October 24, 2017
US Space Policy Should Aim to Preserve Advantage on the New Frontier
The administration of Donald Trump is the first of the 21st century to not be entirely preoccupied by issues of terrorism and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Such conditions provide opportunities to dedicate some time to taking a longer view and consider new strategic options and emerging areas of international competition. Initial actions by the Trump White House show the space domain to be an area of heightened focus. For example: for the first time in 24 years, the Vice President convened the National Space Council, composed of five cabinet secretaries and an equal number of senior government directors and administrators, to consider the nation’s future course in space.
The timing is propitious. New commercial entities have emerged to create a vibrant, competitive marketplace in the space sector. Innovations such as micro-satellites and recoverable first-stage rockets promise opportunities to move beyond basic exploration and experimentation in “the new frontier.” The Trump administration should seize this chance to foster the full exploitation of space as a commercial domain.
Read the full op-ed in Defense One.
More from CNAS
-
Embracing Private Equity in the Next Era of National Security
Commentary
Introduction For decades, the United States has fielded the world’s most advanced and capable military. It has done so despite an acquisition system that is often bureaucratic...
By General John W. Raymond & Matt O’Kane
-
President Trump Announces Two-Week Ceasefire with Iran | CNN
Video
Becca Wasser, adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security joins CNN to discuss the ceasefire in Iran.Watch the full interview on CNN....
By Becca Wasser
-
Trump to Hold Press Conference on F-15 Crew Rescue
Video
Becca Wasser, adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security joins CNN to discuss the situation surrounding the U.S. airmen rescue.Watch the full interview on...
By Becca Wasser
-
Iran Shows the Emerging Crisis of the U.S. Airborne Battle Management Fleet
Commentary
The ABM force structure crisis comes at an acute moment for US air operations....
By Philip Sheers
