At the Engineering Space Policy Laboratory (ESPL), we model the near-Earth space environment to contribute to world order in outer space. Using tools from observational astronomy and computational astrodynamics, we study the behavior of Earth-orbiting satellites to understand how space actors—from superpowers to start-ups—engage with systems of outer space governance. As the satellite population grows by orders of magnitude in the coming decades, our work seeks to enable data-driven rule-making that promotes coordinated, sustainable, and secure operations for generations to come.

Research at ESPL spans a diverse range of topics across its three themes: international coordination, sustainability, and security in space. From algorithmic assessments of rule-breaking in space to machine learning for pattern-of-life detection, our work leverages insights from spaceflight heritage and space policy history to advance responsible behavior in orbit. Together, our research products touch on topics as varied as space traffic coordination, rendezvous and proximity operations, orbital debris mitigation, the use of AI for space mission operations, telecommunications regulation, and space-based missile defense. Find a full list of research products here.