RAND's divisions conduct research on a uniquely broad front for clients around the globe.
Most relevant regions
Video
Feb 3, 2026
RAND researchers discuss the challenges of defining and governing dual-use space systems—technologies that can serve both civilian and military purposes—across geographic regions and political contexts.
Tool
Mar 24, 2025
This tool presents systems in low earth orbit (LEO) that are operated by a government, military, or commercial entity in China, Russia, or the United States; weapons designed to attack LEO systems; and launch vehicles to reach LEO.
Research
Mar 7, 2025
This report describes a missile jamming engagement model that was developed to help assess the dependence of an air-launched missile on signals from airborne or space-based assets for success in an engagement under a plausible set of conditions.
Aug 31, 2023
This report presents a framework on the nature and requirements of deterrence in space operations. Drawing on lessons from nuclear and cyber and selected national approaches to space deterrence, it presents three archetypes for space deterrence.
Article
Jan 5, 2023
Space may seem infinite, but the narrow band that hugs the Earth, where satellites and space stations operate, is not. Existing space treaties won't be enough to keep satellites safe, to prevent crowding and collisions, and to preserve the promise of outer space.
Commentary
Apr 21, 2022
The United States recently committed not to conduct destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite missile testing. This sets an important example others might follow and takes an important first step towards a binding, international ban.
Jan 6, 2022
This article addresses the dual-use conundrum of space technology, examining where the threshold lies for anti-satellite systems.
Jul 30, 2021
This document provides RAND Europe's submission of evidence in relation to the UK House of Commons Defence Select Committee's July 2021 call for evidence on space defence.
Dec 21, 2017
This dissertation uses a game theoretic model of space war to examine how sentiments in multiple dimensions impact state decisions regarding whether to expand a ground war into the space domain.
Apr 2, 2010
The United States needs a coherent space deterrence strategy that operates on both sides of a potential adversary's cost-benefit decision calculus to better protect U.S. national security space infrastructure and strengthen first-strike stability.
Jan 1, 1991
Since the mid-1980s, a debate has gone on within the Department of Defense (DOD) on whether it is appropriate for the Army to be increasingly involved in space and, if so, how the Army should exploit space.
Expert Insights
Jan 1, 1990
Examines U.S. national space policy and military space policy, focusing on the space control debate. It considers the status of space control-related capabilities, such as the antisatellite (ASAT) and national aerospace plane (NASP) programs.
