"We are the crew of Planet Earth. The future of humanity is our common interest."

This powerful philosophy from former ESA director general Jean-Jacques Dordain is now clashing with geopolitical reality. The international framework for space cooperation is more complex – and perhaps more fragile – than ever, risking a return to Cold War divisions. In this candid roundtable interview, hear from top European space leaders about the challenges of East-West collaboration.

They reveal why Europe is uniquely positioned to act as a crucial "go-between" for the world's two biggest space powers and call for both sides to take a step toward each other. Additionally, they assess China's true status in the new space era and identify the one Chinese mission – Tianwen-3 Mars sample return – that is expected to be the most revolutionary breakthrough of the next decade.