The next geopolitical contest in space is unfolding much closer to Earth — in the “ground game.” In recent Financial Times editorial, Dr. Robinson, examines how China and Russia are expanding their influence across the global space sector, in part, through what PSSI terms “space sector capture.”

 

For countries eager to join the space economy, but constrained by capital or technical expertise, the “package deals” — satellites, launch services, ground stations, positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services, operating personnel, and subsidized financing — can appear irresistible.

Yet these arrangements often create long-term technological, operational, and financial dependencies and, in some cases lead to a partial — or more — loss of sovereignty.

 

PSSI’s research analyzing over 800 space deals across 125 countries between 1990 and 2026 found that:

  • China has overtaken Russia as the dominant actor in this strategic form of space commerce
  • More than two dozen countries are now exposed to space sector capture
  • These relationships translate into votes in space-relevant multilateral fora

 

While much attention rightly focuses on lunar presence and orbital competition, the infrastructure, financing, and partnership networks on the ground may ultimately shape the balance of power in space.

 

If the United States and its allies want to preserve an open and competitive space ecosystem, they must engage far more actively in supporting emerging space nations. Equally important, U.S. and allied investors should be prohibited from holding the equity or debt of Chinese space companies tied to the People’s Liberation Army, many of which are currently listed on Western securities exchanges. Finally, the global “commercial” activities and funding sources of Chinese and Russian space companies should be persistently monitored on an automated basis ensuring visibility into precisely a how these enterprises advance the broader geopolitical and military objectives of their authoritarian masters.

Read the full editorial in the Financial Times.