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Would Air Strikes Against Iran Work?

History shows that air strikes alone struggle to achieve complex policy goals, but used in Iran now, they could trigger a domino effect that leads to the collapse of Iran's repressive authoritarian regime.

Critical Questions by Clayton Swope — January 13, 2026

How Important Is Blue Origin’s Second New Glenn Launch?

With the second launch of New Glenn, Blue Origin becomes only the second space operator in the world to conduct a vertical landing of an orbital-class booster. The Pentagon, NASA, and commercial customers are now counting on Blue Origin to deliver New Glenn at scale.

Critical Questions by Clayton Swope — November 14, 2025

If the Pentagon Wants More Speed and Scale, It Should Be a Better Customer

As the Department of War modernizes its acquisition process to optimize speed and scale, it should also think about how the Pentagon can be a better customer. Industry has to have trust that the military will stick to its budget plans.

Commentary by Clayton Swope and Kari A. Bingen — November 10, 2025

Can Prize Competitions Deliver Golden Dome’s Space-Based Interceptors?

The Pentagon is reportedly considering using a prize competition to develop space-based interceptors as part of the Golden Dome missile shield. While prize competitions can be used to identify innovative ideas, there might be better tools to tackle this challenge.

Critical Questions by Clayton Swope — September 16, 2025

The Evolution of Airpower

The future of military airpower will reflect warfighting experiences from Ukraine and the Middle East, but lessons from these conflicts should only serve as jumping off points for the future.

Commentary by Clayton Swope — September 16, 2025

How Can the U.S. Government Safeguard Commercial Satellites from Threats?

Over the next five years, the number of U.S. satellites, especially commercial ones, will skyrocket. As the number of satellites in orbits grows, so do the threats they face. Fortunately, the United States government has many tools able to help protect U.S. commercial space interests, but it but it could be doing more.

Report by Clayton Swope — August 25, 2025

Fifty Years Later, Lessons from Apollo-Soyuz for Today

Fifty years ago, at the height of the Cold War, the United States and Soviet Union found a reason to collaborate in space. There are lessons from this historic mission that could serve as a roadmap for a future U.S. civilian space effort with China.

Commentary by Clayton Swope — July 17, 2025