“Space Power and the Trajectory of U.S. Influence in Space”

Recent graduate Takuya Wakimoto wrote the article “Space Power and Trajectory of U.S. Influence in Space”, which was recently published in GWU’s International Affairs Review. His article begins on page 39 of the Summer 2019 issue.

 

Abstract:

The United States has utilized the space domain to enhance national security and to improve national prestige. However, a growing number of governmental and commercial participants in the space domain are creating complications and increasing risks such as collisions with space objects or debris. This trend pressures the United States to find ways to protect and preserve its valuable assets in space. It is, therefore, necessary for the U.S. to acquire capabilities to manage and control the space domain. Historically, control of a domain was pursued through military capabilities such as sea, air, or land powers; however, space power is yet an undefined concept. This article explores the historical development of space technologies in the context of national security, how we should approach the undefined concept of space power, and the policies the U.S. should pursue to advance its interests in space.

50 Years of Swiss-American Collaboration in Space Research

When
Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Where
Elliott School of International Affairs

The Space Policy Institute hosted an event with the Embassy of Switzerland on “50 Years of Swiss-American Collaboration in Space Research” to celebrate the Swiss Solar Wind Experiment as part of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Several interesting presentations on Switzerland’s past and present space research programs and activities were delivered:

The Swiss Solar Wind Experiment: Insights from a Witness at the Time
Dr. Jürg Meister, Ph.D. student at the University of Bern in 1969 when he was involved with the solar wind experiment

Swiss Space Policy
Oliver Botta, Scientific Advisor, Swiss Space Office

Swiss-American Space Research Today
Willy Benz, Professor and Director of the National Centre of Competence in Research PlanetS, University of Bern

 

Speakers’ bios can be found HERE.