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.
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.
Analyzes the nation’s aeronautic testing needs and the effectiveness of, and management issues for, NASA’s major wind tunnel and test propulsion facilities in serving those needs.
Merton Edward Davies (1917-2001) was a major contributor to U.S. space efforts from when he first became affiliated with the RAND Corporation in 1947 until his death in 2001, at which time he still maintained his office at RAND.
This research shows that NASA needs to develop an aeronautics test technology vision and plan, analyze the viability of a national test facility plan, identify and maintain its minimum set of facilities, and identify shared financial support to keep its underutilized but essential facilities from entering financial collapse.
A new study by RAND Project AIR FORCE confirms that, once the technology becomes available, distributed satellite systems will perform better and cost less to launch and operate than equivalent monolithic satellites.
The Atlantic Monthly Magazine features a compilation of ten short essays written by experts at RAND, collectively titled Headlines Over the Horizon. The RAND authors examined developments in international and military affairs drawing little attention today that are expected to be major issues in the ...
Assesses the military space challenges facing the Air Force and the nation in light of the findings and recommendations of the congressionally mandated Space Commission.
These proceedings address benefits and risks of international air and space activities, including how they affect global and national security and interoperability among coalition partners with differing technological capabilities.
A "rule of thumb" is set forth that communications planners can use in making efficient satellite leasing decisions while facing uncertain demand for satellite services.
The debate over space weaponization is typically cast in simplistic, unidimensional terms, while many participants caricature their opponents as naive pacifists or rabid warmongers. This article redraws the subject more realistically.
This study sought to help the USAF better understand how the urban physical, social, and political environment constrains aerospace operations and to identify key operational tasks that aerospace forces can help accomplish.
