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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Learn more about the CSIS Aerospace Security Project, our goals, and our analysis.

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Kari A. Bingen

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Featured Analysis

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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Featured Event

The NRO Story: A Conversation with Dr. Chris Scolese

Presented by International Security Program
October 3, 2024 • 1:00 – 2:00 pm EDT

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Theory of Success: A Conversation with General Saltzman

On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, the CSIS Aerospace Security Project hosted a discussion with General B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations (CSO), to discuss his thoughts on a 'Theory of Success' for the U.S. Space Force and his vision and priorities for the service.

Transcript — February 22, 2023

U.S. Space Force Primer

The U.S. Space Force, the newest branch of the U.S. military, is growing in complexity and mission. This primer presents a short history of the U.S. Space Force, as well as key details and internal organization.

Report by Kari A. Bingen, Kaitlyn Johnson, John Dylan Bustillo, and Marie Villerreal Dean — January 3, 2023

Emerging Security Issues in Space Policy

The CSIS Aerospace Security Project hosted a fireside chat with the inaugural assistant secretary of defense for space policy, the Honorable John F. Plumb.

Transcript — December 15, 2022

Emerging Security Issues in Space Policy

The Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Wednesday, December 14 at 2:00pm ET hosted a two-part event exploring emerging security issues in space policy.

Event — December 14, 2022

Low Orbit, High Stakes

The competition to provide broadband from low Earth orbit (LEO) is one of the most important, least appreciated geostrategic developments underway. These networks hope to bring more of the world online and will bring substantial economic and strategic implications.

Report by Makena Young and Akhil Thadani — December 14, 2022

Russia Threatens to Target Commercial Satellites

In October, Russian leadership warned that U.S. commercial satellites, such as SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, may be future targets for retaliation.

Critical Questions by Kari A. Bingen, Kaitlyn Johnson, and Zhanna Malekos Smith — November 10, 2022