Space

The early twenty-first century has witnessed the democratization of space. No longer the exclusive preserve of great powers, space has seen many nations and even private firms leverage Earth orbit (and beyond) to meet political and commercial goals. Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies like CubeSats and reusable launch promise to enhance the economic and security potential of existing remote sensing, communication, and positioning orbital applications.

Recent analysis

Programs

The Atlantic Council Technology Programs comprises five existing efforts—the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), the GeoTech Center, the Cyber Statecraft Initiative, the Democracy + Tech Initiative, and the Capacity Building Initiative. These operations work together to address the geopolitical implications of technology and provide policymakers and global stakeholders necessary research, insights, and convenings to address challenges around global technology and ensure its responsible advancement.

Forward Defense leads the Atlantic Council’s US and global defense programming, developing actionable recommendations for the United States and its allies and partners to compete, innovate, and navigate the rapidly evolving character of warfare. Through its work on US defense policy and force design, the military applications of advanced technology, space security, strategic deterrence, and defense industrial revitalization, it informs the strategies, policies, and capabilities that the United States will need to deter, and, if necessary, prevail in major-power conflict.

Content

NATO and Swedish aircraft participating in BALTOPS 2016 (photo: Airman Erin Babis/USAF)

NATOSource

Jun 28, 2018

For the First Time in Its History, NATO Releases Joint Air Power Strategy

By NATO

NATO Joint Air Power (JAP) plays a key role in supporting the accomplishment of NATO’s three core tasks – Collective Defence, Crisis Management and Cooperative Security

Cybersecurity NATO

In the News

Jan 19, 2018

Gopalaswamy Quoted in iNews on New Competitors in the Space Race: India, Japan, and China

By Bharath Gopalaswamy

Read the full article here.

China India

Defense Industrialist

Mar 13, 2017

Heithold’s heavy lasers

By James Hasik, Julian A. Eagle-Platón

Forthcoming developments in directed energy could bring tactical and geopolitical change.

China Defense Industry

Defense Industrialist

Feb 13, 2017

Make it so.

By James Hasik

Standing up a new military organization is hard institutional work, but work worth the effort over time. A proposal for a Space Force proposes short-term turmoil, but eventually better morale, stability, and focus after separation from the Air Force.

Defense Policy Space

Event Recap

Jan 13, 2017

The Power of Transparency in Advancing Geo-spatial Intelligence

On January 13, the Atlantic Council and Thomson Reuters hosted Mr. Robert Cardillo, Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The discussion was moderated by Mr. John Walcott, Foreign Policy and National Security Editor for Thomson Reuters. 

Intelligence Security & Defense

Defense Industrialist

Oct 20, 2016

Nuclear buying power

By James Hasik

Who wins and who loses when the Pentagon prohibits exclusive dealing? On October 11, the US Air Force received prospective contractors’ proposals its its Ground-Based Strategic Deterrence (GBSD) program, its effort to begin replacing its Boeing LGM-30 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) by 2030. The USAF is sufficiently concerned about its choices for cost-effective […]

Defense Industry Nuclear Deterrence

In the News

Jun 21, 2016

Toward a New National Security Space Strategy: Time for a Strategic Rebalancing Featured by Space News

By Atlantic Council

Read the full article here.

Space Technology & Innovation

In the News

Jun 21, 2016

Atlantic Council Report Toward a New National Security Space Strategy: Time for a Strategic Rebalancing Featured by Space Policy Online

By Atlantic Council

Read the full article here.

Space Technology & Innovation

In the News

Jun 20, 2016

Atlantic Council Report Toward a New National Security Space Strategy: Time for a Strategic Rebalancing Featured by National Defense Magazine

By Atlantic Council

Read the full article here.

Space Technology & Innovation

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Jun 17, 2016

Toward a new national security space strategy: time for a strategic rebalancing

By Theresa Hitchens and Joan Johnson-Freese

There are growing risks and threats to US satellites, civilian and military alike, and challenges to stated US goals in space. The question for the new administration, however, is whether hegemonic means to address those challenges are likely to achieve US goals.

Space Space Security

Experts