China and India as Space Powers: Geopolitics, Domestic Interests, and Prestige

This paper employs an eclectic analytical framework, incorporating structural, domestic, and normative perspectives to assess the drivers behind China and India’s space programs. While security concerns, particularly China’s competition with the U.S. and India’s response to China, are significant in explaining military space ambitions, domestic political dynamics and bureaucratic interests also play a critical role in shaping space policy decisions. Moreover, space accomplishments serve as sources of national prestige, political legitimacy, and international standing.