Space Policy Institute

Welcome to SPI

The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs is a world leader in research, graduate study, and informed discussion related to issues of science, technology, and public policy. The Space Policy Institute celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2017. The Institute conducts research, offers graduate courses and organizes seminars, symposia, and conferences on topics related to domestic and international space policy. SPI is associated with the International Science and Technology Policy academic program, which leads to a Master of Arts degree at the Elliott School. The Institute operates within the Elliott School, but does so with support from The George Washington University as a whole, in addition to funding from a number of individual, corporate, foundation, and government sources. The Institute is directed by Dr. Scott Pace.

The Aerospace Corporation and The SPI will have a live debate on the Wolf Amendment

The Space Policy Institute, in partnership with The Aerospace Corporation Center for Space Policy and Strategy, invites you to join us for a live debate on “Should the Wolf Amendment be Repealed?” When: Thursday, November 13, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Where:...

Proposal for the Creation of a Brazilian Space Force by former SPI Visiting Scholar, Bruno Martini

Bruno Martini (former SPI visiting scholar) and Dr. Maria Célia Barbosa Reis da Silva, published a proposal for the creation of a Brazilian Space Force. The article represents the outcome of his research work done at SPI as a visiting scholar. Find the full proposal...

Dr. Scott Pace speaks at the Maryland Space Business Roundtable

Dr. Pace’s presentation, “Aligning U.S. Policies, Programs, and Budgets in Space,” offered a thought-provoking analysis of how the United States can strengthen its leadership in space. View the event page,...

Non-resident Scholar Kimitake Nakamura’s most recent book was selected the IAA Social Sciences Book Award (2025)

We congratulate Kimi (Space Policy Institute Non-Resident Scholar Kimitake Nakamura) for his newest book “Norm Formation in Space Law”, to be selected as the IAA Social Sciences Book Award 2025. The IAA Social Sciences Book Award is an annual honor presented by the...

SPI in the IAC 2025@Sydney

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Op-Ed on SPACENEWS by SPI Alumni Elif Yüksel : “Redefining space diplomacy for the 21st century: from orbits to outcomes”

Click here or the article image to read Elif’s Op-ed. Elif Yüksel is a Turkish pioneer in space diplomacy and space policy. She is a Fulbright Scholar, Space Policy Institute Fellow, and an alumna of the International Space University. Currently, she works as a...

Get to Know the Space Policy Institute

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Contact:

1957 E St NW Suite 403

Washington, D.C. 20052

Phone: (202) 994-1592

spi@gwu.edu