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Aerospace

Since our first days as an independent organization, RAND has had researchers exploring ways to improve spacecraft. Today, this work continues as analysts examine issues related to communications satellites and private space industry.

Testimony
Potential Effects of Chinese Aerospace Capabilities on U.S. Air Force Operations
In testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, Jeff Hagen evaluates the balance between observed Chinese capabilities and U.S. forces in light of China's continued modernization of its military.
May 12, 2010
Commentary
Space: The Final Junkyard?
Celestial real estate is increasingly popular. All in all more than 900 satellites, along with tens of thousands of bits of man-made space detritus, jockey for elbow room overhead. The result: a growing threat our atmosphere will soon become so crowded with floating junk as to become almost unusable, write Caroline Reilly and Peter D. Zimmerman.
Apr 2, 2009
Report
An Update of the Nation's Long-Term Strategic Needs for NASA's Aeronautics Test Facilities
The ability to develop aeronautical vehicles continues to rely on the capabilities of large government test facilities, and 26 NASA facilities continue to serve those needs, but national reliance and consolidation remains the next opportunity.
Jan 1, 2009
Journal Article
Technology Strategies for Homeland Security: Adaptation and Coevolution of Offense and Defense
Terrorists' strategies are driven by the types and range of weapons and other technologies they acquire.
Jan 1, 2009
Report
Improving the Cost Estimation of Space Systems
Why have the costs of acquiring space systems been so high? What are the sources of the problems? To answer these questions, RAND researchers examined the sources of cost growth of Air Force space systems and undertook an extensive study of two space systems.
Jul 25, 2008
Report
Guidelines and Metrics for Assessing Space System Cost Estimates
A handbook to help analysts assess cost estimates of space systems.
Jan 12, 2008
Commercial Book
Planets for Man
Endeavors to determine -- on the basis of then-current biological and cosmological knowledge -- whether there are other worlds where man can survive or where human life may even now be flourishing.
Oct 9, 2007
Commercial Book
Habitable Planets for Man
''Habitable Planets for Man'' examines and estimates the probabilities of finding planets habitable to human beings, where they might be found, and the number there may be in our own galaxy.
Oct 8, 2007
Commercial Book
Space Handbook: Astronautics and Its Applications
Seminal guide from 1958 on the uses and characteristics of space systems, including astronautics and its applications, technology, rocket vehicles, propulsion systems, propellants, internal power sources, guidance, communication, and more.
Oct 8, 2007
Report
Space Command Sustainment Review: Improving the Balance Between Current and Future Capabilities
Space assets are vital to the economic, social, and military interests of the United States. Sustainment complexities suggest a need to define a AFSPC commandwide sustainment philosophy separating demand, supply, and integrator processes.
Jun 17, 2007
Report
New Metrics Show How Investments Affect Space System Performance
As space systems age, the U.S. Air Force Space Command needs to understand how budgeting for the maintenance and sustainment of ground segments affects the performance of their associated space systems. New metrics and models can help this process.
Apr 14, 2007
News Release
New Family of Space-Launch Vehicles Likely to Meet National Security Needs Through 2020, But No Commercial Cost-Sharing ...
August 16, 2006 News Release: New Family of Space-Launch Vehicles Likely to Meet National Security Needs Through 2020, But No Commercial Cost-Sharing Is Likely.
Aug 16, 2006
Report
Evolutionary Acquisition: Implementation Challenges for Defense Space Programs
This monograph presents findings of a RAND Project AIR FORCE research project documenting lessons learned from the implementation of evolutionary acquisition (EA) strategies on major Defense Department military space programs.
Aug 16, 2006
Report
Space-Launch Vehicles Likely to Meet National Security Needs Through 2020
With no breakthroughs likely in space propulsion or rocket design in the near future, a new family of space-launch vehicles developed for military payloads should satisfy all projected national security needs through 2020.
Jul 21, 2006
Report
Supporting Air and Space Expeditionary Forces: Capabilities and Sustainability of Air and Space Expeditionary Forces
Presents a method for assessing Air and Space Expeditionary Force manpower and materiel deployment capabilities and a detailed description of software tools developed by RAND for quantifying deployment capabilities.
Feb 17, 2006
Commentary
Let's Avoid Another Trans-Atlantic Feud
Published commentary by RAND staff: Let's Avoid Another Trans-Atlantic Feud, in International Herald Tribune.
Jan 13, 2006
Report
Scoping Aerospace: Tracking Federal Procurement and R&D Spending in the Aerospace Sector
Assesses the scope of external federal spending in the aerospace industry from 1993 to 2003.
Nov 4, 2005
Report
Japan's Space Program at a Crossroads
Japan's space program has seen a succession of satellite and launcher failures over the past decade, as well as decreases in funding and public support. Recent reorganization of the program will determine its future focus—civil or military.
Jun 29, 2005
Testimony
Roles and Issues of NASA’s Wind Tunnel and Propulsion Test Facilities for American Aeronautics: Addendum
Addendum to testimony presented to the House of Representatives Committee on Science, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics on March 16, 2005.
May 18, 2005
Commentary
A Future for U.S.-China Space Cooperation?
Published commentary by RAND staff
Dec 13, 2004

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