Publication and Resources | The Aerospace Corporation

Space and Art: Connecting Two Creative Endeavors

Space and art have connections going back to the early days of the space race. How can art be woven into U.S. space efforts for mutually beneficial outcomes?

Survey of Space-Related Political Appointees and Offices in the U.S. Government

This chapter discusses the connection between political appointees and policymaking for space by exploring the universe of appointees that make space-related decisions and support both development…

TRIGGERS AND EFFECTS OF AN ACTIVE DEBRIS REMOVAL MARKET

Space debris presents such a significant concern that the creation of an active debris removal (ADR) market may be necessary to sustain the space environment. What challenges must be addressed for an…

A Space Policy Primer: Key Concepts, Issues, and Actors

With new space policy questions emerging, how should the United States define its goals for the next chapter in the civil space exploration program?

The Hypersonic Missile Debate

The debate about hypersonic missiles is frequently characterized as a technological one, but it is much more nuanced than that. How should we approach this debate?

CubeSat Confusion: Technical and Regulatory Considerations

Many small satellites (CubeSats) launched en masse get to their destinations dead on arrival as a result of early on-orbit failure, unable to be identified or controlled via a communications network…

2020 Annual Report

The Aerospace Corporation’s 2020 Annual Report spotlights the accomplishments and breakthroughs that strengthen our value as the nation’s trusted partner for space.

Strategic Foresight: Addressing Uncertainty in Long-Term Strategic Planning

Strategic foresight can help because it takes a holistic approach to considering and preparing for what is possible instead of relying on existing conditions and trends to predict the future. Long-…

Human Spaceflight Safety: Regulatory Issues and Mitigating Concepts

Commercial spaceflight offers significant benefits to society, the economy, and national security. Financial experts project that the global space economy could significantly grow over the next few…

Leveraging Commercial Developments for National Security Space Acquisition

The increasing commercialization of space is presenting new opportunities for national security acquisition. Because of commercial developments in space capabilities, U.S. intelligence and defense…

Getting the Most Deterrent Value from U.S. Space Forces

What has changed since the previous election cycle, and what is anticipated in the next presidential term? Discussion of evolving deterrence posture and an exploration of decisions/options for…

Light Pollution From Satellites

The increase in proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) constellations set to launch over the next decade has fueled concern from the astronomy community, academia, and the general public over the light…

Developing a Foundational Spacepower Doctrine

One of the most important and challenging tasks for the Space Force in its early years will be development of its doctrine and culture. Simple, clear, and strongly held doctrine orients a military…

To the Moon and Beyond: Challenges and Opportunities for NASA’s Artemis Program

In just the next few months, multiple critical decisions will affect NASA human exploration plans. The FY21 budget cycle will shape significant aspects of the content and pace of NASA space programs…

Space Game Changers Driving Forces and Implications for Innovation Investments

The advancement of new space technologies, architectures, applications, and emerging business models will continue with many breakthroughs as well as some disappointments. A rapid and relentless pace…