Space Policy

Growing global alarm over congestion and space junk in low Earth orbit and growing rivalries in space between major powers including the United States, Russia, and China remain leading issues that frame discussions over space policy. The future of space will be decided on Earth as leaders mull regulation of humankind's new frontier. Some efforts are gaining traction, including the U.S.-led Artemis accords, which govern conduct on the Moon. The next step could be regulation of commercial, civil and military efforts in Earth orbit. But unilateral regulation of space policy will do little until all major spacefaring powers, including Russia and China, agree on norms of behavior in orbit and beyond.