Greg Autry and Peter Navarro, authors of Red Moon Rising, discussed Vice President Kamala Harris’s failures as chair of the National Space Council, which were highlighted as a serious concern for America’s space ambitions. The conversation emphasized the urgent need for robust leadership in space exploration and the high stakes involved in the current space race, especially with China emerging as a formidable competitor.
“Space matters to Americans because it represents a significant element of our national security and future prosperity. The space race isn’t just about exploration; it’s about securing strategic advantages and maintaining technological and economic leadership on a global scale,” Autry told Navarro on Monday’s WarRoom.
Many American voters may overlook the crucial aspects of our current space race when looking at a candidate. It was President Kennedy urgently instructed Vice President Lyndon Johnson, then Chairman of the National Aeronautics and Space Council, to survey where the U.S. stood in space exploration. President Kennedy asked Johnson to identify and intensify specific programs where the U.S. could beat the Soviets, as that was the important job of the Vice President. That should matter to people.
Importance of the “Space Race” Beyond Perception:
According to the book Red Moon Rising, the new space race is more crucial than most Americans realize because it extends beyond scientific achievement to encompass economic, political, and security dimensions. The country that dominates space, especially the Moon, could gain unprecedented access to valuable resources and strategic advantages, influencing global power dynamics and future human expansion into space.
Suppose the U.S. fails to maintain its leadership in space. In that case, it risks losing technological and economic benefits and its influence over the rules and norms governing space activities. This would allow countries like China, seen as threats to American values and global stability, to shape the future of space exploration and utilization. Thus, the space race is not just about prestige but about securing a pivotal frontier for the nation’s long-term survival and prosperity.
The WarRoom Discussion on Race Voters Need to Hear:
Autry and Navarro discussed on Monday how the Biden administration’s approach to space has been marked by negligence and missed opportunities. Harris, who heads the National Space Council, has been criticized for her lack of decisive action and ineffective leadership.
“She didn’t make any decisions and that helped them being stuck,” Navarro remarked, reflecting on how this indecision has hampered U.S. progress in space.
The conversation highlighted the critical nature of space exploration, especially in the new space race with China. Autry pointed out that the stakes are not just about prestige but involve strategic control over valuable lunar resources. The Moon’s South Pole, rich in water, ice, and critical minerals is a focal point for American and Chinese interests.
“China’s been putting their landers where they have been… that’s where we’re going, and other countries have been trying to get to this location,” Autry explained.
The competition to establish dominance on the Moon could define future geopolitical and economic landscapes.
Autry also emphasized the importance of the Moon as a strategic high ground and resource base.
“The Moon is the strategic high ground militarily and the resource base we need for Earth and Beyond,” he said. In contrast, Mars, while scientifically intriguing, lacks immediate practical benefits for Earth’s security or resource needs. “Mars is important… but that is not going to make your life better on Earth,” Autry stated, underscoring the need for a focused approach to the Moon and nearby asteroids.
The discussion showed how a lack of strong leadership and clear strategy in the Space Council could jeopardize America’s position in this crucial arena. The Trump administration’s proactive stance on space exploration and its strategic investments in space technology contrasts sharply with the current administration’s perceived complacency.
“We need to hold everyone accountable,” Navarro asserted, stressing the need for a robust response to China’s advancements and ensuring that America does not fall behind.
This situation is more than a political issue; it has far-reaching implications for national security and global influence. China’s potential to establish a military presence or claim significant resources on the Moon could alter the balance of power in space.
“The problem is, we’ll tie our hands behind our back while they do what they do,” Autry warned. Effective leadership and strategic action are essential to counter these threats and secure America’s position as a leader in space.
So, Kamala Harris’s failures and the current administration’s approach to space are critical issues that deserve more attention. As Autry and Navarro highlighted, the space race is not merely a matter of national pride but a crucial element of global security and technological advancement.
Addressing these challenges effectively is vital for maintaining America’s leadership and ensuring a secure and prosperous future in space.
