| U.S. space policy was shaped through a series of ad hoc responses to what might be considered apurposive political, economic, and fortuitous events at both the global and domestic levels. It did not evolve according to a carefully thought out long-range plan based on scientific, business, and defense interests. Cold War realities provided the first strong impetus toward the development of U.S. space policy. The launch of Sputnik I and the perceived threat the Soviet satellite posed for U.S. national security gave rise to the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs and the landing of men on the Moon.;As we approach the 21st century, space systems and the nations that have access to them are increasing both in number and technological sophistication. In light of growing proliferation and globalization processes, policy is mainly determined by transnational financial and security imperatives. This study analyzes the linkages between the global space marketplace, economics, international relations, technology, national security, and public policy. It does so at the macro level by tracing the evolution of U.S. space policy within the context of the global political economy. At the micro level, through a case study on Hughes Aircraft Company's successful effort in convincing the Reagan administration to change its long-standing policy concerning launches of high technology equipment on Chinese boosters, it highlights the role of firms and the complex interfacing of market and other factors in the making of policy.;The nonlinear way U.S. space policy has evolved within the context of a rapidly changing, technology driven environment, raises questions as to the relevance of the models to be used in illuminating such a turbulent reality. Models which are basically linear and state-centered, as developed in the past international relations literature, may be less than effective in explaining turbulent change. Part III of the study addresses these theoretical questions and maintains the need to shift to a multidimensional nonlinear global perspective that encompasses states, economic/market, technology, environmental, and population factors. It is argued that the latter perspective would seem to afford a better analytical vehicle than one-dimensional, state-centered models. |
