Stories from Payload’s weekly space policy newsletter, Polaris.
“Space is going to be the decisive domain. The ability of the entire joint force to project power depends upon our success in space,” he said in his final think tank engagement as Air Force secretary.
New leaders in DC and a booming space economy are likely to make 2025 an important one for space policy discussions on topics ranging from NASA’s long-term goals to federal funding levels to buying commercial to regulatory processes.
Rep.-elect Jeff Crank (R-CO) is excited about the future of space—especially, what he can do as a freshman lawmaker to help the commercial space community keep growing.
As the Space Force prepares to celebrate its fifth birthday this month—and its growth from a single Guardian to a uniformed force of nearly 10,000—Polaris chatted with Space Force Chief Master Sergeant John Bentivegna about how the service has changed in its half decade, and what’s next.
Let’s take a look back at the year in space policy, which included the finish lines for some initiatives—and the reopening of previously closed cases for others.
The trade association formerly known as the Commercial Spaceflight Federation is getting a new name, a concise mandate, and a way to support the politicians who support space.
The prestigious Matthew Isakowitz Foundation is pivoting in 2025 to train up the next generation of space policy professionals.
Incoming President Donald Trump has already tapped a number to lead federal departments and agencies, including a few who will have a hand in the next administration’s space policy.
“We are in a de facto Cold War, and this is something we cannot lose,” he said. “My goal is literally nothing short of space dominance.”
As you’re watching election results come in Tuesday after polls close, here are a handful of down-ballot races to watch that could have a big impact on space policy in 2025 and beyond.
The Biden administration’s legacy in space is one of global reach and using space as a soft power tool, as evidenced by its leadership on initiatives such as banning destructive ASAT testing and promoting the responsible use of space internationally through the Artemis Accords.
Launched at the tail end of the Trump administration and grown substantially during the Biden administration, the Artemis Accords have proven that there is bipartisan support for ensuring that conversations about the future of space operations are global
