Congratulations to winners of the 2025 Thacher Prize for Outstanding Publication in Space Policy


Elif Yüksel and Sarah Salem shared first prize for their co-written paper: “A Comprehensive Study of U.S. and Chinese Space Diplomacy and Engagements with Emerging Nations: CASE STUDY of TÜRKİYE and United Arab Emirates”.


Dohyeong “Do” Kim won second place for his paper: “Concerning the Mineral Exploitation of HERMONIA and Related Incidents: A space LAW MOOT COURT case.”


Ryan Puleo won third prize for his co-authored paper: “Charting the Spacescape: Analyzing Partnerships and Networks in the Space Industry.”
The Thacher Prize for Outstanding Student Publications in Space Policy is awarded annually to graduate students who have researched and written papers of exceptional merit on space policy, with up to $4,000 Prize for an individual or team, published or submitted works.