On April 17, 2024, the Primakov Centre hosted held a debate of the Unitis Club on the topic “Space privatization: should private companies play a key role in space exploration, or should it remain under the control of states?” as part of the “V Week of Russian Diplomacy”.
Alexander Fedoseev, a representative of JSC SRC Progress, noted that cosmonautics is one of the main industries without which it is impossible to imagine the development of mankind.
Ksenia Pisanenko, a lawyer for the private space company SR Space, mentioned in her opening speech that space is a sphere that is difficult not to catch fire:
“Now we are at a stage where the question is being raised in the scientific community whether a private cosmonautics should be or not. Space is a risky area.”
After all the members of the opposing teams were introduced, an exciting debates began. Both sides vividly and decisively presented their positions, appealing to the experience of different countries in the field of cosmonautics, the experience of private companies, the space confrontation between the USSR and the USA, the USA and China. The team defending the position of state regulation of space indicated that it is the state that should create a legal framework for the same space organizations. In its opinion, private companies aim to make a profit, not the space exploration, which can lead to the commercialization of space exploration. The opposition, in turn, made the following arguments:
- Private companies stimulate the development of competition in the industry, which leads to more accelerated space exploration;
- Private companies contribute to the all-round development of technological progress;
- Private companies create jobs and contribute to the development of the country’s economy.
In conclusion, proponents of the development of private space companies stressed that space can become a factor in increasing confrontation between states and that private companies should not be subjected to state pressure.
After the end of the speeches of the parties, the experts determined the winning team. She was unanimously chosen by the team defending the role of the state in the space sphere. The team was represented by:
- Prime Minister – Nikita Surikov;
- Deputy Prime Minister – Farhat Klushev;
- Member of the Government – Sergey Fedorov.
The supporters of private space companies were the team:
- Prime Minister – Viktor Penkin;
- Deputy Prime Minister – Sergey Kalmykov;
- Member of the government – Alexander Ganshin.
The winners received the #Unitis Club cup and memorable gifts.
At the end of the evening , Alexander Fedoseev noted:
“Global projects without state support, as well as international cooperation, are not implemented. The role of the state is still significant. Regulators should play a big role. As for the competitive side, all the teams did well. I wish you success in your educational activities and encourage you to take a closer look at the space sphere.”
Ksenia Pisanenko, in turn, addressed the participants of the debate with a parting words:
“I would advise you not to be afraid to defend your position. I would like to wish you to be able to operate with examples. You all have a great future.”
We sincerely hope that this experience will be useful for all participants of the meeting and will open up interest in the field of space!
Photo: Alina Kavtaskina (Photo Club “Illuminator” named after V.A. Kakovkin)
