this post was submitted on 06 Sep 2026
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In this context, a pronouncement like this from the "leader", or even the dementia-riddled tribal figurehead, of the US could be disastrous. Regardless of his proclivity to write his name in water, or the general understanding that we're dealing with someone who was always emotionally and intellectually stunted, the world could watch as China starts to unlock the deeper potential of space science, while the USA grows aggressive and grasping in a domain where there are as yet no people, and no rules. Even with Trump gone, what do you suppose a President Hegseth or Vance would do in cislunar space? "Claiming" Luna isn't feasible, unless you try to shoot down any craft landing there, but what about the Lagrange 2 point or the geosynchronous belt above Earth?
When you consider how Musk, Bezos and the FCC cabal have effectively been squatting in Low Earth Orbit with Starlink and other satellite constellations - to the point of crowding out other users - I wouldn't put any of this past the post-Trump USA.
To your point, creating a Kessler Syndrome event would effectively keep any other nations from even attempting much in the way of space exploration for a few centuries. It seems that Musk and Bezos are trying to create one.
Not that I don't agree that there is a serious problem with what muck et al are doing, but it won't lead to Kessler syndrome, the satellite the make up star link are orbiting at what, 250 to 350 km of altitude. They will come down within two or three years on their own.