Outer space as a platform for geopolitical cooperation and interaction: a case-study of China and Russia’s relations with other global powers

In the context of modern political development, the space policies of certain states are becoming increasingly autonomous and politically driven, playing a significant role in shaping a new world order. Advances in science and technology have broadened the scope of participation in outer space activities, incorporating not only state actors but also private enterprises, thereby introducing additional challenges and complexities. Analyzing the actions and competition among the major space actors reveals the emergence of a new space order, where space exploration serves as both a strategic asset and a practical tool of foreign policy. This study focuses on space as a domain of political interaction among states in the era of globalization. Using a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach, the research identifies key issues on the global space agenda and examines the dynamics of state interactions as a foundation for achieving stability in both outer space and the broader geopolitical landscape. The study analyzes the space programs of leading nations, including the United States, China, and Russia, highlighting the dual dynamics of cooperation and competition. Additionally, it explores the efforts of advanced space powers to involve developing countries in space activities. Through cluster analysis, the study classifies the world’s key spacefaring nations into three groups: the United States (the undisputed leader in the space industry); China and Russia (key competitors and strategic partners of the U.S.); and a group including India, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, and South Korea (countries without independent human spaceflight capabilities). Importantly, many space powers prioritize achieving global military-political objectives through their space programs. The study also highlights a new type of cooperation between the Russian Federation and China, suggesting the emergence of a “new center of space power”. This partnership, characterized by initiatives such as the integration of satellite navigation systems (GLONASS and Beidou), the construction of an international lunar research base, and plans for a joint space station in low Earth orbit, underscores significant opportunities for collaborative scientific endeavors. While the traditional U.S.-Russia partnership has been a major factor in space politics, the current geopolitical climate signals a decline in this cooperation, paving the way for stronger Sino-Russian collaboration.