Space and Aerospace

CSIS examines the technological, budgetary, and policy issues related to the space domain with analysis led by the Aerospace Security Project, the Missile Defense Project, the Strategic Technologies Program, and the International Security Program.

Photo: Flavio Coelho via Getty Images

Photo: Flavio Coelho via Getty Images

Reevaluating the Need for Mission Authorization

It is time to reevaluate the need for mission authorization and propose new rules for certain private sector space activities. Mission authorization will produce, at best, rules that serve no useful purpose or, at worst, regulations that harm the commercial space sector.

Commentary by Clayton Swope — July 14, 2025

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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
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

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Reevaluating the Need for Mission Authorization

It is time to reevaluate the need for mission authorization and propose new rules for certain private sector space activities. Mission authorization will produce, at best, rules that serve no useful purpose or, at worst, regulations that harm the commercial space sector.

Commentary by Clayton Swope — July 14, 2025

U.S. Bombs Iran: What Comes Next?

Join CSIS Directors Heather Williams, Kari Bingen, and Tom Karako for a discussion on the future of Iran's nuclear program.

Event — June 27, 2025

The Future of NATO Defense, Resilience, and Allied Innovation

Join the CSIS Aerospace Security Project for a virtual expert discussion on firsthand insights from a recent Baltic Sea study tour in Latvia and how the U.S. and its allies are turning operational urgency into technological and industrial momentum.

Event — June 26, 2025

Rethinking Rules of Engagement for Space

Military authorities to take counterspace actions should be broadened and delegated to the tactical level, allowing for the development of space rules of engagement. Not doing so limits the freedom of U.S. commanders to use space most effectively for joint operations.

Commentary by Clayton Swope — June 18, 2025

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.

Report by Clayton Swope — June 5, 2025

America's 'Golden Dome' Explained

Please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a conversation on the feasibility, cost, and security implications of future U.S. missile defense programs.

Event — June 4, 2025