
Crowded Orbits
Conflict and Cooperation in Space
James Clay Moltz(Author)
Columbia University Press
Published on 30. January 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
264 pages
978-0-231-20707-2 (ISBN)
Description
Space has become increasingly crowded since the turn of the century, as a growing number of countries, companies, and even private citizens have begun operating satellites and become spacefarers. Crowded Orbits offers readers a valuable primer on space policy from an international perspective, examining technology, diplomacy, commerce, science, and military applications. This second edition is thoroughly updated to cover events of the decade following the book's original publication in 2014, when the pace of the competition to exploit space has accelerated dramatically.
James Clay Moltz examines the ongoing tension between competition and cooperation in space, tracing the geopolitical and policy consequences of key developments. Drawing on decades of experience, he considers possible avenues for collaboration among the growing number of actors as well as the forces driving potential space-related conflicts. Moltz examines the challenges to existing treaties and other governance mechanisms that have struggled to keep up with the spread of technology. He provides policy recommendations to enhance international collaboration, further scientific exploration, and restrain harmful military activities. This edition features analysis of a range of topics, including the ongoing commercialization of space by SpaceX, Planet, and other start-up companies; new capabilities to monitor Earth from space; renewed tensions between the United States and rivals China and Russia in military activities; and emerging multinational competition on the Moon.
James Clay Moltz examines the ongoing tension between competition and cooperation in space, tracing the geopolitical and policy consequences of key developments. Drawing on decades of experience, he considers possible avenues for collaboration among the growing number of actors as well as the forces driving potential space-related conflicts. Moltz examines the challenges to existing treaties and other governance mechanisms that have struggled to keep up with the spread of technology. He provides policy recommendations to enhance international collaboration, further scientific exploration, and restrain harmful military activities. This edition features analysis of a range of topics, including the ongoing commercialization of space by SpaceX, Planet, and other start-up companies; new capabilities to monitor Earth from space; renewed tensions between the United States and rivals China and Russia in military activities; and emerging multinational competition on the Moon.
Reviews / Votes
Moltz's book is the best available general introduction to the past, present, and alternative futures in all areas of space activity. It is written in clear, nontechnical, and nonjargony language and sets forth in a balanced way the governance choices before us as humanity continues to develop the final frontier. -- John Logsdon, Elliott School of International Affairs and founder of the Space Policy Institute, The George Washington UniversityMore details
Edition
second edition
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-231-20707-2 (9780231207072)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
02/2024
1st Edition
Columbia University Press
€29.49
Available for download
Person
James Clay Moltz is a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School, where he also holds a joint appointment in the Space Systems Academic Group. His books include The Politics of Space Security: Strategic Restraint and the Pursuit of National Interests (third edition, 2019) and Asia's Space Race: National Motivations, Regional Rivalries, and International Risks (Columbia, 2012).
Content
Preface
Introduction
1. Getting Into Orbit
2. The Politics of the Space Age
3. Civil Space: Science and Exploration
4. Commercial Space Developments
5. Military Space: Expanded Uses and New Risks
6. Space Diplomacy
7. Trends and Future Options
Notes
Index
Introduction
1. Getting Into Orbit
2. The Politics of the Space Age
3. Civil Space: Science and Exploration
4. Commercial Space Developments
5. Military Space: Expanded Uses and New Risks
6. Space Diplomacy
7. Trends and Future Options
Notes
Index