The U.S. and China in Space: Power, Politics, and Policy

China plans to have a permanent space station by the end of 2022 and published a white paper outlining an ambitious five-year plan on spaceflight and exploration in January. In 2019, the U.S. established the United States Space Force, viewing space as a national security imperative. Does space present an opportunity for collaboration or a new area of competition? Rewatch this timely event as our guest speaker Professor Scott Pace discusses the state of space programs in the U.S. and China, reflecting on historical events and current activities. About our Speaker: Dr. Scott Pace is Professor of the Practice of International Affairs, Director of the Space Policy Institute, Director of the Institute for International Science and Technology Policy and Director of the MA International Science and Technology Policy program at the George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Prior to joining the Elliott School faculty, He served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council. Previously, he had had multiple experiences working for NASA, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the Office of Space Commerce in the U.S. Department of Commerce. His research interests include civil, commercial, and national security space policy, and the management of technical innovation.
Dr. Pace received the Order of the Rising Sun with Gold and Silver Stars from the Government of Japan in 2021. Other awards include the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal in 2008, the US Department of State’s Group Superior Honor Award, GPS Interagency Team, in 2005, and the NASA Group Achievement Award, Columbia Accident Rapid Reaction Team, in 2004. He has been a member of the US Delegation to the World Radiocommunication Conferences in 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2007. He was also a member of the US Delegation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Telecommunications Working Group, 1997-2000. He has served as a member of the U.S. Delegation to the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in 2009, 2011-17, and 2022.
Dr. Pace received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Harvey Mudd College in 1980; Masters degrees in Aeronautics & Astronautics and Technology & Policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1982; and a Doctorate in Policy Analysis from the RAND Graduate School in 1989. About our Moderator: Ishani Chettri is the President of the U.S.-China Strategic Studies Organization. She is a rising senior majoring in journalism and minoring in international affairs who is also the Web Developer of The Hatchet and a communications intern at The National Committee on North Korea.