Meridian Diplomacy Forum 2024 - Moonshots: The New Space Economy for Emerging Spacefaring Nations

Over the past decade, 25 countries have established their own national space agency. Even more are launching their own satellite into lower earth orbit, often in collaboration with their private sector. Countries and subregional blocs are entering the global space arena to advance a diverse set of policy and economic goals, such as to bolster their capacities in telecommunications, environmental monitoring, and threat prevention. However, space economies do not follow a “one-size-fits-all” strategy. Financial constraints, geography, natural resources, private-sector capacity, and human capital must inform how nations approach space. This session discussed factors for emergent spacefaring ecosystems to consider when developing a customized roadmap for their own space economy. It will also underscore the value of leveraging partnerships to achieve their space ambitions.

Moderator: Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr. (USMC-Ret.), Administrator, NASA (2009-2017)

Speakers:

Her Excellency Mathilde Mukantabana, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda

Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Vice President, Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship, Space Foundation

Temidayo Oniosun, Managing Director, Space in Africa