Washington, D.C. — June 25, 2025
The Secure World Foundation (SWF) has received a grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York to launch a new two-pronged program aimed at bridging critical knowledge and collaboration gaps between the nuclear security, space policy, and commercial space communities.
Today, more than ever, actions and competition in space have strategic consequences. Since the world’s major spacefaring nations are also nuclear powers, space security is inextricably linked to nuclear stability. Yet, many arms control professionals have limited training in the technical and policy dimensions of space. At the same time, the interconnected nature of commercial space, space security, and nuclear security is not well understood, particularly with regard to how this can affect geopolitical stability and/or contribute to potential escalation scenarios.
To address these challenges, SWF is launching a new program titled, “Strengthening Strategic Stability at the Nexus of Nuclear and Space Security.”
First, SWF will host an immersive week-long Space Boot Camp in Washington, D.C., educating 15–20 early-career nuclear security professionals on the fundamentals of space. The Space Boot Camp will introduce participants to orbital mechanics, satellite operations, space governance, and the evolving commercial space landscape, culminating in a crisis simulation exercise and a DC-area offsite visit to provide real-world examples of some of the issues that they will have been learning about; as well, this will be followed by virtual lectures to reinforce discussions at the Space Boot Camp. The goal is to embed space literacy in the next generation of arms control experts, ensuring they are better prepared to address future cross-domain challenges.
Second, in partnership with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, SWF will convene a two-year Dialogue Series bringing together experts from nuclear policy, space security, and commercial space industries. The dialogue aims to foster candid, not for attribution conversations, strengthen cross-sector understanding, and explore practical policy approaches to reduce risk. The first year will focus on U.S. stakeholders, while the second year will expand to bring in a curated international cohort.
“As the use of space increasingly intersects with other strategic domains, including strategic stability, it is essential that we equip current and future leaders with the knowledge and networks needed to understand and reduce \risks to strategic stability. Through this program, we hope to foster dialogue to better understand these intersections and identify practical approaches to risk mitigation,” said Dr. Peter Martinez, Executive Director of Secure World Foundation.
“Developments in space technology affect nuclear risks, and developments in nuclear technology affect risks in space. We’re excited to work with SWF in fostering a dialogue to understand these interconnections and identify practical approaches to risk mitigation.” James M. Acton, Co‑Director, Nuclear Policy Program and Jessica T. Mathews Chair, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Founded in 2002, Secure World Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the secure, sustainable, and peaceful use of outer space. SWF engages in research, policy dialogue, and capacity-building to develop cooperative solutions for space governance and stability. Its team of experts works globally with governments, industry, civil society, and academia to preserve the long-term sustainability of space for all.
Media Contact:
Robert Pemberton
Director, Communications
info@swfound.org
