War On Earth, Cooperation In Space

Podcast Summary

• Cooperation in Space Despite Geopolitical Tensions: Humanity's ability to work together in space, despite geopolitical conflicts, demonstrates the power of science as a diplomatic tool, but its limits are being tested as some countries withdraw from partnerships with Russia due to political tensions.

  Despite geopolitical tensions between the US and Russia, cooperation continues in space through the International Space Station. Astronaut Mark Vande Hei's experience of returning to Earth with Russian cosmonauts demonstrates this unity. However, signs of change in Russia's space partnerships raise questions about the limits of science as a diplomatic tool. As the war in Ukraine continues, some partners have stopped working with Russia in space, and the head of Russia's space agency has signaled a potential withdrawal. The BBC, as a trusted source of information, provides us with these stories that challenge us to think critically about the role of science in international relations. The ongoing cooperation in space serves as a reminder of humanity's ability to work together, even in the face of adversity.

• US-Russia collaboration during International Geophysical Year: Scientific cooperation during the International Geophysical Year led to advancements in nuclear weapons and long-range missile technology for both the US and Russia, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in scientific research and intelligence gathering

  The US-Russia collaboration, which is often seen as a recent development, actually goes back to the International Geophysical Year in the late 1950s. During this time, scientists from around the world, including the US and Russia, worked together to collect data on various scientific phenomena. However, this collaboration had a second, less publicized purpose. Both the US and Russia were developing nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, and understanding the environment was crucial for the development of these technologies. Measuring the atmosphere made missiles more accurate, studying ocean currents helped with submarine development, and even seismic stations could be used to listen in on nuclear testing. This sharing of scientific data was a more effective and productive means of gathering intelligence than traditional spying methods. Today, this historical collaboration serves as a reminder that scientific cooperation can lead to significant advancements and a better understanding of our world.

• US-Russia Space Collaboration: A Necessity in Space Exploration: Amid geopolitical tensions, the US and Russia's partnership in the International Space Station (ISS) continues, as it's crucial for both parties and offers scientific benefits, despite Russia's suspension from European space organizations due to the Ukraine conflict.

  Despite geopolitical tensions, the US and Russia's collaboration in space exploration continues to be a practical necessity and a symbol of international cooperation. The International Space Station (ISS) relies on both American and Russian technology, making it impossible for either party to abandon the project without significant consequences. However, the ongoing war in Ukraine has led to the suspension of Russia's membership and scientific collaborations with European organizations such as CERN and the European Space Agency (ESA), indicating that the conflict may impact space exploration partnerships. Despite this, the ISS remains a vital destination for NASA astronauts and Russian cosmonauts, providing scientific benefits and a shared goal in space exploration.

• Geopolitical tensions impact space cooperation: Russia's space agency head suggested abandoning ISS, but Russia continues to send supplies. Tensions lead to nationalistic displays and complexities in international space cooperation.

  The geopolitical tensions between Russia and the United States have extended into space, leading to suspensions of collaborations and cancellations of launches. Russia's space agency head, Dmitry Rogozin, has suggested that Russia might abandon the International Space Station (ISS), but Russia continues to send supplies to the ISS. The situation has led to a more nationalistic tone among the Russian cosmonauts at the ISS, with displays of Russian and Soviet era paraphernalia and the unfurling of a Victory banner during a spacewalk. While the likelihood of physical conflict remains low, the situation underscores the complexities of international cooperation in space.

• Tensions between Russia and the US in Space: Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, experts argue for continued space cooperation between Russia and the US, drawing parallels to the aftermath of WW1 and emphasizing potential negative consequences of isolation. NASA is preparing for Russian departure from ISS.

  The tensions between Russia and the US over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have reached new heights, with some Russian cosmonauts expressing support for the war and accusing NATO and Ukrainian Nazis of being a threat. NASA is preparing to take over Russian functions on the International Space Station in case they decide to leave. Retired astronaut Scott Kelly thinks the space cooperation should continue despite the atrocities on the ground, drawing parallels to the aftermath of World War 1 and the isolation of German scientists which backfired. Historian Yelena Iranova also advocates for continued cooperation, emphasizing the potential negative consequences of isolating Russia. However, the moral imperative to stop working with Russia due to the human rights violations is a valid consideration. Ultimately, the decision is complex and depends on various factors, including the geopolitical implications and the potential impact on scientific progress.

• Scientific collaborations during economic hardships: Despite geopolitical challenges, scientific collaborations can lead to significant advancements but also complex situations

  During times of economic hardship, the shared pursuit of scientific knowledge can create unexpected alliances, even between adversaries. As history shows, such collaborations can lead to significant advancements, but they can also create complex geopolitical situations. For instance, the harsh sanctions and boycotts against Germany in the early 20th century led to a thriving black market for scientific goods, which in turn contributed to the rise of the Nazi party. However, despite these challenges, the value of scientific collaboration as a source of optimism and progress cannot be overstated. This episode, which originally aired on Morning Edition, was produced by Thomas Lu, edited by Gisele Grayson, fact-checked by Rachel Carlson, and senior supervised by Alina Seljuq. Support for Shortwave comes from EasyCater, a corporate catering solution that simplifies the ordering process for businesses of all sizes. Learn more at ezcater.com.