Polaris
Stories from Payload’s weekly space policy newsletter, Polaris.
What We’re Watching This Year in Space Policy
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.
Meet A New Face in the National Security Space Community
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.
Space Force at 5 Years: An Interview with Chief Master Sergeant John Bentivegna
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.
2024 Year in Review: Space Policy
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.
CSF Rebrands To Represent Whole Commercial Space Industry
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.
Isakowitz Fellowship Turns to Space Policy Training
The prestigious Matthew Isakowitz Foundation is pivoting in 2025 to train up the next generation of space policy professionals.
How Trump’s Nominees Approach Space
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.
Meet the Space Coast’s New Congressional Rep
“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.”
Election Day 2024: Space Races to Watch
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.
Biden Administration’s Space Legacy By the Numbers
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.
Artemis Accords Celebrate Four Years and 45 Signatories
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
MITRE’s Space Plan For the New Administration
The next president must make space more resilient by boosting cooperation with the private sector, protecting the domestic supply chain, and increasing government investment in promising tech, according to a memo released Monday by MITRE.
EO Providers Defend Their Spectrum Access
Commercial EO providers contribute to sectors ranging from agriculture to climate monitoring to defense—and now they’re banding together to make sure policymakers know the results of an administration-ordered study could put all of that in jeopardy.
