Space Policy Archives

Growing Orbital Dangers Drive U.S. ASAT Proposal, Strategic Questions

U.S. leaders have noted growing threats in space from satellites designed to manipulate, damage, destroy or even hijack orbital targets, ground-based lasers and creative hackers.

Space Policy, Monitoring Increasingly Crucial Amid Rise in UAP Reports

In 1952, former Director of Central Intelligence Walter Bedell Smith estimated the chances of UFOs posing a threat to national security to be one in 10,000, “but even that chance could not be taken.”

Spain Signs Up as 25th Nation in Artemis Pact

Officials from NASA and the U.S. State Department gathered in Madrid Tuesday as Science and Innovation Minister Diana Morant signed off for Spanish agreement to the Artemis Accords, marking the 25th nation to join the U.S.-led treaty to govern conduct in orbit and beyond.

Space Force Unveils Antisatellite Weapons Program, Reserve Branch Plans at Senate Hearing

Space Force leaders pulled back the veil of secrecy on one of the service’s most-secretive programs and made a push for congressional authorization of a new part-time branch during a May 2 hearing before the Senate.

New Congress, Despite Other Divisiveness, Sees Space as a Shared Critical Priority

The new 118^th Congress marks a major shift in leadership for committees dealing with civil and military space issues, with many stalwarts retiring and new faces taking the reins.

NASA Procurement Chief Open to New Ways to do Business with NASA

NASA has been working to increase collaboration with commercial space companies . . . Karla Smith Jackson, tasked with reshaping NASA’s approach to business, explains key aspects of the new methodology.

Space Leaders Predict Big Opportunities, Serious Challenges As New Year Dawns In Orbit

The Space Report reached out to a selection of space industry leaders seeking their predictions on what’s ahead for 2023. They foresaw a number of challenges ahead for governments and space firms, from rising international tensions to increased congestion in low Earth orbit.

Above the Fold: Space Issues to Watch in 2023

In China, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. Of the twelve animals, it is regarded as the luckiest and symbolizes mercy and elegance. People born in this year avoid arguing and fighting. As one contemplates the major space issues facing the new Congress and the Biden-Harris administration, a realist must accept that it is likely they will be debated . . .

ISS Damage Triggers Apparent Détente Between United States, Russian Federation

Trouble on the International Space Station (ISS) may have thawed relations between Russia and the United States. The two nations overcame tensions in January for a Moscow summit on resolving problems aboard a Soyuz spacecraft to bring home astronauts who were scheduled to fly aboard the capsule damaged by a micrometeorite.

New Leader Takes Space Force Helm as Dangers in Orbit Loom

Pentagon leaders emphasized the growing importance of missions in orbit Wednesday as they welcomed the second general to command the Space Force. The new chief of space operations, Gen. Chance Saltzman, pledged to get his young service ready for war.