I had the pleasure of meeting Jim Bridenstine, former NASA Administrator, during his visit to Rice University, where he returned to his alma mater to share his insights on the evolving global landscape of the new space race. Our discussion touched on the rise of new space-faring nations like Hungary and how emerging players can contribute meaningfully to a more diverse, competitive, and collaborative space ecosystem. It mattered because voices like his help small nations see their place – and their opportunity – in the future of space.