Emerging Security Issues in Space Policy

On Wednesday, December 14 at 1:30pm ET the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) hosted a two-part event exploring emerging security issues in space policy. This event featured a fireside chat with the first Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, the Honorable John F. Plumb, PhD, followed by a panel discussion on the satellite broadband competition in low Earth orbit (LEO). 

Emerging Security Issues in Space Policy 

1:30pm The State of Space Security: Fireside Chat with the Honorable John F. Plumb, PhD 

The CSIS Aerospace Security Project hosted a fireside chat with the inaugural Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, the Honorable John F. Plumb, PhD. The discussion will cover a wide-ranging of topics across national security space, including the National Defense Strategy and his priorities in this new role. 

Dr. Plumb is serving at a consequential time and historic period in national security space. He is responsible for the Department’s portfolio of strategic capabilities: space, missile defense, nuclear, counter WMD, cyber, and electronic warfare.

Moderated by: Kari A. Bingen, Director of the Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow in the International Security Program, CSIS

2:20pm Coffee Break 

2:30pm The Growing Potential of LEO Broadband: Report Release and Panel Discussion 

The competition to provide broadband from low Earth orbit (LEO) is one of the most important, least appreciated geostrategic developments underway. Policymakers in Washington have yet to consider the economic and strategic implications of LEO satellite constellations, which promise to dramatically improve coverage in underserved markets and bring more of the world online. In addition to reaping vast commercial rewards, nations with leading LEO broadband providers could enjoy increased resiliency in their communications, accuracy in positioning services, and even enhanced early warning capabilities.

An elite group of companies, primarily from the United States and Europe, are on the cutting edge of these efforts. But China has its own plans for LEO broadband, deep pockets of state funding to pursue those ambitions, and political ties to leverage through its Belt and Road Initiative. As the LEO broadband competition intensifies, policymakers need an accessible guide to these developments and recommendations for advancing U.S. interests. 

During this session, the Aerospace Security Project will release an assessment on the LEO Broadband landscape entitled Low Orbit, High Stakes: All-in on the LEO Broadband Competition. Moderator Kari A. Bingen will be joined by a knowledgeable panel of experts to lend their thoughts on the subject. 

Featuring: 

Commissioner Brendan Carr, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

April McClain-Delaney, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information at the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

Sarah Mineiro, CEO and Owner of Tangara Enterprises

Including an introduction of the Low Orbit, High Stakes report by authors Makena Young and Akhil Thadani

Moderated by: Kari A. Bingen, Director of the Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow in the International Security Program, CSIS

This event is made possible by support from Amazon Kuiper and SpaceX.

3:40pm Reception 

The Aerospace Security Project invites all in-person guests to a networking reception at CSIS immediately following the panel discussion.

This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.