John F. Kross
Credit: Rod Pyle
Competing powers have sought the high ground for strategic and commercial advantage from the beginning of recorded history, and for good reason—those who controlled it have often set the rules and benefited accordingly. In the 20th century, the high ground migrated from the land to the air, and ultimately into space. During that time, the United States largely dominated the air and near-space environment, and no single nation could rival their hold on those realms.
However, a new competitor is emerging in the 21st century, and the high ground is expanding to include cislunar space (the region from low-Earth orbit to the Moon). The country preeminent in that sphere will wield enormous power and influence, so the stakes could not be higher, politically, militarily, and economically.
THE STAKES