Space Initiatives

Space Initiatives examines the role that civil space development has in national and international security and foreign policy.

The exploration of space has been one of humankind's greatest achievements in the past century. Only 66 years after the invention of flight, a man walked on the moon—a stunning feat of human ingenuity and endeavor.

Today, there are a number of competing visions for the future of space exploration. Some of these are bold and expansive, envisioning a deep and long-term commitment to the discovery and settlement of space. Other visions are more constrained, focused on near-term and incremental progress. The decisions that the world's space-faring nations make about which type of vision to pursue will determine what the next era of space exploration looks like.

Space Initiatives at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) will examine the uncertain future of human space exploration.

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS

Human Space Exploration Inititative
There are three key challenges facing the prospect of humans in space: governance, financial mechanisms, and public support. Click here for a short clip introducing HSEI and an informational brochure.

Earth Observation
The importance of Earth observation and satellites in climate modeling is highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and analyzed by the Earth Observation and Global Change working group at CSIS.

Smart Power
CSIS has launched a bipartisan Commission on Smart Power to develop a vision to guide America's global engagement.

Earth Observations
The Earth Observations Project promotes international dialogue on this increasingly important resource for understanding and responding to global change.
Global Space Development Summit
The Global Space Development Summit is an annual event examining the future of human space activity.
HSEI: Government, Finance, Public Support
The Human Space Exploration Initiative (HSEI) examines questions relating to governance, finance, and public support on this critical issue.
Smart Power in Space
Smart Power through Space explores the role that space can have in strengthening national and international security.