Daniel Natal: Whoever controls space will be the 21st century's dominant power
By kevinhughes // 2023-02-15
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Daniel Natal of the New American magazine remarked that whoever controls space will be the dominant power in the 21st century. He made this assertion during the Feb. 10 episode of "The New American TV," which was hosted by New American Senior Editor Rebecca Terrell. "The satellite systems are the new naval trade lanes. Whoever controls space is going to be the dominant power emerging in the 21st century," Natal said. Historically, the nation who controlled the seas was considered as the dominant power. The title previously belonged to the British Empire, but the U.S. took over as the supreme power in control of the seas after World War II. Natal mentioned that "empires" historically controlled money through tariffs. Every time someone came and dropped off a shipment, the ruling empire basically got a cut. Thus, it was a prudent decision to keep the trade lanes open and the lucrative benefits flowing. These trade lanes are now being shifted to space, Natal said. Terrell agreed with her guest's remarks, but expressed belief that there is a difference in using the sea and space as analogies because of the military and economic aspects. The host of "The Daniel Natal Show" pointed out that there has been a shift from a product-based economy to an information-based economy. Information business models make far more money than physical goods. With the world becoming more digital, these business models are increasingly relying on satellites to be transmitted.

Musk limits Ukraine's use of Starlink satellites

Terrell also mentioned how SpaceX, which is owned by Elon Musk, announced that it would limit the Ukrainian Armed Forces' (AFU) use of Starlink satellites in the Russia-Ukraine war. According to her, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell simply stated that it was not the company's intention to have their satellite technology weaponized. Shotwell also remarked that the company was aware of news reports about Starlink being used in drone warfare in Ukraine. The program host then showed video clips of alleged drone warfare in Ukraine. One video showed Ukrainian drones dropping canisters of nerve agents. Another video showed the AFU's Shaman unit making illegal munitions that need to be refrigerated. According to Terrell, it was doubtful that Starlink's use in an offensive capacity was the reason why SpaceX executives limited Ukraine's use of the satellites. She pointed to a March 2022 report in the New York Post, which revealed the role of Starlink and SpaceX in helping Ukrainians destroy Russian tanks.(Related: Space war brewing? Russia threatens to destroy Starlink satellites.) "The report detailed the use of grenades dropped drones, information that seems not to have caused alarm at SpaceX, given the long-documented use of Starlink as serving Ukrainian offensive capabilities. And even in the use of drones, it seems clear [that] something changed," she said. "Maybe Starlink and Musk changed course when it became clear that those drones are being used to administer chemical weapons. In other words, war crimes." Natal agreed, pointing out that Musk refused to be a participant in this situation because it exposes him to ethical, moral and legal jeopardy. He noted that Musk is a contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense, which means he makes lots of money from the federal government. Nevertheless, Natal said Musk is also afraid of being exposed to a potential lawsuit in world criminal courts. Watch the full segment of "The New American TV" with Rebecca Terrell and Daniel Natal below. This video is from The New American channel on Brighteon.com.

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