectivity through Satellites with Doug Mohney

Today, I am speaking with Namrata Goswami, a strategic analyst and consultant on space policy, international relations, great power politics and alternate futures. Namrata has authored a number of books on those topics with the latest one focusing on the second space race titled, "Scramble for the Skies: The Great Power Competition to Control the Resources of Outer Space", co-authored with Peter Garrettson.

In this episode, Namrata and I discuss all things geopolitics and how it is very relevant in the world of space. We touch upon topics including

whether there is a cold war brewing between the US and China,
the role of Russia, India, Japan and Europe in the global space race and
the emergence of the spacefaring nations in the Middle East.

Namrata also provides her thoughts on why Elon Musk is so special for the space industry and also provides a note of caution in our quest for a future in space.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving the podcast a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts. And, please share with anyone who might be interested.

Aravind.

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01:30: Namrata's story: From growing up in north-east India to becoming a geopolitical expert

03:03: About Namrata's recent book

05:49: Is geopolitics in space still relevant?

08:31: Is geopolitics in space underrated?

12:52: What is the 'space power theory?'

15:59: Why do we have so many space agencies being established today?

19:35: About the series 'For All Mankind' on Apple TV+

22:31: Is there a cold war developing between the US and China?

27:17: Where does Russia fit into the picture?

30:05: What is the role of Europe in the new space race?

34:07: No borders from space vs borders on Earth

36:53: India's position in the global space race

40:05: What about the role of Japan in the future?

43:04: The emergence of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and potentially Turkey

50:15: The impact of geopolitics in space arms and military

54:28: Why Elon Musk is so important for the space industry

58:24: What should we be worried about in terms of our future in space?

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