Remembering the Space Age. - Black Vault Radio Network (BVRN)

BUILdINg SpaCe CapaBILIty thrOUgh
eUrOpeaN regIONaL COLLaBOratION
having on international space collaboration and the perception of the United
States in Western europe.
From the United States’ point of view, dealing with partners involves
striking a delicate balance between the outward push for scientifc and
technological collaboration and the inward pull of national security concerns—
the confict between sharing and denial. Sharing builds alliances and secures
american access to foreign skills. denial alienates allies, and encourages them
to develop their own capabilities and to seek partners other than the U.S. these
dilemmas often pit NaSa and the State department against the department of
defense and other bodies concerned with national security. the management of
that tension in the next few years will, I am persuaded, have a major impact on
the future of the space programs not only in europe, but throughout the world.
In the meantime, it is ensuring that Western europe’s regional capability and
identity as an independent player in space is being reinforced. the vulnerable
child of the 1960s is the mature adult of the 21st century who now seeks genuine
rather than junior partnership with the United States, along with the mutual
political respect and technological sharing that that entails.
53