ABSTRACT There is controversy in historiography and philosophy of history surrounding whig histories, those committed to a teleological or self-centred view of the historical process and where past events are judged based on present criteria, mores, and values. An alternative form of whiggism has recently emerged: the inverted version in which we judge future trends and events by our present-day, rather restricted cognitive and moral standards. This form of reasoning affects parts of the futures studies connected with astropolitics and future-oriented bioethics. If the original whig thinking is problematic, as argued by Herbert Butterfield and others, inverted whig reasoning is considered herein to cast doubts on issues of astropolitics, such as human space settlement and human bioenhancement.

ABSTRACT Mackinder’s Heartland Theory, formulated over a century ago, posited that control of the Eurasian landmass represented the key to global dominance. This study argues that the emergence of space as a contested domain fundamentally extends Mackinder’s geopolitical logic to the orbital realm, where control of key space assets and trajectories represents the ultimate geographical advantage. Through analysis of recent space conflicts, including the role of Starlink in Ukraine, anti-satellite weapon development, and the militarization of space, this research demonstrates that orbital space functions as the contemporary equivalent of Mackinder’s “geographical pivot of history.” The study develops the concept of celestial heartland theory, arguing that whoever controls critical orbital planes and space infrastructure effectively commands terrestrial power projection capabilities. Drawing on contemporary space operations, military doctrine, and geopolitical analysis, the research reveals how traditional geographical constraints are being superseded by orbital mechanics and space access capabilities. The findings suggest that space power represents not merely another domain of military competition, but a fundamental transformation of geopolitical relationships that renders traditional heartland concepts obsolete, validating Mackinder’s core insight about geographical position determining strategic advantage.

ABSTRACT The right to starlight (RtS) is finding a place in the discourse on human rights. As an emanating right against inaccessibility to starlight due to anthropogenic causes, such as light and atmospheric pollution, the global demand for institutional recognition of this right is on the rise. Given this, the article seeks to locate RtS in Vašák’s third-generation rights. The article also conceptualizes starlight as a global commons. It further builds a theoretical defense for RtS as an astro-environmental and astro-ecological right by evaluating the existing political and legal dimensions. The idea of starlight is problematized through the potential prism of starlight justice and equity to demonstrate the astropolitical patterns and directions in the growth of this right. The article also navigates through the astropolitical challenges, with a special focus on the” astrosubalterns”, defined as groups in need of starlight, in accommodating RtS in the discourse on human rights.

ABSTRACT This article contributes to the development of space power theory through advancing three conceptual and methodological frameworks. First, the article systematizes space power as an extension of classical geopolitical and maritime thought, arguing that outer space constitutes a new strategic frontier governed by historically persistent logics of expansion, control of lines of communication, and great-power competition. Second, it develops astrostrategy as an operational and analytical bridge between geopolitics and space power, demonstrating how terrestrial strategic concepts, such as chokepoints, strategic culture, and deterrence, translate into orbital, cislunar, and lunar environments. Third, it introduces Sferomachia as a theoretical model for understanding technologically driven escalation and strategic deadlock in the militarization of space, drawing on insights into autonomous systems, communication vulnerability, and irreversible arms-race dynamics. Building upon these frameworks, the article advances the concept of heliopolitics to describe the emerging political, economic, and institutional organization of the Solar System beyond Earth-centered geopolitics. Grounded in strategic studies and international relations theory, the article argues that space power constitutes a distinct analytical field rather than a linear extension of terrestrial geopolitics, with significant implications for deterrence, governance, and future patterns of great-power competition beyond Earth.

ABSTRACT The right to starlight (RtS) is finding a place in the discourse on human rights. As an emanating right against inaccessibility to starlight due to anthropogenic causes, such as light and atmospheric pollution, the global demand for institutional recognition of this right is on the rise. Given this, the article seeks to locate RtS in Vašák’s third-generation rights. The article also conceptualizes starlight as a global commons. It further builds a theoretical defense for RtS as an astro-environmental and astro-ecological right by evaluating the existing political and legal dimensions. The RtS is also framed as a terrestrial, amphibious, triphibious, and extraterrestrial right. The idea of starlight is problematized through the potential prism of starlight justice and equity to demonstrate the astropolitical patterns and directions in the growth of this right. The article also navigates through the astropolitical challenges, with a special focus on the “astrosubalterns,” defined as groups in need of starlight, in accommodating RtS in the discourse on human rights.

ABSTRACT The space domain is witnessing unprecedented developments, characterized by technological breakthroughs, commercial innovation, and a diversifying array of participants. Amidst this renaissance, collaborative ventures to return humans to the Moon and potentially Mars coexist with renewed geopolitical competition—particularly from China and Russia—raising concerns about a new space race and the weaponization of space. Simultaneously, the growing number of stakeholders amplifies the peril of collisions with space debris, satellites, and other objects, underscoring the high stakes involved. This paper explores the application of traditional theories of international relations – realism, liberalism, and constructivism – to the evolving field of space policy. Scholars and practitioners seek a theoretical framework to unravel the complexities inherent in space studies, spanning science, politics, and economics. These theories serve as maps, offering order and meaning to a multifaceted space domain. Despite the nascent stage of efforts to formulate a unique theory of space power, the paper contends that established theories provide a foundation and shared language. The paper illustrates how international relations theories offer distinct perspectives to analyze space policy, illuminating concepts such as competition, cooperation, power, and norms of behavior.

ABSTRACT Indonesia has been engaged in space activities since the 1960s, including launch operations, and in line with its national roadmap, the country plans to establish a domestic spaceport in the future. Developing a spaceport into a competitive launch services industry presents significant opportunities, despite the inherent high risks and costs of space technology. Using Porter’s Diamond framework, the potential for Indonesia’s spaceport development is strengthened by the geographical and meteorological advantages of Biak Island, the presence of national strategic industries, a growing domestic demand market, and potential support from international market actors. However, limited fiscal capacity and institutional experience necessitate alternative funding mechanisms and international collaboration. Public-Private-Partnerships (PPP) provide a viable model to connect government, research and development institutions particularly BRIN as the national space agency, industry, and regulatory frameworks, thereby improving efficiency and effectiveness. This study recommends the establishment of a dedicated spaceport operational unit within BRIN and the development of aerospace clusters integrating established industries with emerging space start-ups. In line with international best practices. Indonesia requires well formulated policies and strategies to foster international cooperation and strengthen aerospace industry clusters as the foundation for spaceport development.

ABSTRACT This study developed a strategic alignment framework (SAF) to analyze how public – private partnerships (PPPs), regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation enable states to achieve their strategic objectives in space development. Through a comparative case study of the United States, a mature space power, and India, an emerging one, this study examined how these mechanisms function within different strategic contexts. Utilizing the Gioia methodology, official documents were systematically analyzed to develop the SAF. This structured framework offers nuanced insights into aligning national space strategies with varying levels of sector maturity. The findings revealed that the SAF provides a framework for understanding the diverse contributions of regulatory approaches, strategic PPPs, and international partnerships in advancing national objectives. The SAF demonstrate that the United States employs PPPs for rapid innovation and global leadership, underpinned by flexible regulatory structures and international collaboration. In contrast, India focuses on inclusivity, affordability, and capacity-building, using structured regulation and low-cost service models to pursue economic growth. By emphasizing the interplay of these mechanisms, the SAF underscores how space policy strategically directs the use of PPPs, regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation to shape each state’s unique approach to innovation, economic growth, and global positioning.

ABSTRACT Megaconstellation deployment has become a focal point in international discourse, especially between the global powers of the United States and China. This paper investigates China’s and the U.S. strategic approach to deploying megaconstellations in Earth orbit, focusing on the intersection of technological capability and global power dynamics. It scrutinizes sustainability challenges posed by rapid satellite network development, drawing parallels to resource degradation dynamics familiar from terrestrial open-access systems – often described as the “tragedy of the commons”. The study highlights how unchecked megaconstellation growth could lead to orbital congestion and debris, reflecting overuse patterns typical of common-pool resources in shared global domains. Through comprehensive analysis of China’s and the U.S. policies and initiatives, the paper examines the dual-use nature of megaconstellations and their implications for national security and international relations. The research underscores the urgency for a collaborative international framework to regulate space traffic and preserve the long-term viability of Earth orbits. In doing so, it offers a nuanced understanding of China’s stance on space governance and its competitive dynamics with the United States, advocating for a harmonized approach to prevent worsening the tragedy in the celestial commons.