The United States relies on a thriving commercial space sector to enhance space defense capabilities and drive technological innovation. As geopolitical competition with China intensifies, leveraging private sector advancements has become critical. What immediate actions should the U.S. prioritize to maintain supremacy in this strategic domain?
Rebekah Reed, Associate Director at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center, emphasizes the need for breakthroughs in cryogenic propellant transfer—a capability China has already demonstrated via hydrazine refueling in 2025. She advocates replicating the government-commercial partnership model used in NASA’s cargo and lunar programs to establish American-owned fuel depot infrastructure in deep space. “Roads need gas stations,” she asserts, underlining the urgency of securing orbital fueling capabilities.
Kari A. Bingen of the Center for Strategic and International Studies highlights China’s unparalleled commercial space expansion. From reusable rockets to vast satellite constellations, Chinese entities are rapidly capturing global market share. To counter this, U.S. firms must accelerate R&D in areas where their benchmarks remain unchallenged, ensuring sustained leadership through innovation rather than assumption.