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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Photo: Hajime Ishizeki via Getty Images

Photo: Hajime Ishizeki via Getty Images

From Earth to Uchū: The Evolution of Japan’s Space Security Policy and a Blueprint for Strengthening the U.S.-Japan Space Security Partnership

This report identifies actions that policymakers could take to strengthen the U.S.-Japan space security relationship to lead to material improvements in capabilities, more fielded systems, and a more highly trained and proficient workforce.

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Report by Kari A. Bingen and Makena Young — August 23, 2024

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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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Gold Rush: The 2024 Commercial Remote Sensing Global Rankings

This report from CSIS, Taylor Geospatial Institute, Taylor Geospatial Engine, and USGIF ranks the world’s best commercial space-based remote sensing systems and discusses the policy issues shaping U.S. leadership in space. 

Report by Kari A. Bingen, David Gauthier, and Madeleine Chang — October 1, 2024

Can NASA Win the Mars Space Race?

NASA's historic mission to bring back samples of Mars is delayed and faces cost overruns. Meanwhile, China is on track to launch its own mission. Can the United States still win this Mars space race?

Critical Questions by Clayton Swope — September 24, 2024

Why Hasn’t Starliner Returned?

The first crewed Starliner mission to the space station was supposed to last for less than two weeks. To date, the mission has lasted over three months, with no end date yet set by NASA. Why is Starliner still in space?

Critical Questions by Clayton Swope — August 19, 2024

Why Did China and Russia Stage a Joint Bomber Exercise near Alaska?

On July 24, the North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted two Chinese and two Russian bombers flying near Alaska. This incident was the first of its kind and could signal a growing willingness on the part of Beijing and Moscow to test American resolve.

Critical Questions by Heather Williams, Kari A. Bingen, and Lachlan MacKenzie — July 30, 2024

What Can We Learn from Ariane for Future Space Partnerships?

The inaugural launch of Ariane 6 is scheduled for July 9. The path to the Ariane 6 started in the 1970s with the Ariane project, a successful international partnership involving over ten countries. What lessons from Ariane can be applied to future space collaboration?

Commentary by Clayton Swope and Stephanie Songer — July 9, 2024

Is There a Path to Counter Russia’s Space Weapons?

What more can the United States do to stop Russia from pursuing space weapons that could indiscriminately affect hundreds, if not thousands, of satellites? It should find ways to incentivize China and India to apply economic pressure that will get Putin's attention.

Commentary by Clayton Swope and Makena Young — June 28, 2024