Aerospace Security Project

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

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 Defense and Security Department 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.

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Aerospace Security

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

Photo: CSIS

Photo: CSIS

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Learn more about our network of experts, staff, and non-resident affiliates who contribute to the Aerospace Security Project's analysis.

Kari A. Bingen

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Recent Analysis

Photo: CSIS

Photo: CSIS

Strategic Trajectories Assessing China’s Space Rise and the Risks to U.S. Leadership

Long-term space competition with China is accelerating. The U.S. must invest in foundational R&D, modernize rules that hold back commercial innovation, and deepen alliances. Failing to harness our space economy risks ceding advantage in this era of great power competition.

Congressional Testimony by Clayton Swope — December 4, 2025

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Golden Dome Coverage

Photo: Alan Dyer/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Photo: Alan Dyer/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The Golden Dome as a Service

The United States should consider how acquiring the Golden Dome as a commercial service would unlock tremendous innovation and speed advantages, and bring the full creative might of the U.S. commercial sector to bear addressing this national security priority.

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Report by Clayton Swope — June 5, 2025

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Audio Briefs

Why Should the United States Prioritize Mars?

An audio version of “Why Should the United States Prioritize Mars?,” new critical questions by CSIS's Clayton Swope. Published January 23, 2025. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Clayton Swope — January 24, 2025

Audio Briefs

Why Should the United States Prioritize Mars?

The United States looks set to elevate the priority of Mars as part of its space exploration plans. Such a move may prompt budgetary trade-offs at NASA with impacts on other space initiatives. Is Mars worth it?

Critical Questions by Clayton Swope — January 23, 2025

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

Why Are There So Many Unexplained Drones Flying Over the United States?

Residents in several East Coast states are reporting unexplained drones in the night sky, part of a trend in unexplained sightings across the country over the last year, exposing gaps in the abilities of the federal government to track drones in U.S. airspace.

Critical Questions by Clayton Swope — December 16, 2024

Audio Briefs

Why Are There So Many Unexplained Drones Flying Over the United States?

An audio version of “Why Are There So Many Unexplained Drones Flying Over the United States?,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS’s Clayton Swope. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Clayton Swope — December 16, 2024

Audio Briefs