Why the space race has such high stakes

A discussion on the space race 75 years ago would highlight a series of achievements and competitions ping ponging between the United States (U.S.) and the Soviet Union. In a 2025 post-cold war era, due to a series of post-soviet economic and political transitions and challenges, Russia no longer remains the sole major player alongside the U.S. – China has exploded onto the scene. This continued competition carries consequences of technological advancement, national security, economic supremacy, and the very balance of global power in the 21st century.

The race to dominate space is not simply about technology or exploration; it is about safeguarding the principles of democracy and international cooperation. While conflict is not inevitable, we hold the responsibility to protect and defend the final frontier. Should China be allowed to lead in space governance, it would set a dangerous precedent for how new frontiers are utilized in the future to progress an oppressive societies’ belief-systems, as they have shown in areas such as the Belt and Road initiative.

Sidelining democratic principles is not something the U.S. allows when gravity is at play, nor should it be allowed on the final frontier. Winning this race against China ensures that space remains a domain where transparency, free enterprise, and peace thrive, shaping the future of humanity’s exploration.

The creation of the U.S. Space Force in 2019 was met with both advocates and critics, yet, the move was a pivotal moment for national security, and symbolized a major realignment and reprioritization. By aggregating space-related military operations from several branches and entities under the Department of the Air Force, the U.S. made a clear statement that space is a critical domain. Establishing the Space Force prioritized and organized the U.S. military’s space-related operations and defense capabilities. Imagine a world in which the Trump 45 administration had held off on this critical infrastructure – the U.S. would be 8 years behind. This move prompted folks to see space beyond a lens of exploration and raised awareness of space as a key battle ground.

The U.S. continues to make notable advancements, but so too is China – as indicated through the Chinese increase in spend on exploration, infrastructure, and satellite deployment. While the U.S. is still the clear leader having launched approximately 5,000 satellites, China’s increased launches, combined with its focus on military applications, demonstrates its intent to challenge U.S. dominance. Since the inception of the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) in 1992, China has launched over 1,000 satellites and has made its intentions clear: they aim to surpass the U.S. in both technological and defense advancements on the final frontier. While not vocal on the national stage, both China and Russia have developed counter space capabilities which pose a major risk for U.S. satellites with system capabilities aimed to kill our satellites through tracking, targeting, and striking capabilities.

Currently, the U.S. outspends China by a margin of $73 to $14 billion in government-funded space activities. This financial commitment has tangible benefits for U.S. national security. Our focus on maintaining competitive endurance in pacing this threat, highlights America’s set position as the undisputed leader in space. Space showcases yet another example that economic growth through innovation, while maintaining prevailing democratic values through space governance over authoritarian regimes, is non-negotiable for the U.S. and our allies.

While the U.S. is making major strides, China’s expansion in this domain poses a direct challenge to U.S. leadership. As China continues to increase its spend and prominence in the space race, the U.S. must ensure its ability to maintain strategic advantages in orbit. This is prevalent in the face of anti-satellite technologies, and space-based weaponry, which remain preeminent concerns to the U.S. and its allies. Although China has made impressive strides in space exploration, it still faces significant challenges compared to the U.S., particularly in the areas of private sector involvement and space governance partnered with international cooperation.As evidenced in the 2024 Commercial Space Strategy, leadership in space-based technology and innovation in partnership with the U.S. government includes the development of cutting-edge technologies: satellite constellations, space tourism, lunar exploration, and new resource exploration and development. While marred in competition, the advantage in this fight remains ours. Due to its democratic structure, the U.S. benefits from private sector innovation in concert with historical experience, military capabilities, and international partnerships with its allies. These advancements bolster U.S. economic growth and ensure that America prevails as the hub for the next generation of high-tech industries, on land and in space.

As the space race continues to evolve, should the U.S. keep its foot on the gas, these advantages will play a key role in maintaining its position as a global space leader.

Taylor Hathorn is a visiting fellow at Independent Women. She has over 10 years of experience in cybersecurity, policy, public relations, and non-profit management.