Commentary | Addressing the Challenges of Space Security

In June 2010, President Barack Obama signed the latest U.S. National Space Policy. The 2010 policy acknowledged the changes in the outer space environment since the 2006 National Space Policy was released. The interconnected nature of space capabilities and the world’s growing dependence on space-derived information and systems are key aspects of this change. Additionally, the policy signaled greater emphasis on expanding international cooperation on mutually beneficial space activities to broaden and extend the benefits of space, and further the peaceful use of space. It also directed the U.S. government to strengthen stability in space through domestic and international measures to promote the safe and responsible use of the space environment, improve information collection and sharing for space collision avoidance, and strengthen measures to mitigate orbital debris.