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: shaunl via Getty Images

Photo: shaunl via Getty Images

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

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Kari Bingen

Kari A. Bingen

Director, Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
James Andrew Lewis

James Andrew Lewis

Senior Adviser (Non-resident), Economic Security and Technology 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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Escalation and Deterrence in the Second Space Age

On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first human-made object to orbit the Earth. Precisely 60 years later, space-faring nations face a much different space environment; one that’s more diverse, disruptive, disordered, and dangerous.

Event — October 4, 2017

Escalation and Deterrence in the Second Space Age

On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first human-made object to orbit the Earth. Precisely 60 years later, space-faring nations face a much different space environment; one that’s more diverse, disruptive, disordered, and dangerous.

Report by Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson, Zack Cooper , and Thomas G. Roberts — October 3, 2017

How to Organize Military Space

As both the U.S. military’s dependence on space and the threats posed to space systems have grown, some in Congress and the space community have called for sweeping changes in how space forces are organized, trained, and supported within the military.

Event — September 6, 2017

Small Satellites, Big Missions

The Center for Strategic and International Studies will be hosting a two-session event to highlight and amplify awareness of the implications of emerging space technologies, particularly those provided by smaller space systems. These discussions will examine implications from the perspective of both changes in the way space missions are executed and in the way that transportation to space is provided.

Event — June 21, 2017

Space Security: Issues for the New U.S. Administration

On March 22, 2017, the Prague Security Studies Institute (PSSI) convened in Washington, DC the fourth conference in its Space Security series, in partnership with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). 

Event — March 22, 2017

Implications of Ultra-Low-Cost Access to Space

Since the advent of the space age, a primary constraint on military, commercial, and civil space missions has been the cost of launch.

Report by Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson, Thomas G. Roberts, and Andrew Philip Hunter — March 21, 2017

Beyond the RD-180

This report explores how the United States came to depend on the Russian RD-180 rocket engine as part of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, realistic options for the engine’s replacement in the coming decade, and potential space launch acquisition strategies for the future.

Report by Todd Harrison, Kaitlyn Johnson, Thomas G. Roberts, Andrew Philip Hunter, and Evan Linck — March 21, 2017