Space Sustainability and Policy: A Strategic Briefing for U.S. Leadership

 

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The United States has long been a leader in space exploration, a legacy that is the result of forward-thinking policies by successive U.S. administrations. These policies have not only propelled technological advancements but have also provided substantial benefits that connect with every aspect of American life. 

Since the early 2000s, the global space economy has been growing at a significant rate, driven by increasing private sector involvement in space activities. This growth is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. At the same time, the space domain is becoming more congested and contested as more countries and other space actors enter this domain. The United States plays a central role in shaping the development of norms and rules for safe and peaceful activities in outer space. If space is to remain a domain free for peaceful exploration and use, the United States must play its leading role, not only in the development and application of space capabilities but also in the development of policy and oversight practices to shape the development of the global space arena. This will preserve the stability and security of space for all.

While nearly every U.S. presidential administration since Eisenhower has issued national space policies, the first Trump administration brought renewed focus and public visibility to the issue. Prioritizing space policy reinvigorated both governmental and public engagement with national and international space affairs. Many of its policy decisions upheld enduring principles and objectives that have shaped U.S. space strategy across multiple administrations, both Republican and Democrat, reflecting core American values and national interests.

Space is a globally shared domain that is being accessed and used by a growing number of countries.  Space diplomacy and international cooperation are essential foreign policy tools to maintain U.S. leadership in space exploration and commercial space activities and to preserve the access to and use of outer space as a domain that the United States relies on for its prosperity and international security. As more nations become spacefaring, and as more foreign commercial entities become space actors, it is in the interest of the United States to sustain leadership in space diplomacy and international cooperation initiatives to promote wide international adoption of norms, standards, and best practices to enhance the safety, stability, and security of space activities.

Download Space Sustainability and Policy: A Strategic Briefing for U.S. Leadership to review our policy recommendations in the following subjects and areas:

  • Taking Action on Orbital Debris
  • Focus Issue: Conducting a National Active Debris Removal Mission
  • Strengthening Space and National Security
  • Focus Issue: Continuing the Destructive DA-ASAT Missile Test Moratorium
  • Fostering Commercial Space With Efficient Policy and Oversight Tools
  • Ensuring Operational Continuity and Safety through Space Situational
  • Awareness and Space Traffic Coordination
  • Focus Issue: Implementing Mission Authorization
  • Leveraging a Whole-of-Government Approach to Drive
  • Space Policy Leadership
  • Supporting Multilateral Space Diplomacy
  • Engaging with China on Space Activities
  • Ensuring U.S. Leadership in Space Exploration and Development
  • Improving U.S. Space Weather Capabilities
  • Maximizing Value from Earth Observation Systems
  • Leading on Global Planetary Defense Efforts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last updated on March 20, 2025