Space Exploration

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Space exploration is both an international and a commercial effort; several countries, companies, and multinational organizations operate hundreds of Earth observation and information exchange platforms near and beyond Earth's orbital plane. RAND research assists policymakers in planning the most efficient and cost-effective strategy for advancing space exploration and cooperation for both military and commercial benefits.

  • A woman using binoculars to look at the stars, illustration by GeorgePeters/Getty Images

    Essay

    What Might Space Look Like in 2050?

    It would not take huge technological breakthroughs to make space and space travel a much bigger part of everyday life. Instead, it would take a steady progression of incremental advances—and one development in particular could provide the tipping point.

    Jan 5, 2023

  • Illustration of Artemis astronauts on the moon, illustration by NASA

    Commentary

    Governance in Space: Mining the Moon and Beyond

    Without further cooperation and agreement among space powers, multiple, competing governance systems may end up being established, further increasing potential for conflict. The time to address this issue is now, so that the use of deep-space resources contributes to prosperity, security, and freedom on Earth and throughout the solar system.

    Nov 18, 2022

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