Aerospace Security Project

Leading source of analysis and expertise on the policy and technology issues shaping the future of aerospace security

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The Aerospace Security Project (ASP) is a trusted resource for policymakers, offering insightful thoughts and in-depth analyses on policy issues, operational concepts, technology trends, and economic drivers in the space and air domains. Our mission is to educate and inform policymakers and the public, conduct independent research and analysis, and convene experts with broad perspectives to advance creative and practical solutions that address the security challenges facing the United States and our allies and partners. ASP also fosters the next generation of scholars in national security space and air power policy through fellowship and internship opportunities. 

Part of the International Security Program at CSIS, ASP is led by Senior Fellow Kari A. Bingen and includes a distinguished group of expert affiliates spanning national security, civilian, commercial, and international aerospace issues. The team focuses on the following research areas:    

Space Security explores the national security uses of space and ways to enhance the security, stability, and sustainability of the space domain. This includes examining threats to the space domain and ways to increase mission assurance, resilience and protection of space assets, as well as alternative architectures, new operational concepts, norms of behavior, organizational constructs, and the role of government, commercial, and international entities.

Commercial and Civil Space analyzes how U.S. civil space programs and commercial space capabilities advance national interests, including evolving norms of behavior in space and enhancing U.S. national security. It explores international partnerships and competition in space, technology and economic trends, and policy issues that affect civil and commercial space capabilities and the health of the space innovation base.

Air Power and Cross-Domain Integration looks at the future of air forces in a contested operating environment and the integration of air and other domains to create greater battlefield advantage. It analyzes the role of long-range strike, stealth, and unmanned and autonomous systems, as well as options to address anti-access, area denial challenges, the missile salvo competition, and an expanding nuclear threat landscape. It also explores future battle network constructs, including the contribution of sensors, communications, and command and control systems.

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Space Threat Assessment 2024

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Report by Clayton Swope, Kari A. Bingen, Makena Young, Madeleine Chang, Stephanie Songer, and Jeremy Tammelleo — April 17, 2024

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Aerospace Security

The Aerospace Security Project at CSIS explores the technological, budgetary, and policy issues related to the air and space domains and innovative operational concepts for air and space forces.

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Celebrating the U.S. Space Force and Charting its Future

Presented by Aerospace Security Project
December 17, 2024 • 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST

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Celebrating the U.S. Space Force and Charting its Future

Please join the CSIS Aerospace Security Project on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, for Celebrating the U.S. Space Force and Charting its Future. The event will convene senior space leaders who will reflect on the service’s accomplishments and mission, from inception to the future.

Event — December 17, 2024

Tactically Responsive Space: An Emerging New Deterrence Tool

The specter of a potential Russian on-orbit, antisatellite nuclear weapon demands a new way of thinking about how space might be used by an adversary and an assessment of the ability of the U.S. Department of Defense to quickly respond to new threats on orbit.

Commentary by John Plumb — October 31, 2024

Don’t Stop Dreaming about Tomorrow

The next presidential administration must continue to leverage the power of public-private partnerships and grow international support all while proactively taking steps to unite the United States and the world.

Commentary by Mike Gold — October 31, 2024

Engaging China on Space with Eyes Wide Open

The next administration should find a way to engage China in a constructive, two-way dialogue on the responsible, peaceful, and safe use of space while investing in the means to protect U.S. interests and maintain the United States’ historic leadership in space.

Commentary by Audrey Schaffer and Kari A. Bingen — October 31, 2024

The Future of Space Policy in the Next Congress

Although presidential elections shine in the spotlight on November 5, 2024, 469 other politicians will also have ballots cast for them at the Federal level. Congress maintains the ultimate responsibility to authorize and appropriate funds for all government programs.

Commentary by Sarah Mineiro — October 31, 2024