Obama Space Policy Analysis Released

Secure World Foundation is making available a new analysis of President Barack Obama's National Space Policy (NSP) as to how the United States intends to conduct activities in outer space in the years ahead. The 2010 Obama Space Policy: Sustainability, International Engagement and Stability in Space - has been authored by Victoria Samson, Director of the Secure World Foundation's Washington, D.C. Office

“The new National Space Policy strives to ensure that outer space remains usable over the long-term for the benefit of all, thus setting the stage for future, cooperative efforts in space,” Samson said. “Specifically, the NSP sets forth the challenge to make space sustainability a priority through global engagement and cooperation, as well as through responsible space behavior.” However, the policy’s ultimate success will depend on how the rest of the U.S. government interprets and implements the principles contained within the NSP, Samson points out. “Furthermore, its efficacy is tied to both how much cooperation the United States receives internationally, and what bilateral and multilateral transparency and confidence-building measures are undertaken,” she noted.