The need for transparency, accountability, and a balanced public-private approach will be critical to ensuring the space programme’s continued success and integrity. Most importantly, it could define the ethical exploration of space for the welfare of humankind. A report by Bijoy Patro
Sunita Williams, a name that resonates with the very essence of human exploration and boundless ambition, has etched herself into the hearts of millions, particularly in India. Her connection to the nation, through her father, Dr. Deepak Pandya’s journey from Gujarat to the United States, has forged an unbreakable bond, transforming her into a symbol of pride and inspiration. Williams’ extended sojourn aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024, a mission initially slated for a mere eight days, captivated the imagination of a global audience, showcasing the extraordinary potential of the Indian diaspora and the remarkable heights they can attain (until it ended on 18 March This year).
Her unwavering composure, formidable technical acumen, and extraordinary resilience in the face of unforeseen delays and intricate technical challenges have further cemented her iconic status. Every news cycle that followed her mission was followed with great interest in India. Her eventual return on a SpaceX Dragon capsule, after the issues with the Boeing Starliner, added an unexpected twist, but did nothing to diminish her standing. Rather, it added to the drama of her journey, and made her a part of a larger story of the space business. In India, she is seen as a role model, especially for young girls, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, even the sky is not the limit.
Prime Minister NarendraModi tweeted, welcoming Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back to earth, describing Williams as a trailblazer and icon who has exemplified this spirit throughout her career.
Alluding to his new friend, Elon Musk, Modi tweeted “….. incredibly proud of all those who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return.”
The politics of space: A race for monopoly?
The protracted mission of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, which deviated dramatically from its original timeline due to persistent technical malfunctions with the Boeing Starliner, has ignited a profound and far-reaching discussion about the future of space exploration and the evolving power dynamics between public and private sectors. This incident has raised critical questions about the strategic direction of the American space programme and the potential for a private entity to exert disproportionate influence over a venture funded by public resources.
The first issue here concerns SpaceX and Boeing and how a shifting power dynamic in the United States and the shadow of influence have impacted on the erosion of trust.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has emerged as a dominant and disruptive force, fundamentally reshaping the traditional landscape of the commercial space sector and challenging the established supremacy of legacy aerospace giants like Boeing. The company’s consistent track record of successful launches, coupled with the proven reliability of its Dragon capsules and its swift provision of a viable alternative to the beleaguered Starliner, has underscored a seismic shift in the space industry’s balance of power.
The close proximity of Musk’s business to influential political figures, including his past interactions with Donald Trump, has fuelled persistent speculation about potential favouritism and undue influence, raising critical questions about the integrity of the competitive landscape and the potential for a private entity to gain a near-monopolistic hold on ISS transportation, a facility built through the collaborative efforts of multiple nations and funded by public resources.
Boeing’s protracted struggles, characterized by repeated delays, intricate technical glitches, and escalating costs, have resulted in significant financial losses and irreparable reputational damage, eroding public trust in the company’s capabilities. The stark contrast between SpaceX’s efficiency and reliability has highlighted the evolving dynamics of space exploration, where agile and innovative private companies are increasingly leading the charge. The question now looms: can Boeing effectively recover its footing and regain its lost credibility, or is its once-promising space ambition destined to fade into the annals of history?
Musk factor at play
Secondly, it must be borne in mind that the Trump administration has slashed NASA’sbudget. This has come together with the erosion of oversight and the potential for unchecked influence.
NASA’s persistent budget constraints, particularly the closure of key offices responsible for independent analysis and long-term strategic planning, have raised serious concerns about the agency’s ability to maintain its essential oversight and strategic direction. According to reports, these cuts, driven by the Trump administration’s focus on streamlining government operations and reducing federal spending, risk increasing costs in the long run and inadvertently handing more influence to private entities like SpaceX.
The appointment of individuals with close ties to Musk, coupled with the substantial contracts awarded to SpaceX, has fueled accusations of preferential treatment and potential conflicts of interest, raising concerns about the agency’s impartiality and the potential for unchecked influence. Critics argue that this concentration of power could undermine NASA’s core mission, compromise its ability to act in the public interest, and lead to an over-reliance on a single private provider, potentially stifling innovation and competition.
Together with this, NASA’s diversity promises have taken a hit, as the Trump administration has mandated that the organisation drop its plans to land the first woman and a person of colour on the moon.
Previously, NASA had promised to send the first woman and the first person of colour to the moon as part of its Artemis programme – now in the bin following Trump’s anti-wokeness campaign.
Space programmes beyond US-Russia orbit
Thirdly, there is the issue of ISRO’s rising star and the potential for international collaboration and the diversification of space partnerships.
Amidst the challenges faced by the American space programme, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has emerged as a successful and cost-effective player, demonstrating its growing capabilities in space exploration and its commitment to international collaboration. ISRO’s remarkable achievements, including the Chandrayaan lunar missions and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, have garnered widespread international recognition and respect.
This success has prompted discussions about alternative partnerships and collaborations, with some suggesting that NASA should diversify its reliance on private American companies and explore international options, including potential collaborations with ISRO. The successful growth of the Indian space programme has also been noted as a potential avenue that NASA could pursue, when creating alternative partnerships, in order to guarantee future success, and create redundancy.
The potential for leveraging ISRO’s expertise and capabilities could provide NASA with a valuable alternative, fostering a more balanced and competitive space ecosystem and reducing the risks inherent in relying on a single provider. This would also open the door to a more diverse and resilient space programme, promoting collaboration and innovation on a global scale.
Eroding trust in the space programme’s integrity
Lastly and, perhaps, most importantly, is the concerns over cronyism, monopoly, the erosion of public trust, and the need for transparency in space programmes across the globe.
The situation surrounding the Starliner mission and the subsequent reliance on SpaceX raises critical questions about the extent of cronyism in the American space program. The close relationship between private companies and government agencies (not to mention the highest office in the United States working in tandem of the interests of Elon Musk, the world’s richest individual), coupled with substantial financial investments, is leading to allegations of undue influence and a potential monopoly, eroding public trust in the integrity of the space programme.
The public’s concern is understandable. The ISS, a symbol of international collaboration and scientific advancement, built with taxpayer funds from multiple nations, could soon be largely serviced by a single private entity. This concentration of power raises concerns about accountability, transparency, and the potential for abuse, undermining the public’s perception of fairness and impartiality. As the space race intensifies, the need for a balanced and competitive environment becomes increasingly crucial.
The potential for a private entity to wield disproportionate influence over a publicly funded infrastructure raises fundamental questions about public trust and the role of government oversight. Ensuring a fair and competitive space ecosystem is essential to safeguard the public interest and promote innovation, demanding greater transparency and accountability from both public and private stakeholders.
The prolonged stay of Williams and Wilmore on the ISS, and the subsequent reliance on SpaceX for their return, has highlighted the precarious nature of space exploration and the evolving dynamics between public and private sectors. As the future of space travel unfolds, the lessons learned from this mission will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of space exploration for years to come.
The need for transparency, accountability, and a balanced approach to public-private partnerships will be critical in ensuring the continued success and integrity of the space programme. Most importantly, it could define the ethical exploration of space for the welfare of all of humankind.
The way Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were stranded in space could likely recur again in this evolving area of frontier science research. But humankind must know how to handle the situation better, were it to happen once again.
