The development and exploration of space are scientific and engineering pursuits.
However, politics determine which space programmes and projects are pursued, and establish cost, performance and schedule parameters for these ends. The goal of this volume,
The Politics of Space: A Survey
, is to provide an overview of the politics of space with regard to national space efforts, and national and international organizations.
Contents include:
• essays, written by experts in the field, which explore a variety of issues, including National Security Space, Developed Space Programmes, Moderate Space Powers, Commercial Space Actors, International Organizations in Civil Space Affairs, Non-governmental Space Organizations and Public Sector Actors.
• a comprehensive A – Z Glossary of cross-referenced entries on space organizations, including national space agencies, governmental organizations with a role in space, intergovernmental organizations, space and aerospace companies, satellite communications service companies, and non-governmental organizations
• illustrations and documentation, comprising figures, tables and documentation on key issues of space politics. Important figures include: models of space political processes; issues related to national security space management, challenges and environment; geopolitics of space; and the dynamics of relations between the governmental and commercial space sectors. Tables of significance highlight programmatic attributes of national security space, comparisons in the development of space programmes among states world-wide, and the functions and roles of international organizations that deal with space.