Outer space

The 21st century Star Wars

Humanity’s dependence on space-based objects has rocketed since the world’s first artificial satellite was launched in 1957. Some 60 countries and 20 organizations own one or more space-based platforms and there are over 1,300 currently operational satellites orbiting the planet. Space technologies are increasingly available to all countries, rich or poor, and now to private citizens and international organizations – particularly in the realm of ultra-small ‘nano-satellites’. 

Space technology has shown itself to be an equalizer and spur for global economic development. Satellites are used for communications, environmental and weather observation, navigation, military targeting, and scientific research, from cellular biology through to astrophysics. 

https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/twt/new-star-wars#sthash.jYTUgMRl.dpuf