The Race to Space

The great unknown, the final frontier—space has always beckoned to humanity’s innate curiosity and thirst for exploration. “The Race to Space” takes us on an exhilarating journey through the complexities of modern space exploration, where pioneering technology companies and visionary industrialists vie for their place among the stars. In a world where the outer reaches of space are no longer confined to the dreams of governments, this documentary probes a compelling question: Who truly owns the boundless expanse beyond our atmosphere?

The story unfolds against the backdrop of the United States Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act, signed into law in 2015 during President Obama’s tenure. This landmark legislation marks a pivotal shift in space exploration history. No longer the exclusive domain of governmental agencies, space exploration now beckons industrialized interests and innovative entrepreneurs to boldly go where no one has gone before. Enter Deep Six Industries and Planetary Resources, two companies at the forefront of this cosmic revolution. Their mission: to mine asteroids for invaluable resources, resources that hold the key to both future space colonization and practical applications back on Earth. From life-sustaining water and essential metals to precious platinum, these celestial bodies promise to shape the future of our species.

But the quest for celestial riches doesn’t end there. The United Arab Emirates, a nation predominantly fueled by oil, seeks to diversify its wealth through asteroid mining. Platinum, a resource abundant in asteroids, emerges as a viable alternative to their finite oil reserves. This multifaceted race to space prompts a critical question: How can industries and nations coexist peacefully in the cosmos, devoid of the chaotic lawlessness reminiscent of the Wild West?

Frans von der Dunk, a distinguished Professor of Space Law, assumes the mantle of the “Sheriff of Outer Space.” His task is nothing short of monumental: to craft a legal framework that governs the operations of these diverse industries amid the celestial playground. Von der Dunk shoulders the challenge of reconciling the present and future demands of space exploration projects, steering them toward a harmonious coexistence.

“The Race to Space” paints a vivid picture of just how far we’ve come since that historic moment when Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon nearly half a century ago. In comparison, the realities of contemporary space exploration are nothing short of breathtaking. As we navigate the intricacies of this cosmic endeavor, we bear witness to the audacity of human ambition and the limitless possibilities that lie beyond our earthly confines.