About the Center

Overview

The Colorado Space Policy Center (CSPC) is a versatile research and engagement center at the University of Colorado Boulder, dedicated to advancing thoughtful and prospective space policy conversations within the current political and economic climate. CSPC serves as a forum for expert dialogue, rigorous analysis of current and emerging policies, and education on these policies that shape space activities ranging from a wide variety of applications. 

CU Boulder distinguishes itself by uniting all relevant academic and research units—including nationally top-ranked programs in aerospace engineering, astrophysics, geosciences, and physics—into an integrated framework that enables interdisciplinary policy research and education. By drawing from the University’s strengths in engineering, science, business, and law, CSPC ensures the engagement of students and researchers alike with space policy through a comprehensive lens, preparing our students with a better understanding of the field than peer programs can provide.

Vision

CSPC seeks to be a nationally recognized center of excellence for national and global space policy analysis and formulation.

Mission

Leveraging the multidisciplinary capabilities resident at CU Boulder, this Center will conduct original research, provide a venue for experts and key stakeholders to discuss and debate policy issues, and provide a comprehensive educational program that will address advances in science and technology, the role of government in the changing space landscape, growth of commercial space, increase in global entrants, and interaction between civilian and military actors. 

What Makes Us Distinct

CSPC's affiliation with CU Boulder has given the center a unique role within the space community, utilizing the University's long-established presence and leadership in space activities over the last eighty years. Furthermore, CSPC's location in Colorado provides immediate access to the relevant agencies and corporations shaping space policy and technology as advancements in this field continue to be made. Through this, we are able to provide:

  • Multidisciplinary context of space policy issues, drawing from fields including law, engineering, public policy, economics, and more
  • A convening role that brings together academia, government, and industry
  • Policy-focused research that complements the current technical work being done at CU Boulder rather than taking resources from it

Areas of Focus

The center aims to focus on a variety of subjects, including:

  • Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Policy: Evaluation of regulatory concerns affecting satellites, LEO operations, and space traffic management
  • Space Commercialization: Observation of the growing shift of space activities to the private sector and how this will affect current and future space operations
  • Global Cooperation: Promotion of international engagement in space policy discussions
  • Planetary Protection: Research on policies and regulations to safeguard Earth from extraterrestrial hazards (meteoroids, CMEs, etc.) and prevent future contamination of neighboring planets
  • Human Exploration: Analysis of considerations guiding human spaceflight in Earth's orbit and beyond

... and much more

Education and Engagement

Education and engagement are essential to the CSPC's mission. Through the center, we aim to promote:

  • Distinguished Lectures and public events to allow internal and external experts to engage with others on pressing issues in either civilian or national security space matters
  • Engagement with policymakers to introduce issues within space policy to congressional staff members
  • A graduate certificate program integrated into multiple departments throughout the University, providing students with unique coursework relevant to space policy

Looking Ahead

The Colorado Space Policy Center looks to establish a lasting impact on the current space policy landscape. In the following years, the center plans to expand its reach across a wide range of disciplines and subjects, while promoting student engagement through workshops, courses, and other initiatives. Additionally, the CSPC seeks to foster a collaborative environment throughout academia, governance, and industry alike, creating valuable conversations between parties as we collectively explore the exciting frontier of space. Through all of this, the CSPC strives to solidify itself as a recognized hub for education and engagement in space policy, preparing the next generation of space policy leaders and providing informed and insightful commentary to national and global discussions within this rapidly expanding field.