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.

Dr. Scott Pace presented in the Joint Meeting of the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board and the Space Studies Board (July 24, 2025)

Dr. Scott Pace joined a panel titled “U.S. Space Science Leadership in a Global Context“. The Panel discussed how the U.S. can sustain scientific leadership amid rising global competition. Where are the global players are gaining ground and how the U.S....

[Event] Space Law Across Borders:Comparative Frameworks in the United States, India, Japan, and South Korea

The Space Policy Institute, along with the GW Law School is hosting a delegation of several space lawyers from Asia to discuss Asian approaches to Space Law. Date: Thursday 4 September 2025 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (12:10 PM- Lunch & Keynote)Venue: 1957 E Street, NW,...

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 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...

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