Strategic Space Autonomy for Nascent Space Powers: A Case Study of Pakistan’s Space Program

Strategic autonomy in space is a contemporary concept in the evolution of modern space powers. The notion of space being a cost-intensive endeavor has transformed into sustainable space through the amalgamation of space-technology and space-economy into space ecosystems. Hence, strategic autonomy in space now rests on four pillars, that of space-technology, -policy, -infrastructure and collaborations. Nascent space powers are nations or entities that are pursuing indigenous development of space capabilities, albeit they are faced with unique circumstances and must navigate through challenges that could be technological, economic, and geopolitical. This implies that nascent space powers, including Pakistan, need to work on developing space policy and regulatory frameworks that nurture the growth of indigenous space ecosystems for subsequent development of spacecraft and launch systems, as well as space exploration while actively collaborating with international partners but without undue reliance on external entities. Thus, for Pakistan as well as nascent space powers in general, the question as to how strategic autonomy is attainable in space operations is becoming increasingly paramount. This research identifies the 4Ms strategy—Based on Money i.e., generating revenue, Mining i.e. extracting celestial resources, Military for counter space operations and Morphing i.e., changing people’s attitude, as the key domains in which space technology readiness levels must be attained apriority. The strategy is implementable through a multi-sectoral regulatory framework. Moreover, implementing a bottom-up technology development approach vis top-down will be a more sustainable path for the development of autonomous space capabilities. Given the relentless nature of space contestation and the dynamics of astropolitics in the new space economy, the most plausible way by which nascent space powers including Pakistan can survive and thrive in this era, is by incubating a multi-sectoral space economy with adequate incentives and regulatory support for selectively entering into strategic collaboration with major space powers with the overall objective of enhancing the technology readiness levels for indigenously developing dual-use and ubiquitous space technologies and services.