Today, America's preeminent role in space is being challenged both internationally and domestically. Space policy has become a prominent and contentious public policy issue. The future of America's space program is at a critical point in time-decisions are being made that will affect not only our national security and our leadership role in space, but also our ability to successfully compete with other countries in the commercial use of space for many years to come.

The Science and Technology Policy Program’s space policy efforts are done in collaboration with and under the direction of the Baker Institute Space Policy Program. Through its Space Policy Program, under the leadership of Mr. George Abbey former director of Johnson Space Center, the Baker Institute will bring together experts from academia, government, industry, and nongovernmental agencies, and it will sponsor research, workshops, seminars, and lectures covering a wide range of space-related topics from which working papers, reports, and constructive public policy recommendations will be generated. Through the exchange of diverse perspectives, the encouragement of vigorous debate, and the focus on developing solutions to complex problems, the mission of the institute's Space Policy Program is to enhance the understanding of the principal issues facing policymakers and to truly lend a meaningful voice to our country and the world.