Space Governance and the Political Race for Orbital and Lunar Resources

Abstract

The twenty-first century has witnessed a fundamental transformation in humanity's relationship with outer space, moving from an era defined largely by superpower prestige competition to one characterized by resource-driven strategic rivalry. This paper critically examines the evolving architecture of space governance against the backdrop of an intensifying political race for orbital slots, radio-frequency spectrum, and lunar resources such as water ice and rare minerals. Employing a doctrinal-analytical methodology grounded in international space law, political economy, and comparative policy analysis, the paper traces the historical foundations of space governance from the 1967 Outer Space Treaty through to contemporary frameworks such as the Artemis Accords and the Sino-Russian International Lunar Research Station. Particular attention is devoted to India's emergence as a consequential actor in this contest, examined through the lenses of the Indian Space Policy 2023, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the Chandrayaan-3 mission, and India's accession to the Artemis Accords. The paper argues that the existing legal regime—anchored in the principle of non-appropriation and the "common heritage of mankind" doctrine—is increasingly incongruent with the operational realities of a commercialized and multipolar space economy. It concludes by proposing a set of governance reforms aimed at reconciling equitable access with the legitimate commercial and strategic interests of both established and emerging spacefaring nations, with India positioned as a potential bridge-builder between competing blocs.