BOOK REVIEW: ‘New Space Capitalism: The Entrepreneurial Path to the Stars’
Author Rainer Zitelmann argues in his new book that private enterprise and 'space capitalism' are essential for the United States to maintain a competitive edge in space exploration against China. The book suggests that current international treaties are outdated and that private property rights in space are necessary for future success.
Why it matters
The debate over space colonization and property rights highlights growing geopolitical tensions and the shift toward private sector dominance in space exploration.
Print Add us as a preferred source on Google Commentary By Kevin Mooney - Wednesday, August 26, 2026 OPINION:
Suppose China were to reach Mars with a manned mission before the United States .
That scenario is ugly and one that Rainer Zitelmann — historian, sociologist, author — dangles before readers toward the end of his latest book, “New Space Capitalism: The Entrepreneurial Path to the Stars.”
Mr. Zitelmann fears that China could declare the entire planet its own if it were to get boots on the ground. Or, at the very least, declare large plots of Martian territory its own.
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