White Papers
Congressional Leadership Changes and Implications for the Space Industry
HONORING THE 117TH CONGRESS The midterm election cycle is at its height. Within a few weeks, the space community will know the makeup of the 118th Congress, where the power will lie, and who will likely lead committees in Washington D.C. First, a moment to honor lawmakers who have passed away during the 117th Congress…
Space Policy 2022, an Introspective
What do a human exploration program, a military branch, and a federal regulatory body have in common? Each of these entities contributed significantly to the development of space policy and U.S. space strategy in the past year and continue to be major contributors in 2022. This paper provides an overview and analysis of three significant…
U.S. Satellite Servicing Policy
On-orbit satellite servicing is a complex topic that intersects many policy areas, such as space traffic management, space situational awareness, debris management, and the development of international standards and norms. This paper is an initial overview and reference point to on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. The paper covers the legislative history, regulatory environment, the main…
Ensuring U.S. Leadership in Space
The space environment is a unique and critically important domain for our nation’s vital interests. With innovative platforms and satellite systems, space is an economic sphere and a high ground used for purposes of observation, communication, command and control, and positioning, navigation, and timing. The microgravity environment of space is critical for important research and…
Weather Satellites: Critical Technology in an Uncertain Environment
Weather satellites are an essential component of U.S. weather monitoring and forecasting, generating billions of dollars in benefits for the nation every year. The next generation of weather satellites is currently being built, and both the polar-orbiting and geostationary programs are on track to meet their most recent estimated launch dates. However, a gap in…
The James Webb Space Telescope – A Worthy Investment in Space Science
The Space Foundation recommends that the James Webb Space Telescope ( JWST) be fully funded at the level requested in the President’s Fiscal Year 2012 NASA Budget Proposal to allow for timely completion and launch of the spacecraft. This document fully explains the four top reasons for funding JWST, focusing on scientific benefits, technology development,…
ISS Presentation 2011
Political Evolution of the International Space Station: Prospects for Future Success” was presented by Space Foundation research analyst Mariel John at the International Space University (ISU) annual three-day symposium in Strasbourg, France, Feb. 17, 2011. The theme of the symposium was “The International Space Station: Maximizing the Return from Extended Operations.” Political Evolution of the…
Disease and Pandemic Early Warning
Data from remote sensing satellites can be used to provide warning of certain disease outbreaks and pandemics. Researchers create predictive software models by studying the link between environmental factors observable from space and epidemiological data for the population at risk. Several such systems are already in operation around the world, but there are many more…
Solutions from Space: Faster, Safer, Greener Commercial Aviation
Space systems and technology offer a wide variety of benefits to the aviation community, ranging from improved navigation to in-flight entertainment. As the U.S. air traffic management system is modernized, airline passengers should experience fewer delays and safer flights due to satellite positioning, navigation, and timing. New air traffic control procedures will also help to…
Solutions from Space: Space Applications for International Development
The first publication in our Solutions from Space series, this white paper discusses how space systems and applications can be used to enhance international development efforts. Satellite communications and remote sensing capabilities, in particular, have a great deal to offer developing nations. View presentations from the panel event on November 18, 2009 The first publication in our…