The thesis explores how and why the American Space Program underwent a rapid privatisation process in the 21st century. The broad goal of this research is to explain how has the space sector...Show moreThe thesis explores how and why the American Space Program underwent a rapid privatisation process in the 21st century. The broad goal of this research is to explain how has the space sector changed throughout the recent decades and present the new "face" of the American space exploration. The American Space Program has been dominated by NASA for most of its existence ever since 1959. Hence, the 21st century marked a drastic change in the composition of the space sector where private businesses created the new "space industry". The thesis examines the main historical factors which led to this change. More importantly, it outlines how do these newly emerged space enterprises change the fundamentals of space exploration in the United States.Show less
Space activity started as a national ambition during the Cold War and has progressively evolved into an international framework in which states can cooperate. Yet, this cooperation contained flaws...Show moreSpace activity started as a national ambition during the Cold War and has progressively evolved into an international framework in which states can cooperate. Yet, this cooperation contained flaws from earlier on and the current framework dominated by the United States of America (USA) through NASA, bars any attempt of cooperation with China and their national space agency; CNSA. This thesis intends to look at the context in which cooperation emerged in the context of space activity and understands the reasons why this cooperation has been failing. Accounting for these elements, a new cooperative framework will be drafted to overcome the shortcomings mentioned and promote the benefits a USA- China cooperation could bring to the sector of space activity internationally.Show less
