Impact Area
Analysis of hybrid space architectures — international cooperation, cybersecurity and legal considerations — and support to space agencies.
Overview
To secure the nation's interests in space, enhance its utility to US assets on the ground and protect the country from orbital threats, the Institute's March 2026 report argues that the US Space Force must fully leverage and integrate Intelligence Community, civil, commercial and international capabilities into a hybrid architecture.
Institute research fellows have provided strategic recommendations and technical support to government customers including NASA and the US Space Force, alongside research on missile defense, deterrence and space-based systems.
Institute Work
The Institute's featured March 2026 report.
Results
Awaiting client content · The Institute has not yet supplied verified outcomes for this area. We don't state policy influence until it is confirmed.
Related Research
Space
Space is now a vibrant international and commercial theater of operations. Protecting national interests will not be achievable by relying solely on traditional, military-owned space systems; the US Space Force must fully leverage a hybrid architecture.
Potomac Institute for Policy Studies
Space
Protecting US national interests is unachievable if the Department of Defense relies solely on traditional military-owned space systems. The US Space Force must embrace international counterparts as valued partners in an integrated hybrid architecture.
Carmen Farro, Bradley Hague
Cyber & Data
In 2022, the Department of Defense released its Zero Trust Strategy. The US Space Force has begun pursuing zero trust to protect its digitally reliant assets while also exploring hybrid architectures that leverage military, civil, and commercial space assets.
Jason Blessing
Space
Building on the report “Making Space: Clearing the Way for Hybrid Architecture,” this paper discusses the potential legal considerations that could impact a commander's ability to use a space hybrid architecture in conflict.
Kim Sloan, Todd Pennington
Space
Space
It used to be that space was the ultimate high ground, safe from enemy attack. Space became the place to gather intelligence, surveil, reconnoiter enemy forces, transmit information globally, and command and control the application of force without risking incoming fire.
Author credit on original
Space
Space
The thousands of satellites orbiting Earth are now integral to our daily lives, essential to communication, navigation, defense, and infrastructure. However, we are increasingly cluttering orbits with human-made debris.
Carrie Zuckerman
Relevant Experts
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Director of Research Strategy & Development
Senior Research Fellow
Events & Briefings
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Engage
Sources: Institute homepage — featured report (opens in new tab) · Dr. Alyssa Adcock profile (opens in new tab)
