"That's Debatable" Housekeeping (02:20)

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Moderator John Donvan provides the framework for the debate on the benefits of a U.S./China space race and introduces panelists.

Opening Statements For: Bidushi Bhattacharya (01:07)

Rocket Scientist & Space Entrepreneur Bhattacharya states that development in space is inevitable. Spaced-based goods and services are increasing in the global sector.

Opening Statements Against: Raji Rajagopalan (01:24)

Nuclear Weapons & Space Policy Expert Rajagopalan believes a space race would quickly become a military competition and would not be limited to just China and the U.S. Usable areas in space are limited.

Opening Statements For: Avi Loeb (01:29)

Theoretical Physicist & Professor Loeb states that competition is good for science technology and humanity.

Opening Statements Against: Michio Kaku (02:45)

Theoretical Physicist & Author Kaku states that physics can be used for peace or warfare and has the potential to escalate to a nuclear confrontation. Donvan introduces round two.

Key Points and Arguments (02:47)

Artificial Intelligence provides a narrative of the most prevalent points of the debate as identified by the global audience.

Space Competition Cost (04:59)

Panelists consider whether a U.S./China space race would exaggerate spending and skew resource allocation. Loeb sees space as the third dimension. Rajagopalan believes the destructive aspects of new technologies are more dominant today. See an upcoming segment preview.

Rule Compliance (07:32)

Nations work in their national interests. Kaku discusses treaty aspects; a nation like China will go nuclear. Bhattacharya counters that we need to consider soft power; benefits will override negative concepts. Panelists debate the role of the private sector. See an upcoming segment preview.

U.S. Space Force (04:42)

In 2019, the Trump Administration establishes the first new military branch in over 70 years. Panelists discuss whether its creation is good or bad for humanity. Bhattacharya considers treaty enforcement. See an upcoming segment preview.

Space Race and Peace Exclusivity (08:51)

Loeb believes space exploration will encourage cooperation. Kaku supports exploration but believes militarization will stop endeavors. Bhattacharya states that we must focus on commercial aspects. Panelists consider U.S. response if China tries to dominate space and weaponization. See an upcoming segment preview.

Closing Statements For: Bhattacharya (02:10)

The space sector promotes innovation and will inevitably move at an accelerated pace. Access has become increasingly democratized around the world. The impact of militarization can be mitigated if we start now.

Closing Statements Against: Rajagopalan (01:53)

A U.S./China space race will significantly increase the difficulties of conducting peaceful space activities. The consequences of space conflict would be severe.

Closing Statements For: Loeb (02:08)

The space race is inevitable and exploration is about traveling far from Earth to make discoveries that are beneficial. Militarization is restricted to low latitudes above the Earth.

Closing Statements Against: Kaku (02:03)

War can interrupt the dreams of space exploration. A treaty allows a win-win situation for the U.S. and China but we must rein in unbridled competition.

Voting Results (01:55)

Donvan reveals audience votes, declares the winner, thanks the panelists, and highlights an upcoming debate.