White Papers

We provide credible and authoritative information on space to policymakers, industry and finance, educators and academia, the media and the general public in white papers, space-related policy and budget analyses, special reports, briefings and presentations.

For the Latest data:

Weather Satellites: Critical Technology in an Uncertain Environment

July 18, 2013

Weather satellites are an essential component of U.S. weather monitoring and forecasting, generating billions of dollars in benefits for the nation every year. The next generation of weather satellites is currently being built, and both the polar-orbiting and geostationary programs are on track to meet their most recent estimated launch dates. However, a gap in…

Read More

The James Webb Space Telescope – A Worthy Investment in Space Science

July 18, 2011

The Space Foundation recommends that the James Webb Space Telescope ( JWST) be fully funded at the level requested in the President’s Fiscal Year 2012 NASA Budget Proposal to allow for timely completion and launch of the spacecraft. This document fully explains the four top reasons for funding JWST, focusing on scientific benefits, technology development,…

Read More

ISS Presentation 2011

February 17, 2011

Political Evolution of the International Space Station: Prospects for Future Success” was presented by Space Foundation research analyst Mariel John at the International Space University (ISU) annual three-day symposium in Strasbourg, France, Feb. 17, 2011. The theme of the symposium was “The International Space Station: Maximizing the Return from Extended Operations.” Political Evolution of the…

Read More

Disease and Pandemic Early Warning

September 1, 2010

Data from remote sensing satellites can be used to provide warning of certain disease outbreaks and pandemics. Researchers create predictive software models by studying the link between environmental factors observable from space and epidemiological data for the population at risk. Several such systems are already in operation around the world, but there are many more…

Read More