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Outer Space

Outer Space

RAND's research on outer space addresses the security, economic, and policy challenges of space exploration, commercialization, and governance. It provides insights to guide decisionmakers on maintaining space safety, sustainability, and international cooperation in an evolving global space environment.

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Explore RAND’s Work on this Topic

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Commentary

Mar 5, 2026

The Race to Mine the Moon Is On—And It Urgently Needs Some Clear International Rules

Binding international agreements—particularly between the great space powers—which emphasise principles of stewardship, clarify access rights, and support common benefits from lunar development would ensure the Moon becomes a proving ground for the equitable and sustainable development of space.
Commentary

Mar 2, 2026

How Russia Is Intercepting Communications from European Satellites

Russia has been secretly stalking European spacecraft since its invasion of Ukraine in 2014. What can Europe do about it?
Video

Feb 3, 2026

Duality in Space

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.
Expert Insights

Feb 3, 2026

Surveying Duality in Space: Volume II, Europe-Eurasia Workshop Insights on Developing, Deploying, and Governing Dual-Use Space Systems

These proceedings share details on a workshop about dual-use space systems (those capable of performing both civilian and military operations) with space stakeholders from Europe and the Middle East from government, private, and research sectors.
Expert Insights

Feb 3, 2026

Surveying Duality in Space: Volume III, Indo-Pacific Workshop Insights on Developing, Deploying, and Governing Dual-Use Space Systems

These proceedings share details on a workshop examining dual-use space systems (those capable of performing both civilian and military operations) that included space stakeholders from the Indo-Pacific from government, private, and research sectors.
Expert Insights

Feb 3, 2026

Surveying Duality in Space: Volume I, Americas Workshop Insights on Developing, Deploying, and Governing Dual-Use Space Systems

These proceedings provide details on a workshop examining dual-use space systems (those capable of performing both civilian and military operations) that included space stakeholders from the Americas from government, private, and research sectors.
Research

Jan 29, 2026

Exploring Duality in Space: How Select Countries Approach Dual-Use Space Systems

In this report, the authors present the findings of a literature review in which they examined the landscape of national approaches to dual-use space systems across select countries in the Americas, Europe-Eurasia, and the Indo-Pacific.
Research

Dec 30, 2025

Order in Orbit: Operationalizing an International Space Traffic Management Organization

The need for effective international space traffic management has never been more pressing. In this report, the authors provide a roadmap for moving from the existing decentralized context to a common international space traffic management system.
Research

Dec 17, 2025

Considerations for Regulating the Commercial Human Spaceflight Market: Lessons for Balancing Market Growth and Public Safety

This report provides the Federal Aviation Administration with an analysis of the potential impacts of implementing a regulatory regime on the emerging commercial spaceflight market.
Commentary

Nov 13, 2025

Germany's €35 Billion Bet on Military Space Capability

Modern life and national security depend on space, yet satellites remain dangerously exposed to attack. Germany plans to invest €35 billion by 2030 to strengthen its military space capabilities, reduce reliance on others, and safeguard Europe’s role in an increasingly contested domain.
Commentary

Nov 13, 2025

China Is Going to the Moon by 2030. Here's What's Known About the Mission—and Why It Matters

More than 50 years after humans last walked on the Moon, China is moving steadily toward sending astronauts there by 2030. With advanced rockets, a new spacecraft, and a proven record in space, China's mission could rival NASA's and reshape the future rules and power balance beyond Earth.
Commentary

Oct 28, 2025

Can Brazil Become a Regional Space Power?

Brazil’s space ambitions are constrained by limited infrastructure and resources, relying heavily on international partnerships. To catch up with other powers, it must strengthen these ties while balancing budgets, geopolitics, and sustainable development.

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