The politics of space is an important area for research, but one which has attracted less academic interest than other areas of political, economic and international relations. And, as state and society become ever more reliant on satellite based technology, the geo-politics and political economy of space activity will become an ever more important area of analysis. Space activity has both detractors and proponents: many argue that pursuing space based projects while citizens live in poverty is inhumane governing; others, the European Commission for example, see ongoing socio-economic benefits of such work. To understand why states go to space, we must therefore look to interdisciplinary research based on both the politics and economics of societal governance.

These interdisciplinary themes are best united under the aegis of international political economy (IPE). This broad church of theoretical discussion proposes that to understand decisions made by those in power, it is essential to understand first, who has power, second, the processes by which they exercise this power, and third, the effects this has on society at large.

The application of IPE theory to space politics brings these issues together to form a better understanding of both the global economy, and the politics and economics of space activity. This study will highlight issues from the space race of the Cold War, to the multi-national public and private funded launch of modern satellites. The geo-politics of the space age, a well-researched area of examination, will take second stage however in this study which aims to unveil the structures of power driving the politics and economics of space activity.

Using Susan Strange’s theory of IPE as a starting point for analysis, this project will evaluate the intended outcomes of space exploration, focusing on the wealth, military security, knowledge and production capacity of major space players.