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RAND was an early leader in the field of space science, producing seminal works in the design, launch, and operation of satellites in the 1940s and '50s. RAND continues to pursue space studies: Current topics include international cooperation (and the United States' dependency on foreign components), orbital debris (or "space junk"), and the funding of space missions.

Report
Responsible Space Behavior for the New Space Era
The early space domain was dominated by two superpowers. Today, the world has more than 60 spacefaring nations, multiple commercial space operators, and a global economy that is inextricably linked to space. Now is the time to develop responsible space norms.
Apr 26, 2021
Multimedia
Introducing the RAND Space Enterprise Initiative
RAND Space Enterprise Initiative lead Bruce McClintock describes the mission and goals of the Space Enterprise Initiative and the importance of making space research available to all.
Sep 4, 2020

Explore Space Science and Technology

Commentary
Governance in Space: Mining the Moon and Beyond
Without further cooperation and agreement among space powers, multiple, competing governance systems may end up being established, further increasing potential for conflict. The time to address this issue is now, so that the use of deep-space resources contributes to prosperity, security, and freedom on Earth and throughout the solar system.
Nov 18, 2022
Commentary
Why Not Space Mirrors?
Space mirrors can reflect solar radiation away from Earth, potentially helping to address the effects of climate change. But decisionmakers need more information about this technology to determine if it's a viable option.
Oct 19, 2022
Blog
Microchips, Ukraine, Outer Space: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on how safeguarding Taiwan is the answer to America's microchip problem, a moment of clarity in Ukraine, new rules in space, and more.
Oct 7, 2022
Brochure
Launching Into the Future: 75 Years of Excellence in Space Research at RAND
RAND is proud to celebrate 75 years of excellence in space research and analysis. Here, we spotlight a small number of reports to highlight the range of our contributions and celebrate our commitment to making a difference for decades to come.
Sep 30, 2022
Commercial Book
Practical Geolocation for Electronic Warfare Using MATLAB
This text explores the practical realities that arise from the employment of geolocation for electronic warfare in real-world systems.
Sep 2, 2022
Commentary
Reduce Friction in Space by Amending the 1967 Outer Space Treaty
Space has the potential to be a domain in which current great-power competitions and frictions can be mediated. The international community might consider updating the existing space legal regime to ensure it meets current political, economic, social, and technical challenges.
Aug 26, 2022
Blog
Politicized Topics in School, the War in Ukraine, Post-Quantum Cryptography: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on the intrusion of politicized topics in America's schools, where the war in Ukraine may be headed, post-quantum cryptography, and more.
Aug 12, 2022
Commentary
Russia's Withdrawal from the ISS: Another Sign of Its Space Decline?
Russia's threatened exit from the International Space Station could simply be more bluster from Moscow at a time of heightened tension between Russia and the West over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But it also appears to be another signal that Russia's profile in space is in decline, a trend that is likely to continue and that the United States could be preparing for now.
Aug 4, 2022
Multimedia
Expert Insights: Future Uses of Space
In this Expert Insights podcast, James Black and Linda Slapakova discuss the potential uses of space out to 2050, ranging from defence, manufacturing, climate protection, and tourism.
Jul 13, 2022
Journal Article
Considering Responsible Behaviours as Part of Managing Threats to Space Systems
Space is becoming more contested, competed and congested. This report covers Wilton Park consultations on how to define and promote responsible behaviors in space, ahead of formal United Nations negotiations to try to reduce threats to space security.
May 17, 2022
Commentary
An Alternative Way to Think About Space Regulation
There are currently no international binding rules that would address growing threats in space. Without more-defined and enforceable rules of war regarding space and space assets, the danger of a destructive conflict in space grows significantly.
May 9, 2022
Commentary
U.S. Decision on ASAT Testing a Positive Step Towards Space Sustainability
The United States recently committed not to conduct destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite missile testing. This sets an important example others might follow and takes an important first step towards a binding, international ban.
Apr 21, 2022
Report
Commercial Space Market Development and Trends
The growing commercial space industry offers a range of capabilities and services, including emerging technologies. Opportunities for the U.S. Space Force and Department of Defense to leverage these capabilities for military purposes are expanding. What concerns should stakeholders address?
Apr 14, 2022
Report
How Space Might Be Used Between Now and 2050
The number of space-related activities conducted by government, military, and commercial actors around the world is increasing. How will the way space is used change? Who will the key actors be? And what can be done to ensure a more future-proof space strategy?
Mar 2, 2022
Report
Realising the Ambitions of the UK's Defence Space Strategy: Factors Shaping Implementation to 2030
This study provides an initial look at the factors influencing the implementation of the Defence Space Strategy to 2030 and the strengths and weaknesses of the UK space enterprise. It also includes a decision support tool for capability management.
Feb 17, 2022
Journal Article
Strategic and Legal Implications of Emerging Dual-Use ASAT Systems
This article addresses the dual-use conundrum of space technology, examining where the threshold lies for anti-satellite systems.
Jan 6, 2022
Commentary
Where Chinese Science Fiction and RAND History Meet
Senior policy analyst Sale Lilly read about renowned RAND researcher Bill Mathers in an award-winning Chinese science fiction trilogy—but somehow had never heard of him before.
Sep 2, 2021
Journal Article
Written Evidence Submitted by RAND Europe: SPDF0020 Space Defence
This document provides RAND Europe's submission of evidence in relation to the UK House of Commons Defence Select Committee's July 2021 call for evidence on space defence.
Jul 30, 2021
Report
Deterring China in Space
How could the United States, along with key allies and partners, prevent China from taking actions in space or interfering with space-based capabilities in ways that are harmful to U.S. national security interests?
Jul 27, 2021
Blog
Vaccine Hesitancy, Working from Home, Arctic Diplomacy: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on vaccine hesitancy as a symptom of ‘Truth Decay,’ how to make remote work beneficial for all, U.S. Arctic diplomacy, and more.
May 21, 2021

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