As humanity enters the era of space exploration, the international space cooperation system has become an essential foundation for nations to jointly research, exploit, and protect outer space in a peaceful, transparent, and sustainable manner. Space is not only a field of science but also a symbol of global solidarity, since the challenges and opportunities beyond Earth surpass the capacity of any single nation.
At present, many cooperation mechanisms have been established. International treaties issued by the United Nations affirm that outer space is the common heritage of humankind and must be used for the benefit of all nations. In addition, initiatives such as the Artemis Accords, launched by NASA, have attracted the participation of dozens of countries, aiming to establish principles of transparency, safety, and sustainability in lunar and deep-space exploration. However, cooperation trends are also becoming fragmented into “space blocs,” where groups of nations with shared strategic interests align with one another rather than forming a unified global system.
Nevertheless, the international space cooperation system still faces many challenges. Divergent national interests make achieving global consensus difficult. The growing involvement of private space companies raises questions about governance and benefit-sharing. The international legal framework remains incomplete, lacking strong monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Most concerning is the risk of space militarization, which could occur if transparency and genuine cooperation are absent.
If strengthened and effectively implemented, the international space cooperation system will bring long-term impacts. It can advance scientific research in space, expanding humanity’s knowledge; ensure fair exploitation of space resources, preventing monopolization; enhance global security by reducing the risk of conflicts beyond Earth; and lay the foundation for the space economy, opening new industries.
In conclusion, the international space cooperation system is the key for humanity to enter the space era in a peaceful and sustainable way. Although challenges remain regarding national interests, legal frameworks, and private sector participation, if properly directed, it will become the cornerstone of a future where space is explored and utilized for the common benefit of all humankind.
