RAND Space Enterprise Initiative

The RAND Space Enterprise Initiative is RAND’s one-stop shop for space-related research and activities.

The sun sets behind Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

Photo by Bill Ingalls/NASA

New From RAND: Duality in Space

Dual-use space systems are technologies that can be used for peaceful purposes, such as for space debris removal, but could also be weaponized, such as in anti-satellite operations. RAND researchers brought together experts from the Americas, Eurasia, and the Indo-Pacific region to examine how commercial, civil, and defense sectors increasingly overlap in space activities. Their conclusions are explored in Exploring Duality in Space: How Select Countries Approach Dual-Use Space Systems.

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Focus Areas

The initiative builds on long-standing RAND relationships across the national and international space domains to marshal the broad perspectives necessary for optimizing the exercise of space power.

Space Policy and Strategy
The initiative offers U.S. space policy sponsors unmatched synergies by connecting the results of space policy research done for a wide spectrum of U.S. agencies, including the Office of the Secretary of War, the Joint Staff, the Intelligence Community, the Space Force, and USSPACECOM. RAND's research spans the work of these and other U.S. agencies. The initiative links, informs, and reinforces projects of mutual interest.
Space Operations
The initiative offers uniquely high value to sponsors seeking assistance with space operations, given the RAND operations research already being performed for U.S. military services and RAND's ability to spot the linkages between service operations and space operations, even when the topic of a service project is not directly related to space.
Space Capabilities and Resources
RAND's extensive engineering expertise drives capability and resource decisions across numerous U.S. and allied defense agencies. By serving as a hub for research on space capabilities and resources, with expertise emanating from all programs across RAND, the initiative offers sponsors greater insights than those that could be obtained by relying on any single research division.
Space Allies and Partners
Drawing on its international reach and experience, RAND provides valuable insights and recommendations to national security sponsors around the world. The RAND Space Enterprise Initiative provides an additional means for sponsors to collaborate with global allies and partners to create mutually beneficial relationships and opportunities in space.

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75 Years of Excellence in Space Research at RAND

Click through this timeline of space milestones and research to explore RAND's contributions to humanity's history in space.