The United States is locked in a battle for supremacy with China and Russia that has taken many forms. The constant competition has resulted in the sides looking to gain an advantage in nontraditional battlefields. In space, a previous gentleman’s agreement on warfare no longer holds sway, while there is a constant fight for one-upmanship in the Arctic and in the race to dominate critical minerals. This Washington Examiner series, The Next Frontier, will investigate this existential struggle. Part 1 looks at space.

The United States is still the preeminent space power, but its adversaries are quickly closing the gap, according to military officials and national security experts.