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A Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy

“Today, as was the case 60 years ago, our nation’s leadership in space is critical to our
economic prosperity, to our scientific and technological progress, and, in a time of
increasing great power rivalry, to our national security.”
– Vice President Kamala Harris, September 9, 2022

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Table of Contents
A Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy .......................................................1

I. Executive Summary......................................................................................3

II. Our Mission .............................................................................................. 10

III. Policy Foundations ................................................................................... 10

IV. Key Factors for the Department ............................................................... 12

Our Strengths ........................................................................................... 12

Our Partners ............................................................................................. 12

Our Challenges.......................................................................................... 13

Our Obligations......................................................................................... 15

Our Opportunities..................................................................................... 16

Our Methods ............................................................................................ 17

Our Values ................................................................................................ 18

V. Goals and Objectives ................................................................................ 19

Pillar 1: Diplomacy for Space -- Advancing space policy for the benefit of
future generations. ................................................................................... 19

Pillar 2: Space for Diplomacy – Leveraging space activities for wider

diplomatic goals........................................................................................ 31

Pillar 3: Empowering the Department Workforce on Space Diplomacy. ... 35

VI. Conclusion ............................................................................................... 36

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I. Executive Summary

Over the last 65 years, the United States has been a leader in exploring and
utilizing outer space for peaceful purposes; maximizing the benefits of space
for U.S. citizens and the citizens of the world. Our nation’s commitment to
progress for all humankind has made the United States the global space
partner of choice. We continue working with allies and partners to expand
the base of likeminded space faring nations. This first Strategic Framework
for Space Diplomacy outlines how State Department diplomacy will advance
continued U.S. space leadership and will expand international cooperation
on mutually beneficial space activities, while promoting responsible
behavior from all space actors, strengthening the understanding of, and
support for, U.S. national space policies and programs, and promoting
international use of U.S. space capabilities, systems, and services.

All nations benefit from the scientific and technological progress made
possible with space-based assets and related data. Space systems have
expanded access to broadband internet in hard-to-reach areas and are now
essential to operations of almost all sectors of U.S. critical infrastructure,
directly affecting the lives of the American people. Satellite-based data and
information enhance U.S. and international responses to disasters and
epidemiological events; promote inclusive, sustainable development to
combat climate change; enable tracking of ocean plastics and air pollution
and the policing of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; increase our

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understanding of migration and refugee flows; support U.S. military actions

abroad; enable the monitoring of arms control treaty compliance; and
provide evidence of war crimes and human rights violations and abuses.

As costs fall and technological capabilities advance, the commercial space

sector has grown at an unprecedented rate. One recent NGO estimate puts
the value of the global space economy at $469 billion in 2021. 1 The U.S.
private sector is revolutionizing the use of outer space with new
technologies and business models. By optimizing our diplomatic and
outreach efforts and strengthening the global governance of outer space
activities, the Department can showcase how new and novel space activities
can be conducted in a lawful, responsible, peaceful, and sustainable
manner, while promoting the U.S. space industry.

Driven by these new commercial opportunities and the geo-strategic

importance of space, the number of space faring nations has dramatically
increased. Countries without current launch capacities are investing in
space-based assets and infrastructure. The norms, best practices, and
principles that guide outer space activities must evolve to promote
responsible stewardship of the outer space environment and maximize the
benefits of the growing space economy for current and future generations.

1
Space Foundation Releases the Space Report 2022 Q2 Showing Growth of Global Space Economy The
Department of Commerce estimated the U.S. space economy to be worth $195 billion in 2019. Commerce Releases
Updated Space Economy Statistics for 2012-2019

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Establishing a shared vision for outer space activities requires traditional

government-to-government diplomacy, as well as multi-stakeholder
engagement with the U.S. and worldwide commercial space sector. We
must collaborate with allies and partners to increase cooperation, raise
awareness, and increase resilience in the space domain. We must promote
space safety and security cooperation; pursue bilateral and multilateral
exchanges and transparency and confidence-building measures; and
encourage responsible behavior by current and future space actors. And we
must encourage the formation of robust multilateral coalitions such as the
Artemis Accords to protect and promote peaceful cooperation in space
exploration and scientific endeavors. Finally, we will compete where
necessary against countries that seek to impose a different view of outer
space governance.

Current U.S. space policy guides U.S. diplomacy. The 2020 National Space
Policy 2 articulates the U.S. commitment to leading the responsible,
peaceful, and sustainable exploration and use of outer space, minimizing the
negative impacts of space activities on the outer space environment, and
reducing the potential for conflict. The 2021 United States Space Priorities
Framework 3 outlines the Biden-Harris Administration’s overarching

2
The National Space Policy
3
United States Space Priorities Framework

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priorities to maintain a robust and responsible United States space

enterprise and preserve space for current and future generations. Seven Space
Policy Directives (SPD) issued between 2018 and 2020 provide additional
information on U.S. policies and procedures as they relate to space activities. 4

These policy guidelines prioritize partnership, and diplomatic and public

diplomacy efforts led by the Department of State, in coordination with other
Executive Branch departments and agencies. The Department’s international
engagements can enhance U.S. leadership in space exploration, science, and
applications, and promote development in other countries’ space policies,
practices, and regulations in a manner that aligns with our domestic national
security and foreign policy objectives. Department efforts can also advance
U.S. national security; economic prosperity; diversity, equity, and inclusion;
and scientific and technological progress.

In keeping with the aims of these national policies, the Bureau of Oceans
and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) and the Bureau
of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance (AVC) have drafted this
strategic framework in consultation with other Department stakeholders,
and with insight from key inter-agency and external partners. This Strategic

4
Such as Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) 42 “Preventing and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction
Proliferation, Terrorism, and Use”, E.O. 13865 “Coordinating National Resilience to Electromagnetic Pulses,” the
2018 “National Near-Earth Object Preparedness Strategy and Action Plan,” and the National Space Transportation
Policy (2013).

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Framework for Space Diplomacy outlines actions for the Department across three
pillars:

• Diplomacy for Space: Advancing space policy for the benefit of future
generations. Advance U.S. space policy and programs internationally
through bilateral and multilateral engagement and cooperation in
order to advance U.S. leadership in safe and responsible space
activities, including space exploration and commerce, while
strengthening U.S. and allied capabilities and working to reduce the
potential for conflict.

• Space for Diplomacy: Leveraging U.S. space activities for wider

diplomatic goals. Pursue increased international cooperation in the
use of satellite applications, remote sensing satellite imagery, and
space-derived data to help solve urgent societal challenges and
achieve U.S. foreign policy objectives, on issues such as: climate
change and environmental sustainability; crisis management and
conflict prevention; arms control and international security; economic
competitiveness and prosperity; and human health, while promoting
U.S. standards, best practices, and democratic values, including
through outreach to foreign publics.

• Empowering the Department Workforce on Space Diplomacy.

Provide diplomatic posts and the Department’s workforce in
Washington, D.C. with the modernized skill set of tools and knowledge

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needed to pursue space-related policy and programmatic objectives

through all relevant bilateral and multilateral fora and mechanisms.

Secretary Blinken has noted that one of space exploration’s greatest powers
is its ability to bring people together, across continents, across oceans, in
pursuit of knowledge, and in pursuit of understanding. This, too, is the
power of diplomacy. U.S. diplomacy and space activities are reflection of our
values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In our space
diplomacy we look forward to ever-expanding opportunities to strengthen
America’s leadership role in coalitions and coalition-building to extend
human presence deeper into outer space and enhance the benefits of space
for all.

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“Space exploration and use benefits humanity, from creating opportunities to developing
new technologies and enabling climate surveillance. America will maintain our position
as the world’s leader in space and work alongside the international community to ensure
the domain’s sustainability, safety, stability, and security. We must lead in updating
outer space governance, establishing a space traffic coordination system, and charting a
path for future space norms and space control. Working with allies and partners, we will
develop policies and regulations that enable the burgeoning U.S. commercial space
sector to compete internationally. We will enhance the resilience of U.S. space systems
that we rely on for critical national and homeland security functions. The efforts aim to
protect U.S. interests in space, avoid destabilizing arms races, and responsibly steward
the space environment.”

National Security Strategy

October 2022

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II. Our Mission

The Department of State will promote U.S. space leadership in the

exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes and advance U.S.
and allied security priorities. We will pursue and maintain a rules-based
international framework for outer space activities, including the long-term
sustainability, commercialization, exploration, and utilization of space, so as
to strengthen the U.S. leadership role in coalitions, support human
exploration, and expand the benefits of space for all.

III. Policy Foundations

The December 2020 National Space Policy (NSP) directs the Department of
State, in coordination with other Executive Branch departments and
agencies, to carry out diplomatic and public diplomacy efforts to strengthen
global understanding and support for U.S. space policies and programs and
to promote the international use of U.S. space capabilities. The NSP also
directs the Department to cooperate with likeminded international partners
to establish standards of safe and responsible behavior, including openness,
transparency, and predictability, and to facilitate the detection,
identification, and attribution of actions in space that would be inconsistent
with the safety, stability, security, and long-term sustainability of space
activities. The December 2021 United States Space Priorities Framework
affirms U.S. commitment to upholding and strengthening a rules-based

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international order for outer space activities by showcasing U.S. leadership

in the responsible and sustainable use of space. The October 2022 National
Security Strategy underscores these U.S. leadership objectives for outer
space. Our work will also be governed by Space Policy Directives 5, other
national space-related policies and Executive Orders, by the ideals and
tenets set out in the FY 2022-2026 State-USAID Joint Strategic Plan6, and
other national strategies and policies, including the National Cybersecurity
Strategy, the National Security Memorandum on Counterterrorism, the
National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality, U.S. Strategy on Global
Women’s Economic Security, and national policies and plans on critical
infrastructure security and resilience. Our space diplomacy is in line with and
will further the Department’s mission of protecting and promoting U.S.
security, prosperity, and democratic values and shaping an international
environment in which all Americans can thrive.

5
SPD-1: Reinvigorating America’s Human Space Exploration Program ([Link])

SPD-2: Streamlining Regulations on Commercial Use of Space

SPD-3: National Space Traffic Management Policy

SPD-4: Establishment of the United States Space Force ([Link])

SPD-5: Cybersecurity Principles for Space Systems

SPD-6: National Strategy for Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion

SPD-7: United States Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Policy

6
Especially Objectives 1.4 (”Lead allies and partners to address shared challenges and competitors; prevent, deter,
and resolve conflicts; and promote international security”) and 4.1 (” Build and equip a diverse, inclusive, resilient,
and dynamic workforce”.

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IV. Key Factors for the Department

Our Strengths

The Department’s analysis of broad geopolitical dynamics, emerging foreign

policy concerns, and country-specific political and economic circumstances
is foundational to influencing international policy, governance, practices,
and partnerships. Our space-specific policy expertise benefits from crucial
insight from partners into space faring nations’ interests and activities, as
well as competing priorities and concerns. The Department’s convening
ability and engagement with the highest level and breadth of foreign
governments provide the U.S. space community with unique access. Our
diplomacy helps secure our national interests, build relationships, compete
on a level playing field, solve challenges, and advocate for U.S. scientific and
technical objectives.

Our Partners

The Department’s space diplomacy success relies on close, continuing

collaboration with the National Space Council, National Security Council,
Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Departments of Commerce,
Defense, Energy, Homeland Security, Interior, and Transportation, the Office
of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), NASA, Federal
Communications Commission (FCC), U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID) and other U.S. agencies. U.S. space activities have

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broad bipartisan Congressional support. Our commercial space sector is an

essential partner in continued U.S. leadership and diplomacy on space
governance, safety, security, and sustainability. Academic and research
institutions, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and civil
society contribute to and benefit from space-related activities, products,
and data.

Our relationships with foreign allies and partners are at the heart of our
work. International allies and partners’ support for U.S. positions on norms
and standards is influenced by their own internal priorities and domestic
constituencies, as well as their national security apparatus and their space
industries.

Expanding and leveraging these domestic and international partnerships

can help address global challenges and common objectives and expand
economic, security, and social benefits for the American people.

Our Challenges

U.S. competitors are organizing, training, and equipping their forces to

undermine U.S. and allied security in space. The unclassified version of
ODNI’s 2023 Annual Threat Assessment notes that “The PRC is steadily
progressing toward its goal of becoming a world-class space leader, with the
intent to match or surpass the United States by 2045. …China’s space
activities are designed to advance its global standing and strengthen its

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attempts to erode U.S. influence across military, technological, economic,

and diplomatic spheres.”7

Regarding Russia, the unclassified assessment also notes: “Russia will

remain a key space competitor, but it may have difficulty achieving its long-
term space goals because of the effects of additional international
sanctions and export controls following its invasion of Ukraine, a myriad of
domestic space-sector problems, and increasingly strained competition for
program resources within Russia. Russia continues to train its military space
elements, and field new antisatellite weapons to disrupt and degrade U.S.
and allied space capabilities. Russia’s cyberattack against commercial
satellite communications networks in February 2022 illustrates the
increasing interdependencies across space sectors as well as between the
space and cyber domains.”

Distinct civil and military space policies and programs do not exist in all nations.
New, emerging space partners balance space relationships with us and our
strategic competitors. Some governments may not recognize the
vulnerabilities of increased intermingling with competitors’ space
industries. Future cooperation with strategic competitors will depend on
these

7
The 2023 unclassified ODNI Threat Assessment also notes: Even by 2030, China probably will achieve world-class
status in all but a few space technology areas. Counterspace operations will be integral to potential People’s
Liberation Army military campaigns, and China has counterspace weapons capabilities intended to target U.S. and
allied satellites. China’s commercial space sector is growing quickly and is on pace to become a major global
competitor by 2030.

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countries’ adherence to international standards both in space and here on

Earth. Increasing commercial leadership and participation mean we cannot
rely solely on government-to-government diplomacy. Technology transfer
concerns and corresponding regulation mean an inherent necessary tension
exists between our dual missions of protecting national security and
promoting the U.S. space industry and the benefits of space for all.

Ally and partner technical and budgetary resources for cooperation vary.
Space technologies continue to advance, which requires that regulations,
behaviors, strategies, and norms not unnecessarily constrain innovation and
future beneficial uses of space. A resource-constrained environment
requires us to make deliberate choices on where and how to focus our
activities.

Our Obligations

Four widely subscribed international treaties, developed in the United

Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) in the
1960s and early 1970s, underpin international space law. The foundational
Outer Space Treaty (1967) affirms, among other things, that international
law, including the Charter of the United Nations, applies to activities in outer
space and that States Parties bear international responsibility for their
national activities in space, including those of nongovernmental entities. In
addition to meeting these treaty obligations, our work must remain
consistent with other international commitments and with U.S. laws,

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regulations, and policies. Within the U.S. government, State has the lead on
treaty interpretation and facilitates and reviews all binding bilateral and
multilateral government and agency-to-agency international cooperation
agreements. The Department also represents USG positions at multilateral
negotiations on space governance and policy, including in discussions
regarding international law and legally nonbinding norms, guidelines, and
best practices, as well as current and emerging space issues. We will not
cede U.S. leadership in these diplomatic fora to other space faring nations
that do not share our values and our commitment to an international rules-
based order for space, space sustainability, and space for all.

Our Opportunities

The United States remains the global space partner of choice. U.S. civil,
national security, and commercial space activities have bipartisan support
and wide domestic constituencies, who, along with the USG, are eager to
engage with international partners. U.S. leadership in space exploration and
utilization is among the U.S. government’s most valuable soft power tools
and presents strategic opportunities to promote academic and research
partnerships, scientific engagement, as well as for public diplomacy to
increase awareness among and influence audiences outside the United
States on U.S. space diplomacy. Space governance issues are prominent
nationally and internationally, and the United States is committed to a
leadership role with international partners. We are part of a strong coalition

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of like-minded allies and partners that regularly collaborate across a breadth

of fora and issues. Space data and products can support foreign policy aims,
and Department agility helps us to pivot quickly to emerging space priorities.
Space diplomacy requires capacity and expertise on technology, multilateral
and economic statecraft, and strategic competition, and is in line with the
Secretary’s Modernization Agenda priorities and skill sets.

Our Methods

We will engage foreign partners and publics through bilateral dialogues,

multi-country coalitions, multilateral governmental bodies, non-
governmental conferences and fora, partnerships and exchanges, industry
symposiums, and our embassies, and we will use international agreements
and other arrangements, political commitments, statements, and meeting
outcomes to encourage meaningful progress. In particular, we will continue
promoting and updating a rules-based international order for outer space
activities through our leadership at the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses
of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) and UN disarmament and international
security fora. The Department will continue including U.S. scientific and
technical agencies, and, as appropriate, the private sector, academia, NGOs,
and other space practitioners, in U.S government engagement with other
countries and at international meetings on space policy and governance.
The Department will align our space diplomacy work, resources, and
expertise with the space-related issues and priorities at the core of our

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national security interests, our space alliances and partnerships, or efforts to

help address global challenge. We will do so in consultation with the
interagency and leveraging insight from our overseas posts. At the same
time, we will be poised to respond to emerging space challenges and
opportunities, particularly those that affect U.S. national security and U.S.
economic interests.

Our Values

The United States will continue to lead in expanding international space

cooperation to extend the benefits of space for all humankind. We will
continue to build and broaden coalitions of allies and partners who share
our democratic values of openness, transparency, adaptability, and the free
flow of ideas and information, and who are committed to putting these
values at the heart of our shared future. We will showcase how U.S. space
activities are conducted in a lawful, responsible, peaceful, and sustainable
manner in line with these and other U.S. values, including diversity, equity,
inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).

Today, U.S. space-related agencies, research, and industry recognize that

humanity benefits from diverse talents, innovation, and perspectives at all
levels of the workplace. U.S. STEM and space efforts also benefit from a
diversity of foreign students, professionals, and investment. Our diplomacy
will acknowledge the importance of developing and retaining diverse
expertise in space endeavors and showcase the diverse U.S. space

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community. As the United States Space Priorities Framework notes, “The

United States is a diverse and multicultural society, and its space activities
and workforce must reflect this composition.”

We will advocate for equity and equality in our diplomatic space dialogues
to help close the gender gap and advance women’s economic security.8 We
will work with allies and partners to understand and address shared barriers
to the full participation of underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized
communities in the space sector. And we will press for broad, consistent
inclusion of civil society and other non-governmental organizations,
including those with indigenous representation and women-led
organizations, in space governance fora, as well as other fora benefiting
from space-related services and data.

V. Goals and Objectives

Pillar 1: Diplomacy for Space -- Advancing space policy for

the benefit of future generations.
Advance U.S. space policy and programs internationally through bilateral and
multilateral engagement and cooperation in order to maintain U.S. leadership in

8
Specifically, U.S. diplomatic outreach can contribute to broader USG efforts under the U.S. Global Strategy on
Global Women’s Economic Security to promote entrepreneurship and financial and digital inclusion, including
through trade and investment. Outreach on space contributions to women’s economic security can be reinforced
by integration of space security into the priority lines of effort in U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace and Security.

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safe and responsible space activities, including space exploration and

commerce, while strengthening U.S. and allied capabilities and working to
reduce the potential for conflict.

Our Diplomacy for Space efforts will promote a rules-based international

order for outer space activities. We will strengthen international
understanding and support for U.S. space policies and programs. The
Department’s whole-of-government approach will showcase U.S. leadership
in the responsible and sustainable use of space across the civil, commercial,
and national security sectors and will seek to increase predictability and
reduce the risk of misunderstanding and miscalculation.

In coordination with other U.S. departments and agencies, we will build

international partnerships for civil and national security space, promote a rules-
based international order for outer space and work to secure the United States
and its allies from space-enabled threats. In international governance, policy, and
regulatory fora, the Department will exercise U.S. leadership across space-
related issues, tackling current space safety and sustainability challenges
such as congestion in the space domain, near Earth objects, and severe space
weather, and leading early action on the challenges of tomorrow, including
those related to the recovery and use of outer space resources, lunar

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operations, and other novel space activities 9. Along with diplomacy on civil
space activities and national security, we will pursue cross-cutting diplomacy
related to commercial space; strategic competition; non-proliferation,
technology transfer and export controls; cybersecurity of space systems;
and space situational awareness and international preparedness. We will
support candidates for election in relevant multilateral bodies who are
committed to upholding and strengthening responsible, sustainable rules-
based frameworks for space operations and policies.

The Artemis Accords are a centerpiece of the United States’ civil space
diplomacy. The Accords’ principles, guidelines, and best practices are
grounded in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, setting the stage for safe and
transparent civil space exploration, and promoting peaceful cooperation.10
By signing the Artemis Accords, States commit to carrying out activities in
the civil exploration and use of outer space in a manner that is both
responsible and sustainable.

9
Such as: In-space servicing assembly and manufacturing (ISAM), future lunar operations, debris remediation,
space tourism, recovery and reuse of space resources, asteroid mining, space launch vehicles, and new satellite
applications.
10
Artemis Accords principles include committing to transparency, interoperability, sharing of scientific data,
registration of space objects, mitigation of orbital debris including spacecraft disposal, and providing emergency
assistance in space.

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Diplomacy for Space Goal 1

Civil and Commercial Space:

Facilitate increased international cooperation and partnerships in civil and

commercial space applications to harness their economic, environmental,
and societal benefits for all, while promoting U.S. standards, best
practices, values, and responsible behaviors and avoiding unreasonable
burdens on the U.S. private sector. In support of U.S. and international civil
and commercial space activities, the Department will:Work with allies and
partners to establish or update guidelines at the UN Committee on the
Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) and other relevant multilateral
fora on the enhanced civil exploration and use of space for peaceful
purposes, including science; Earth observation; economic development and
novel space activities; preservation of the electromagnetic spectrum; civil
positioning, navigation, and timing; and other space-based applications.

2. Utilize the Artemis Accords as a convening function to help shape

discussion around the global governance of space exploration and
other activities, such as the use of space resources, by fostering and
expanding cooperation with traditional and non-traditional space
partners, and:

a. Work with signatories to launch Artemis deconfliction and

emerging partners working groups.

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b. Expand the number of Artemis Accord signatories through

outreach to additional States.

3. Engage with U.S. space industry to understand views that may inform
U.S. leadership at multilateral fora, including on emerging issues such
as space resource utilization and the approach to post-International
Space Station space exploration.

4. Promote cooperation and interoperability between national space

regulatory regimes and systems and enhance opportunities for the
peaceful use and exploration of outer space, including as appropriate
through the negotiation of bilateral and multilateral agreements or
other arrangements.

5. Pursue full, free, and open data policies for government Earth
observation satellites. Enhance international cooperation to enable
more robust Earth observation architectures, increase access to data
from overseas sources, and support capacity building efforts so that
data can be appropriately employed for disaster management, climate
change mitigation and adaptation, and economic development.

6. Meet existing international obligations and showcase U.S.

transparency and engagement on coordination with other States on
registration of space objects, astronaut rescue and return, debris
recovery, and planetary protection and defense.

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7. Integrate space-related policy and programmatic objectives and

concerns into international cybersecurity, electromagnetic spectrum,
environmental, critical infrastructure, and other relevant diplomatic
fora.

8. Collaborate with industry and encourage partner development and

integration of cybersecurity plans for space systems that mitigate
unauthorized access to critical space system functions, reduce
vulnerabilities, protect ground systems, promote cybersecurity
hygiene practices, and manage supply chain risks.

9. Press to include gender equity and equality on the agendas of our

regular space dialogues and for broad, consistent inclusion of civil
society and non-governmental organizations, including those with
indigenous representation and women-led organizations, in
multilateral space governance fora.

In our bilateral and regional dialogues and diplomacy, the Department will
advocate for U.S. space policy goals and initiatives, including the use of U.S.
space-derived data, products, remote sensing imagery, and services. As
appropriate, we will raise space-related issues, activities, and programs at
the highest levels of foreign governments. We will:

1. Promote responsible behavior and commercial cooperation, spur

progress on technical cooperation, build and maintain cross-

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government relationships, generate new initiatives, and raise allies’

and partners’ whole-of-government awareness of space issues.

2. Encourage other nations’ full compliance with international obligations on

space object registration and effective practices on space weather and
planetary protection.

3. Track foreign space policy positions, strategy, programs, and activities;

local space industry trends; and other space-related issues. In support
of U.S. policy development, we will obtain insight on allies’ and partners’
approaches to emerging commercial issues, such as liability and insurance.

Diplomacy for Space Goal 2

National Security:

Promote U.S. and allied security through bilateral and multilateral

efforts that enhance capabilities and reduce risks of unintended conflict
or escalation.

1. Continue to comply with applicable international law and

demonstrate leadership in both the responsible use of space and
the stewardship of the space environment.

2. Use space security dialogues and diplomatic engagements to

exchange views on space threats, policies, strategies, and doctrine.

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3. Work with allies and other likeminded nations, including at UN

disarmament and international security fora, to reduce space
threats by advancing norms, rules, and principles of responsible
behaviors, and as appropriate, legally binding arms control
agreements, consistent with the National Space Policy.

4. Consider refining targeted export controls to better meet our

foreign policy and national security equities – including balancing
our equities to facilitate the growth of U.S. industry and protect
critical U.S. technologies and intellectual property. Advocate for
those controls in coordinated bilateral and multilateral fora and
implement those controls nationally.

5. Building upon general international guidelines on space debris and

mitigation and long-term sustainability, work to reduce risks of
misunderstanding, help prevent or manage space-related incidents,
and prevent inadvertent escalations.

6. Further the integration of U.S. national security space capabilities

and activities with those of our allies and partners.

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Diplomacy for Space Goal 3 – Cross-Cutting Priorities

3.1 Commercial Space Diplomacy:

Support U.S. space-related economic growth and advance space science

and exploration. In line with the 2020 National Space Policy objectives, we
will:

1. Continue and expand commercial diplomacy and advocacy on behalf

of the U.S. space industry to support economic growth and advance
space science and exploration, in coordination with the Department of
Commerce.

2. Encourage other nations to adopt U.S. space regulatory approaches

and commercial space and remote sensing sector practices and
encourage interoperability.

3. Facilitate new market opportunities for U.S. commercial space

capabilities and services, including civil applications that rely on USG-
provided space systems.

3.2 Strategic Competition

Pursue space-related priorities in broader foreign policy and diplomatic

engagement with strategic competitors, and:

1. Pursue bilateral and multilateral transparency and confidence-building

measures to reduce the risk of confrontation or conflict in space.

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2. Track foreign government non-market practices in the space industry.

Raise awareness with allies and partners of potential risks of
collaboration with strategic competitors.

3. Connect emerging and aspiring space partners with U.S. expertise on

national space policies and agency and governance structures,
technological innovation, scientific collaboration, and equitable STEM
education to help ensure the United States remains the partner of
choice. This collaboration can also expand international scientific and
technical capacity to support U.S. and international space program
goals and societal benefits.

3.3 Non-Proliferation, Technology Transfer, and Export Controls:

Ensure Technology Transfer mechanisms and Export Controls support

national and economic security, and:

1. Maintain U.S. policy, consistent with PPD-42 “Preventing and

Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation, Terrorism, and
Use” and the National Space Transportation Policy (2013), of not
supporting the development or acquisition of space launch vehicle
(SLV) (PPD-42) and space transportation systems in non-Missile
Technology Control Regime (MTCR) countries. We will also continue
our policy of not encouraging SLV and space transportation programs
in MTCR partner countries, which we did not support prior to the
advent of the MTCR in 1987.

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2. Negotiate Technology Safeguards Agreements with MTCR Partner

countries to establish the legal and technical framework for the
protection of sensitive U.S. technologies that will allow U.S.
commercial launch operations from an MTCR Partner country
consistent with U.S. law, regulation, policy, and our commitments to
the MTCR.

3.4 Critical Infrastructure and Cybersecurity of Space:

Promote and explain U.S. policy on cybersecurity and information and

communications technologies (ICTS) in space, space-related critical
infrastructure security and resilience, and space asset resiliency on the
international stage, and:

1. Work with U.S. cybersecurity agencies and entities to promote a

secure environment, with cybersecurity interoperability, to strengthen
space asset resiliency against adversarial offensive operations.

2. Collaborate with interagency, allied, partner, and commercial space

system operators to promote the development and adoption of best
practices and risk mitigations.

3. Enhance understanding of, and integrate cybersecurity of, space

equities and objectives into U.S. positions at cybersecurity and other
multilateral fora.

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4. Promote comprehensive, risk-based approaches for cybersecurity of

ground and space-based systems, along with appropriate physical security
strategies.

5. Include commercial space stakeholders, as appropriate, into international

efforts to promote secure and resilient critical infrastructure.

6. Work with commercial space stakeholders to advance the use of space

systems to complement, where possible, and expand the reach of
information and communications technologies and services’ global
connectivity.

7. Align space regulations to U.S. ICTS security policies such as E.O.

13873, 14034, 14028, and SPD-5.

3.5 Space Situational Awareness and International Preparedness:

Pursue cooperative space situational awareness in civil, security, and

comprehensive space dialogues. We will work with USG interagency
partners and the U.S. commercial sector, as appropriate, to:

1. Advocate for a U.S. civil open data platform which leverages data and
services provided from a variety of government, commercial,
academic, and international sources.

2. Lead in the development and implementation of open, transparent,

and credible international standards, policies, and best practices that
establish the foundation for global space traffic coordination.

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3. Continue to support international consultation mechanisms for

planetary defense.

4. Support international cooperation on monitoring operational space

weather.

5. Increase international dialogue on the future of astronaut search and

rescue operations.

6. Improve information sharing and other procedures related to space object

re-entry outside of a launching State’s territory.

Pillar 2: Space for Diplomacy – Leveraging space activities

for wider diplomatic goals.

Pursue increased international cooperation in the use of satellite applications,

remote sensing satellite imagery, and space-derived data to help solve urgent
societal challenges and achieve U.S. foreign policy and national security
objectives on issues such as: climate change and environmental sustainability;
crisis management and conflict prevention; arms control and international
security; economic competitiveness and prosperity; and human health, while
promoting U.S. standards, best practices, and values, including through
outreach to foreign publics.

Through Space for Diplomacy, the Department’s diplomatic and public

diplomacy efforts will promote the international peaceful use of space
capabilities to make progress on global economic, environmental, political,

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technological, and societal challenges. We will also use public and science
diplomacy tools to enable embassies to leverage U.S. leadership in space
exploration to build affinity for the United States among foreign publics and a
better appreciation of how U.S.-led space exploration and scientific research
provide tangible benefits for all. We will use space-derived imagery, data, and
analysis to illuminate the realities of, and spur international efforts on,
humanitarian crises and disasters; migration and refugee flows; the
environment and sustainable development; natural resource and energy
issues, including oceans and water; boundary disputes and territorial claims;
and human rights issues and war crimes.

The development of new space applications also provides opportunities for

economic growth, scientific leadership, and technological innovation that have
not yet been identified. Sustaining the rules-based order requires working
with an expanding number of partners on a shared positive vision for space.
The Department will continue facilitating connection and education on ways
space activities can support partner and ally priorities and international
partnerships. We will also continue applying space-related capacity, data, and
analysis to broader Department policy decisions, including our responses to
geopolitical events such as armed conflict; facility planning surrounding
climate adaptation and mitigation, air pollution, and natural disasters in our
internal Department operations; and when targeting our disaster response
and emergency assistance. Scientific and technological cooperation in the
exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, such as the making
available of satellite imagery, is also critical to national preparedness and

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domestic disaster management. We will therefore continue prioritizing our

facilitation of international agreements and other arrangements that serve
as umbrella frameworks for technical implementation. In this way, we will
support enhanced U.S resilience by augmenting the U.S. ability to observe
and respond to a range of urgent situations.

Space for Diplomacy Goal 1

Use Space Activities to Meet Diplomatic Priorities.

1. Enhance internal Department and interagency synergies to further

benefit from space-derived data, products, and services in our
policymaking and response to breaking events, global challenges, such
as extreme weather and climate change, environmental, oceans,
disaster risk reduction, and indigenous issues, and arms control
verification and nonproliferation.

2. Use satellite imagery to build U.S. credibility and counter false

narratives and disinformation.

3. Facilitate use of international satellite-based data, including from non-U.S.

systems, for U.S. national preparedness and domestic disaster analyses and
management.

4. Promote available access for foreign partners, prioritizing outreach to

emerging and aspiring space partners, including in appropriate non-
space fora.

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5. Promote equitable access to Earth observations, including by

mobilizing new donors and both private sector and innovation
funding, as appropriate, and by publicizing U.S. online capacity-
building opportunities, including raising awareness for
underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized communities,
including women.

6. Continue to expand the use of space-derived data and educational

materials in pursuit of STEM, gender equity and equality, and DEIA
objectives.

7. Leverage interagency expertise in space science and technology

through the Embassy Science Fellows and educational exchange
programs to build capacity in appropriate countries and encourage
countries to see the United States as a preferred collaboration
partner.

8. Highlight U.S. space exploration leadership and promote U.S. space

diplomacy through public outreach campaigns.

Space for Diplomacy Goal 2

Support Department Resource Management and Operations.

1. Leverage interagency space-related capacity for insights into U.S.

diplomatic mission conditions and resource requirements related to
staff health, facilities management, extreme weather and climate and

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biodiversity resilience, natural hazards, emergency planning, and

security, that also bring focus to key global challenges.

2. Support broader U.S. government and Department all-hazards critical

infrastructure security and resilience outreach, emergency planning,
and continuity of government/continuity of operations requirements,
as they expand to incorporate space-related hazards.

Pillar 3: Empowering the Department Workforce on Space

Diplomacy.

Provide diplomatic posts and the Department’s workforce in Washington,

D.C. with the modernized skill set of tools and knowledge needed to
pursue space-related policy and programmatic objectives through all
relevant bilateral and multilateral fora and mechanisms.

We must ensure that Department staff have the knowledge and tools they
need to be fully successful on space-specific objectives, to use space-related
information in pursuit of other diplomatic objectives, and to integrate space-
related policy positions into related policy discussions. Our space diplomacy
already benefits from working with the interagency and from growing
expertise and focus arising out of the Department Modernization Agenda,
including on climate, cyberspace and emerging technologies, economics,
and multilateral diplomacy. The Department’s space community of interest
will:

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1. Continue identifying synergies and, when appropriate, joint

prioritization, of key issues across Department engagement at space-
related or bilateral fora.

2. Systemically support Department workforce on space diplomacy,

including flagging topics of interest for post reporting and elevating
awareness of space-related online resources and training options.

3. Broaden use and understanding of space-related data that can be

applied to global challenges, both at the Department level and by
posts.

4. Gain a better understanding of Regional Environment, Science,

Technology, and Health (ESTH) Officers (REOs), ESTH, political-military,
Regional Technology Officers (RTOs), and public diplomacy sections’
needs and requirements, so they are further equipped to engage on
space issues.

5. Develop public diplomacy toolkits to help translate U.S. leadership in

outer space exploration and establish a greater appreciation of the
U.S. commitment to transparency, open science, and innovation.

VI. Conclusion

Vice President Harris has noted that U.S. space leadership has “been guided
by a set of fundamental principles – cooperation, security, ambition, and
public trust – and the recognition that space can and must be protected for

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the benefit of all people.” In pursuit of these principles, the actions

proposed in this strategic framework are intended to ensure the
Department fulfills its mission to advance the United States’ position as a
global space leader, working alongside our allies and partners for peaceful
purposes, utilizing space to benefit society, and exploring the Moon, Mars,
and beyond to continue expanding humanity’s knowledge and awareness of
our surroundings and the vast expanse of the universe.

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