Doctoral Work in Space Policy

The Space Policy Institute focuses on master’s degrees in International Science and Technology Policy and does not currently offer a doctoral program. However, Institute faculty participate on dissertation committees related to space policy in cooperation with other departments and program at George Washington University. The following is a list of doctoral dissertations completed in association with the Space Policy Institute:

Towards a Better Understanding of Solving Complex Problems Through Innovation Contests

by Vrolijk, Ademir-Paolo, PhD., The George Washington University, 2022

Case Study of the Interagency Process for Making Presidential Policy Decisions on Dual-Use Space Technology: The Global Positioning System and Space Traffic Management

by Weeden, Brian, PhD., The George Washington University, 2017

Space Property Rights

by Balta, Athena, PhD., The George Washington University, 2016

National, Regional and Sectoral Innovation Systems in China: General Overview and Case Studies of Renewable Energy and Space Technology Sectors

by Besha, Patrick, Ph.D., The George Washington University, 2013, 302 pages; 3557557

Galileo: Power, pride and profit. The relative influence of realist, ideational, and liberal factors on the Galileo satellite program

by Gleason, Michael P., Ph.D., The George Washington University, 2009, 360 pages; AAT 3338912

The evolution of the NASA Earth Observing System: A case study in policy and project formulationby Leshner, Richard Benjamin, Ph.D., The George Washington University, 2007, 387 pages; AAT 3275144

Space in environmental diplomacy: Exploring the role of earth observing satellites for monitoring international environmental agreements

by Johnston, Shaida Sahami, Ph.D., The George Washington University, 2006, 223 pages; AAT 3199919

Mars wars: A case history of agenda-setting and alternative generation in the American space program

by Hogan, Thor Nels, Ph.D., The George Washington University, 2004, 301 pages; AAT 3124606

Mission control: principal agent theory as a model for national security policy decisions

by Day, Dwayne A., Ph.D., The George Washington University, 2000, 251 pages; 44715401

China’s space activities, policy and organization, 1956-1986

by Chen, Yanping, Ph.D., The George Washington University, 1999, 340 pages; AAT 9931130

Organizing space: The political-bureaucratic dynamics through 1961

by Temple, Lafayette Parker, III, Ph.D., The George Washington University, 1999, 468 pages; AAT 9931152

United States commercial space launch policy implementation, 1986–1992

by Reed, Craig Russell, Ph.D., The George Washington University, 1998, 438 pages; AAT 9817630

Billion dollar technology: The origins of communications satellite technology (1945–1965)

by Whalen, David Joseph, Ph.D., The George Washington University, 1997, 316 pages; AAT 9716027

The evolution of the NASA-DoD relationship from Sputnik to the lunar landing

by Erickson, Mark Alan, Ph.D., The George Washington University, 1997, 665 pages; AAT 9726648

Earth Observations Satellite Data Policy: Process and Outcome

by Shaffer, Lisa, Ph.D., The George Washington University, 1994, 200 pages; AAT 9416583

Organized interests and the politics of the United States space station

by Hitchcock, Henry Hansel, Ph.D., The George Washington University, 1993, 493 pages; AAT 9316111