Space and Aerospace

With the advent of atmospheric weapons and the creation of the Space Force as the newest branch of the U.S. military, space has never been more crucial to national security. CSIS examines the technological, budgetary, and policy issues inherent to the space domain.

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Neon globe with China highlighted

In China’s Orbit: Beijing’s Space Diplomacy in the Global South

China is using its dual-use space industry to lock in long-term influence across the Global South, creating strategic, economic, and security dependencies that will shape the future balance of power in orbit.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, and Aidan Powers-Riggs — January 15, 2026

Past Events


Experts


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Kari Bingen
Director, Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
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Tom Karako
Director, Missile Defense Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
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Clayton Swope
Deputy Director, Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
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Benjamin Jensen
Director, Futures Lab and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
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Lauryn Williams
Deputy Director and Senior Fellow, Strategic Technologies Program