Space Policy, Development, and Security: Conceptual Framework of Analysis

This chapter offers relevant insights into debate and clarity on key concepts that underscore the subject of this book, such as space, space policy, development and security. On space, the chapter provides insights on the debates between pure and applied scientists on one hand and humanities and social scientists on the other hand, the resultant emergence of geometric and social spaces, and the perspectives on absolute, relative and relational spaces. This is important to reiterate the multidisciplinary perspectives that are required in this study. Although space (outer space) is generally geometric and specifically astronomical, it is interlocked with social spaces in its policy context. On this basis, this chapter align with utilitarian conception of space policy as the use of space and attendant technologies to promote the socioeconomic development and security of the affected party. Accordingly, the concepts of development and security are interrogated and then summarised as the aspirations of the affected party, that is, the people and government concerned.