International Space Relations
During the Cold War the United States and the Soviet Union competed for supremacy in outer space. Since the bipolar system ended in 1991 outer space has become a key factor in the international system. In the 21st century its relevance has increased not only from scientific, military, and geopolitical perspectives but also from economic and social standpoints. Outer space has become a critical topic on the global agenda, with a significant impact on the entire international system.
Research Areas of Interest:
- Social Space Studies
- International Space Relations
- Geopolitics of Outer Space
- Space Cooperation
- Space Diplomacy
- Space Ecosystems/Hubs
- Space Policy
- Space Economy
- International Space Programs
- Astrosociology
- Systems Models
- Interdisciplinary Approach
- Social Science Methods
Research Projects:
Geopolitical and Geoeconomics Implications on Recent Advances in Space Propulsion and Hypersonic Technologies Topic Area: Aerospace Sciences
Participants:
- Dr. Francisco Del Canto Viterale, Department of Space Studies
- Dr. Marcos Fernandez-Tous, Department of Space Studies
- Dr. Pablo de Leon, Department of Space Studies
- Dr. Chonglin Zhang, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Dr. Brian Urlacher, Department of Political Science and Public Administration
Funding/Award: Early Career Scholar Program 2024
Duration: January 2024 - December 2024
Abstract: This research project seeks to understand the rapidly changing security environment in space by bringing together technical expertise around space propulsion, hypersonic technology, and international relations. We seek to provide clarity on how changes in propulsion technologies will impact the balance of power in the 21st century. In addition to addressing more general geopolitical and geo-economical questions, we seek to highlight key implications for the national security of the United States. Our method is to facilitate fruitful dialog across the engineering and social science disciplines through a critical and comprehensive analysis and organization of recent scholarship.
Building a Space Hub in Grand Forks
Participants:
- Dr. Francisco Del Canto Viterale, Department of Space Studies
- Tyler Bjorgaard, Undergraduate Student
Funding/Award: John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences Research Seed Grant Program 2023
Duration: May 2023 - May 2024
Abstract: This research project addresses an important conceptual gap in the literature, as well as a practitioner's gap - the research project aims to analyze the new political, economic, and social relevance of space hubs. The main research question and general objective of the investigation will focus on how small- and medium-sized cities are trying to build up and improve local space ecosystems. The project will pursue an in-depth case study of a space hub in the city of Grand Forks, ND (GFK). Using a systems architecture framework, this study will contribute to the scientific understanding of space hubs and enable us to assess the performance of the existing case in the city of Grand Forks. In recent years GFK has increasingly become a space hub, led by UND's academic programs, Grand Forks Air Force Base's missions, and the Grand Sky's companies. This study will shed light on how GFK is building a new space hub. The present project is divided into two phases. The current grant would only cover phase one but will serve as exploratory and preliminary research for a further and broader research project that will seek for external funding to conduct a comparative study that will allow identification of best practices to be applied in the case of GFK.
Presentation: International Studies Association Midwest Conference (paper presentation)