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.

SPI Professor Pascale Ehrenfreund Interviewed by the European Science-Media Hub

SPI Research Professor Pascale Ehrenfreund was recently interviewed for the European Science-Media Hub. Prof. Ehrenfreund discussed her view on a sustainable space economy, as well as international cooperation, the role of Europe in space governance, and space...

SPI Professor Pascale Ehrenfreund receives 2025 IAF Excellence in International Cooperation Award

The IAF Excellence in International Cooperation Award is presented during the IAC 2025 Opening Ceremony on Monday 29 September 2025 to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their efforts to promote and facilitate global engagement and cooperation in the...

[Recording Posted] Book Launch Event (July 15, 10:30am-1:00pm): “CONTESTED SPACE: ENSURING EFFECTIVE U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY SPACE CAPABILITIES IN AN INCREASINGLY CONTESTED ENVIRONMENT”

Thank you for attending the Book Launch event. Please see the recordings HERE ✖️ The Moorman Center for Space Studies, the independent think tank within the National Security Space Association, and Space Policy Institute is pleased to announce a book launch...

SPI Visiting Scholar Makiko Tada presents her final paper at ASCEND/ AIAA

Makiko finished her research paper titled “Analysis of Options for Japan in the Peaceful Uses of Space Nuclear Power”. In her paper, she analyzes the current state of space nuclear propulsion and power technologies in Japan and the United States, as well...

Release of the Space Security Webinar eBook by former SPI Visiting Scholar, Bruno Martini

We are pleased to inform the publication of the eBook compiling the proceedings of the International Webinar on Space Security, held on August 6, 2024, and organized by the Brazilian Air Force University (UNIFA), through its Center for Strategic Studies (CEE) and the...

International Cooperation in Deep Space Exploration : Expert Conference Report

The International Space University recently published the report following the Expert Conference on International Cooperation in Deep Space Exploration, hosted by the Space Policy Institute on 3-5 December 2024. This Expert Conference was generously funded by The John...

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