Photo: NASA Archives
We are at a consequential moment in space. Space capabilities underpin our daily lives, our national security, our economy, and our ability to explore deep into the cosmos. Yet challenges to the domain and the international order are acute, and U.S. leadership in space is under strain. Actions and decisions now will determine whether space remains a peaceful and prosperous domain for the benefit of all on Earth.
This series puts space in focus—discussing key trends, challenges, and policy issues that will confront the next administration as well as offering recommendations for how to navigate them. Papers span all aspects of the space ecosystem, including national security space, civil and commercial space, international engagement, and the role of Congress. We drew upon a network of scholars from both the CSIS Aerospace Security Project and the broader space community. The authors include individuals who have served at the highest levels of government, offering a practitioner’s perspective on these issues. Their experience spans roles such as a member of Congress, the first assistant secretary of defense for space policy, the first deputy commander of U.S. Space Command, and senior officials from the National Security Council, National Space Council, NASA, and the defense and intelligence communities.
Consistent with the mission of CSIS, each piece aims to provide an objective discussion of key issues in a nonpartisan but policy-oriented, thought-provoking manner. These diverse papers are intentionally short in length for ease of reading. Our hope is that they are broadly read by officials in the next administration, concerned citizens, students, policymakers, industry representatives, and diplomats alike.
—Kari Bingen and Audrey Schaffer, October 2024
Contact Information
- Makena Young
- Fellow, Aerospace Security Project
- 202.457.8751
- myoung@csis.org
Featured Analysis
From the Space Age to the Anti-Satellite Age
Commentary by Jim Cooper — October 31, 2024
Space Integration and Adaptability to Maintain Warfighting Advantage
Commentary by Kari A. Bingen — November 5, 2024
Clayton Swope and Audrey Schaffer in SpaceNews—Looking to the Next Four Years: Strengthening America’s Space Leadership
Commentary by Clayton Swope and Audrey Schaffer — October 31, 2024
The Future of Space Policy in the Next Congress
Commentary by Sarah Mineiro — October 31, 2024
Is Space the New Wild West: The Need for Strengthened Space Traffic Management
Commentary by Sean O’Keefe and Makena Young
National Security
Civil and Commerical Space
International Engagements
All Space in Focus: Key Issues for the Next Administration Content
Filter by
PNT Resilience for an Era of Great Power Competition
Commentary by John Plumb — October 31, 2024
Tactically Responsive Space: An Emerging New Deterrence Tool
Commentary by John Plumb — October 31, 2024
Next Steps in Advancing U.S. International Partnerships in Space
Commentary by Sean Wilson — October 31, 2024
Don’t Stop Dreaming about Tomorrow
Commentary by Mike Gold — October 31, 2024
Engaging China on Space with Eyes Wide Open
Commentary by Audrey Schaffer and Kari A. Bingen — October 31, 2024
The Future of Space Policy in the Next Congress
Commentary by Sarah Mineiro — October 31, 2024
Is Space the New Wild West: The Need for Strengthened Space Traffic Management
Commentary by Sean O’Keefe and Makena Young — October 31, 2024
Not Urgent, Not Important: Mission Authorization for Space Activities
Commentary by Clayton Swope — October 31, 2024
From the Space Age to the Anti-Satellite Age
Commentary by Jim Cooper — October 31, 2024
Strengthening the International Governance of Space
Commentary by Audrey Schaffer — October 31, 2024