In 2010, U.S. President Barack Obama articulated his vision for the future of American space exploration, which included an eventual manned mission to Mars. Such an endeavor would surely cost hundreds of billions of dollars -- maybe even $1 trillion.

Grounded in a realistic assessment of technology, Matthew C. Waxman and Kenneth Anderson outline a practical alternative with which to evaluate the use of autonomous weaponry that incorporates codes of conduct based on traditional legal and ethical principles governing weapons and warfare.

Peter A. Garretson examines whether space-based solar power is the next major step in the Indo-U.S. strategic partnership.

Scott Pace and Robert Walker discuss U.S. space program budget cuts, the indefinite cancellation of U.S.-government-sponsored human space exploration, and the rise of private sector activity in the area.

China's anti-satellite test in January drew international condemnation but also piqued interest in some quarters about instituting a space weapons ban.

In this report, Bruce W. MacDonald illuminates the strategic landscape of military space competition between the United States and China and highlights the dangers and opportunities the United States confronts in space.

President Obama should make a trip to the region soon to signal a renewed commitment to helping resolve the conflict between Palestine and Israel, says CFR's Robert Danin.

NASA's human spaceflight ventures may be fading away due to continued underfunding, despite perennial efforts by some members of Congress and the science community, reports Keith Perine.

James Lovelock, the originator of the Gaia theory, which describes Earth as a self-regulating planet, has a stark view of the future of humanity.

Council on Foreign Relations President Richard N. Haass writes that John Kerry has only one chance to make a first impression on his first trip abroad as secretary of state, and what is said and not said on this visit will have repercussions for years to come.

Frank Klotz writes that China's growing space power has profound implications for America's own interests in space and the much-touted "pivot" to the Asia-Pacific region.

Frank G. Klotz writes SpaceX is clearly a pioneer—but it's also a business. In this sense, the greatest challenges for the company may reside not in space but in the marketplace.

Micah Zenko says orbital space debris is a growing threat to civil, military, and commercial satellites in space, and mitigating the threat it poses to these satellites and spacecraft will require enhanced international cooperation.

Peter A. Garretson outlines actions that the Obama administration should take on space policy.

Peter A. Garretson argues that science fiction is an underappreciated tool in grand strategy.

Peter A. Garretson discusses the possibility that satellites in orbit can be a source of energy for the future.

Peter A. Garretson discusses the launch of orbiting solar collectors into space as a solution for energy security and climate change.

Charles D. Ferguson and Bruce W. MacDonald argue that by demonstrating its anti-satellite capability, the U.S. “was stepping briefly across a dangerous threshold, undercutting American and international criticism of China and threatening an arms race in space.”