Makena Young is a fellow with the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Her research interests include international collaboration, space security, and orbital debris. Prior to joining CSIS, Ms. Young worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an aerospace engineer, focusing on automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast certification and integration in small aircraft. She holds a B.S. in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from Purdue University with minors in international relations and environmental engineering.
In the News
China lands mysterious spaceplane after 276 days in orbit
Makena Young in Axios — May 8, 2023
The changing landscape of military space powers
Makena Young in Axios — May 2, 2023
Megaconstellations may prove a wildcard for Pentagon space planners [Video]
Makena Young in Breaking Defense — January 24, 2022
Industry and Pentagon have different views on space acquisition [Video]
Makena Young in Breaking Defense — January 21, 2022
Is Space Force playing nice with others?
Makena Young in Breaking Defense — January 18, 2022
Is China really the greatest threat to the US in space, or is Russia? [Video]
Makena Young in Breaking Defense — January 10, 2022
Miles above top secret: Does the US classify too much in space? [Video]
Makena Young in Breaking Defense — January 3, 2022
Russian Anti-Satellite Test Highlights Growing Danger of Space Debris
Makena Young in Texas Signal — November 17, 2021