April 11, 2020

Ready the Space Force!


Ready the Space Force!
The moon "in the not-too-distant future, next Sunday AD..." European Space Agency (ESA), Wikimedia Commons

On April 6, President Donald Trump announced an executive order to encourage the extraction of space resources by private companies. Russia's space agency, Roskosmos, is less than thrilled.

According to the agency's Deputy General for International Cooperation, Sergei Savelyov, the American plan would hurt the potential for cooperation implies the expropriation of space and the seizure of interplanetary territories. In this view, space should remain open for development, exploration, and scientific research of the international community.

"There have already been several examples in history when one country decided to start seizing territories in its interests. Everyone remembers what happened," Savelyov commented.

Space is today typically considered something of an international public domain, but if privatizing space might usher in a dystopian cyberpunk future full of space-corporations, space-marines, and cyborgs, we can't say we aren't looking forward to it.

You Might Also Like

Miracles on a Shoestring
  • September 01, 2003

Miracles on a Shoestring

The Russian Space Program has enjoyed a remarkable string of successes and firsts over the past half-century. But, since the fall of the USSR, it has been forced to adapt to new, more commercial realities. We sent Nick Allen to Baikonur, the main Russian launch site, to report back on how the program is fairing.
Where We First Touched Outer Space
  • November 01, 2012

Where We First Touched Outer Space

The world's largest and most active space port is situated in the middle of the Kazakh desert. Largely off-limits to outsiders, it is an unusual mix of hi-tech and low-key. And it was from here, just over 50 years ago, that humankind first reached out to touch the stars.
Space Race II?
  • April 13, 2006

Space Race II?

On the 45th anniversary of the first manned space flight, Russia lays out an ambitious space plan.
When Peace Came to Earth
  • February 19, 2016

When Peace Came to Earth

Thirty years ago tomorrow, the Mir Space Station was launched. It was a technological wonder of its time.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955