Report Release Event: Lost Without Translation: Identifying Gaps in U.S. Perceptions of the Chinese Commercial Space Sector

Secure World Foundation and Caelus Foundation released a paper entitled “Lost Without Translation: Identifying Gaps in U.S. Perceptions of the Chinese Commercial Space Sector.” During this webinar, the report’s authors discussed the key findings of the paper; and a panel of expert guests presented their reactions and impressions of the findings. A video summary of the paper’s findings can be found here.

This whitepaper explores current perspectives that U.S. commercial space stakeholders have on the emerging Chinese commercial space sector and identifies significant questions and gaps in information that these stakeholders have. Via interviews with private sector professionals across the space industry in the U.S., this study provides a glimpse into current perceptions, concerns, and questions about the potential impacts of China’s space activities on their business and investment realities. Common interviewee perspectives are compared to an investigation of Chinese commercial space dynamics in order to identify areas of alignment or misalignment. These findings illuminate significant areas where further research would improve understanding and better enable strategic decision-makers.

This paper has a singular goal: to increase nuance in discussion of one of the most challenging and heated topics in the space industry: U.S.-Sino space relations. It raises more questions than it answers, but these questions will help U.S. researchers, analysts, practitioners, and policymakers better investigate and understand the complex dynamics emerging in China’s nascent commercial space sector.

To download the report please click here.

Speakers:

Paper Authors

• Ian Christensen, Director of Private Sector Programs, Secure World Foundation
• Rob Ronci, Executive Director, Caelus Foundation
• Kathryn Walsh, Masters Student, University of Denver & SWF Research Intern (May-September 2020)

Discussants:

• Brendan Mulvaney, Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) 
• Ellen Chang, BMNT/Syndicate 708, Director/Managing Partner  
• Blaine Curcio, Affiliate Senior Consultant for Euroconsult

Materials

• Agenda
• Speaker bios
• Slides
• Event transcript 

A recording of the event is available below.

Please contact SWF Director of Private Sector Programs, Mr. Ian Christensen for more information.