Strategic Competition > Strategic Domains
Space Domain Superiority
Securing the High Frontiers of Strategic Competition
“Air, space, and cyber are no longer supporting theaters—they are the front lines of strategic competition. Securing the high ground defines strategic advantage.”
Kennedy visting Los Angeles Air Force Base for a briefing by Space Systems Command.
🔹 Strategic Context:
- This page is part of WISC’s Strategic Competition framework, which applies geoeconomic statecraft through the STEAD model — integrating Security, Technology, Economics, Alliances, and Diplomacy — to secure U.S. leadership across critical domains.
Why Space Superiority Matters
- Space, air, and cyber are no longer supporting theaters—they are decisive arenas in the global competition of systems.
- Space supremacy is no longer a luxury — it is a strategic necessity.
- Enabling global reach, deterrence, and rapid response
- Protecting communication, navigation, and intelligence systems critical to economic and military operations
- Securing decision advantage through data dominance and infrastructure resilience
- In an era of counter-space weapons, hypersonics, and cyber warfare, maintaining secure and trusted access to space is essential for deterring aggression and sustaining leadership.
- Victory demands resilience across satellite architecture, launch capabilities, commercial integration, and international norms.
Strategic Priorities for Space Superiority
Sustainting space superiority requires pursuing several critical priorities across the space domain:
- Ensure resilient space architectures and rapid reconstitution
- Deepen allied and commercial space partnerships
- Shape global standards for space governance and security
- Integrate cyber protection across space systems
Insights & Engagements
🏛️ Engaging Administration or Congress, 📰 Op-Ed / Article / Quoted ✍️ Policy Brief 👥 Roundtable / Visit 🎤 Speaking / Moderating 🎥 TV/Video 🌐 Global
Space Superiority
Space is no longer a sanctuary. China and Russia are developing counter-space weapons aimed at blinding and disabling U.S. satellites. America must ensure its space architecture is resilient, redundant, and rapidly reconstitutable. Civil-military partnerships and commercial launch capacity are essential to this effort.
Air & Space Conferences
- Space Symposium - Colorado Springs - 2021
Strengthen Allied Partnerships & Global Norms
Trusted alliances are essential to space resilience. Working with allies and emerging partners to align security practices, orbital norms, and commercial space standards strengthens deterrence and reinforces an open global system.
Cultivating Talent & Discovery
Developing the next generation of space leaders is critical to sustaining strategic advantage.
WISC supports partnerships that expand STEM education, aerospace research, and civil-military talent pipelines to ensure the U.S. maintains leadership in the high frontiers of space and technology.
- 👥 Discussions between Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Reserve Affairs and Airman Readiness John Fedrigo and University of North Dakota Aerospace on collaboration in training Air Force pilots - April 27, 2017
Space Industrial Base & Research Center Visits
Strengthening America’s innovation base requires sustained collaboration with commercial leaders and research institutions.
- Debrief on INTELSAT Satellite Operations by Peter Davidson - VP Global Government Affairs & Policy - February 26, 2025
- Northrop Grumman Space Briefing - Wilson Center Dialogue - July 11, 2022
- Lockheed Martin Space at Littleton, Colorado - November 12, 2019
Secure Cyberspace and Electromagnetic Dominance
Space systems are inseparable from cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum.
WISC emphasizes the need for resilient satellite communications, cyber-hardened ground systems, and integrated cyber defenses to safeguard freedom of action in orbit and on Earth.
Closing Principle
In the competition of systems, securing the high ground of space defines freedom of action, deterrence strength, and future prosperity.
👉 Related Pages
🔷 Featured Insights
The Scanning Empire: How China is Building a Global Web of Digital Control - Wilson Center Policy Brief with Lea Thome - February 20, 2025
Cultivating Resilient Leaders of Character for a World Disrupted by Technology - Intro to Air Force Fellow Col. Michelle Sterling's Insights - July 10, 2024
A Dangerous World Needs a Stronger U.S. Led NATO - Wilson Center Policy Brief - July 9, 2024
Allies’ Critical Infrastructure—And Its Resilience—Are Essential to Deter Authoritarian Rivals - Wilson Center Policy Brief with Alex Botting - January 26, 2023
Bolstering Japan’s invisible dimensions of power - Op-Ed in The Hill - January 12, 2023
Pioneering Space Force: A Fireside Chat with General Jay Raymond - Interviewed at Wilson Center - August 31, 2022
Alaska's Geopolitical Importance in the Age of Great Power Competition - Op-Ed in The Hill - July 5, 2022
How the U.S. Can Lead in the "Space Century" - Op-Ed in The Hill - April 27, 2022