This paper offers an overview of key differences in the ways that large states and smaller states look at space weaponization and other issues of space development. The paper first reviews current attitudes toward the future of space expressed by the US government – the “large state” archetype. This review focuses on US military planning for space dominance as an aspect of wider plans for global military dominance. The paper then offers a contrast to the US position by reviewing key elements of Canada’s space policies and practices. Canada has achieved successes in commercial development of space and other areas out of proportion to its size. Yet, its approach expresses characteristics common to most smaller powers, particularly in its commitment to collaboration and multilateralism. To account for this posture, the paper offers an analytical framework for considering the perspectives of smaller states facing a world in which space capabilities, which they cannot control individually, will have increasing influence over their fates. The paper concludes that, for smaller countries like Canada, the goal of preventing the weaponization of space and preserving broad access to peaceful space development through international accord does not express indulgent idealism or misplaced faith in multilateralism. Rather, it represents a very practical recognition of the need for smaller powers to work together to achieve space goals in a realm in which dominant power is decisive. ..PAT.-Conference Proceeding [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]