Space and Aerospace

With the advent of atmospheric weapons and the creation of the Space Force as the newest branch of the U.S. military, space has never been more crucial to national security. CSIS examines the technological, budgetary, and policy issues inherent to the space domain.

Photo: Constantine Johnny/Getty Images

Photo: Constantine Johnny/Getty Images

What Is Space Superiority?

What did CENTCOM mean when it declared space superiority over Iran? Joint and Space Force doctrine give different answers, while leaving unresolved who can make that declaration and what evidence is needed to support it.

Critical Questions by Alexei Hoffman — October 5, 2026

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Kari Bingen

Kari A. Bingen

Director, Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Tom Karako

Tom Karako

Director, Missile Defense Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Alek Jovovic

Alek Jovovic

Deputy Director, Center for the Industrial Base and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Clayton Swope

Clayton Swope

Deputy Director, Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Benjamin Jensen

Benjamin Jensen

Director, Futures Lab and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Lauryn Williams

Lauryn Williams

Deputy Director and Senior Fellow, Strategic Technologies Program

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Space Intelligence: The Foundation of Space Superiority

Space superiority depends on knowing what adversaries can do and recognizing when their behavior changes. Persistent collection and analysis across government, industry, and allies can help anticipate threats before they materialize.

Commentary by John F. Huth — October 5, 2026

The Economic Engine of Enduring Space Power

For enduring space superiority, the United States will need to ensure its space companies are best positioned to capitalize on broader global space markets and dominate spaceborne commerce.

Commentary by Clayton Swope — October 5, 2026

What Is Space Superiority?

What did CENTCOM mean when it declared space superiority over Iran? Joint and Space Force doctrine give different answers, while leaving unresolved who can make that declaration and what evidence is needed to support it.

Critical Questions by Alexei Hoffman — October 5, 2026

How Commercial Industry Can Form the Bedrock of Space Superiority

Commercial space companies provide infrastructure and information essential to U.S. space superiority. Sustaining that advantage requires investment in technical talent and authority for companies to defend their assets in orbit.

Commentary by David Gauthier — October 5, 2026

Space Weapons: Disclosure Isn’t Enough for Deterrence

Can disclosing space weapons deter an adversary? Credible deterrence also requires communicating what those weapons can do and what actions could prompt their use, while protecting sensitive technical details.

Commentary by Chantal Li — October 5, 2026

Space Launch Capacity and Contenders | HTK

Please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department’s HTK Series for a conversation about recent developments in U.S. and Chinese space launch capabilities. 

Event — September 9, 2026

(Still) Awaiting Launch: Space Export Control Reform

U.S. space companies deserve a level playing field abroad. Long-awaited export control reforms must account for foreign competition, strengthen international partnerships, and keep pace with a rapidly changing global market.

Commentary by Sean Wilson — September 2, 2026