Toward the Heavens

The United States has a new opportunity to use civil space and cooperation in science and technology as a powerful tool of engagement in Latin America, and especially with Brazil. U.S. leadership in space exploration comprises not only government achievements but also powerful commercial opportunities that arise from the sale of U.S. inventions to its allies. As the United States loses market share in satellites and other related technical equipment to countries such as China, India, Russia, and Europe, it should consider what steps are needed to reassert U.S. leadership. Cooperation on space activities such as earth observation and space exploration can be one path toward restoring the traditional leadership credibility of the United States for this emerging interest in space technology in the Americas.