"Is blocking access to resources and components used in the space industry an act of unfair competition?"
- Paper ID
92794
- author
- company
Akademia Sztuki Wojennej (WSU)
- country
Poland
- year
2025
- abstract
Building a satellite, suborbital ship, spaceship and potential Earth's orbit installations requires a specific pool of resources which are limited in nature.Even manufacturing a rocket hull stands in need of light yet durable aluminum and titanium alloys. Not to mention specialized devices that montage is conditio sine qua non to proper function of object, which have to fly higher than commercial civil aircraft.The raising question is: is blocking access to resources and components required to manufacture even a rocket that has to launch a satellite an act of unfair competition under European antitrust laws? If so it would mean that the company that is limiting access to their goods would qualify for financial penalty. The amount of the fine could be up to 10\% of its yearly income. Even if the company explains their actions by the defence policy of state of registration. Purpose: Conducting research to determine whether a company based on the state's defence policy may refuse to sell resources, components of satellites, suborbital ships, spaceships, etc., and whether it violates European antitrust regulations. Methodology: The analysis of the subject requires examining safety policies of some entities that may sell their components made for the space industry - states and companies with their own safety policies that have roots in the era of the Cold War. Results: The analysis highlights the historical and geopolitical reasons and identifies the arguments for or against penalizing companies for refusing to sell components. Conclusions: Research into the actual subject leads to a different line of thinking. Free markets and antitrust laws must give priority to security policy. Firstly: prevent components that can be used for both the space industry and creating weapons from unpeaceful use. The study emphasizes also the need to strengthen national and international space security strategies or policies in the aspect of increasing or limiting space resources and spacecraft components market.