“One giant leap for mankind” were Armstrong's famous words as he stepped onto the moon. But some claim space exploration is instead emerging as a military battleground that could even lead to warfare on Earth. Following Russia, the US first tested their ability to attack satellites in space in 1985. In the last few years, China and India have joined them. Space technology can also have impact on Earth. Musk’s satellites have supported Ukraine in its war with Russia. And we've seen the first instance of space combat when, in 2023, outside of the Earth's atmosphere, Israel intercepted a Houthi missile.

Should we recognise that space exploration for the good of everyone is always a fantasy — after all, the Americans also planted their flag on the moon? Can international agreement help maintain peace, or will the strongest always play by their own rules? Or can and should we still see space as an exciting adventure that can bring profound benefits to humanity?

Former President of the UN Security Council Kishore Mahbubani, space policy expert Laura Grego, and astronomer Adam Frank debate whether we can avoid war in space.