Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy Released by State Department
The Department of State is releasing the first-ever Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy, a groundbreaking initiative to advance U.S. global space leadership. Through this Framework, we will expand international cooperation on mutually beneficial space activities, including through the Artemis Accords, and commitments against destructive anti-satellite missile tests. We will encourage responsible behavior, strengthen understanding and support for U.S. national space policies, and promote international use of U.S. space capabilities.
The Department currently leads in building international partnerships for current U.S. space undertakings – including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Artemis missions, and the Department of Commerce’s Space Traffic Coordination System. The Strategic Framework provides a critical foundation for our work, grounded in U.S. strategic objectives and values. We are committed to expanding space benefits for all humankind by engaging allies and partners who share our democratic values of openness, transparency, adaptability, and the free flow of ideas and information.
As near-earth space gets more crowded, the Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy will help maintain the rules-based international order and foster cooperation for long-term sustainability, commercialization, exploration, and space utilization. The State Department will work with its interagency partners to ensure U.S. leadership in this new collaborative space era.
Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy will Prioritize Partnerships
According to the Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy, 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 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.
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.
(Source: US State Department news release and Strategic Framework document. Images from file)