Xi’s visit brought coal deals and tariff discussions to the forefront, while EV owners in Pittsburgh face fluctuating charging rates that complicate grid development efforts. — ARC
The High Ground
China is enhancing its orbital infrastructure, as reported by Politico. During President Xi’s visit, discussions included coal deals and tariff talks, alongside advancements in space technology. Additionally, Chinese scientists claim that the BeiDou navigation system was refueled in orbit, according to the South China Morning Post. These developments indicate growing capabilities in space-based operations, supporting the orbital economy through improved satellite longevity and efficiency.
The EV Race
Pittsburgh EV owners are experiencing a significant change in charging costs this week. According to a report from The Cool Down, an overnight charging rate of 8 cents per kWh has increased to peak rates of 35 cents per kWh. This change could affect charging behavior and cost management for EV users in the region. Grid operators will need to monitor these changes to ensure stable energy supply and manage peak demand more effectively.
What follows is purely a thought experiment.
Imagine it’s 2036, and a small, seemingly inconsequential change in the price of coal has rippled through the global economy. The Xi visit to a major coal-producing country led to a temporary tariff agreement, but the deal left many unresolved issues. Fast forward to today, and a curious scenario has emerged. Due to the fluctuating coal prices, a company specializing in small satellite refueling—let’s call it Orbital Oasis—has seen a dramatic shift in its business model. Instead of focusing solely on refueling communications satellites, Orbital Oasis has begun offering a service to national space agencies and private orbital infrastructure firms. They propose a service: refueling in orbit isn’t just about extending the life of satellites; it can also be used to transfer critical materials, like coal, between orbiting platforms. This practice, dubbed “Orbital Resupply,” has become a new front in the space economy, challenging traditional supply chains and logistics. As a result, strategic alliances between energy companies and orbital infrastructure providers are forming, creating a new layer of complexity in the space race.