UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
U.S. National Space Policy
The President authorized a new national space policy on August 31, 2006 that establishes
overarching national policy that governs the conduct of U.S. space activities. This policy
supersedes Presidential Decision Directive/NSC-49/NSTC-8, National Space Policy, dated
September 14, 1996.
1. Background
For five decades, the United States has led the world in space exploration and use and has
developed a solid civil, commercial, and national security space foundation. Space activities
have improved life in the United States and around the world, enhancing security, protecting
lives and the environment, speeding information flow, serving as an engine for economic growth,
and revolutionizing the way people view their place in the world and the cosmos. Space has
become a place that is increasingly used by a host of nations, consortia, businesses, and
entrepreneurs.
In this new century, those who effectively utilize space will enjoy added prosperity and security
and will hold a substantial advantage over those who do not. Freedom of action in space is as
important to the United States as air power and sea power. In order to increase knowledge,
discovery, economic prosperity, and to enhance the national security, the United States must
have robust, effective, and efficient space capabilities.
2. Principles
The conduct of U.S. space programs and activities shall be a top priority, guided by the
following principles:
• The United States is committed to the exploration and use of outer space by all nations
for peaceful purposes, and for the benefit of all humanity. Consistent with this principle,
“peaceful purposes” allow U.S. defense and intelligence-related activities in pursuit of
national interests;
• The United States rejects any claims to sovereignty by any nation over outer space or
celestial bodies, or any portion thereof, and rejects any limitations on the fundamental
right of the United States to operate in and acquire data from space;
• The United States will seek to cooperate with other nations in the peaceful use of outer
space to extend the benefits of space, enhance space exploration, and to protect and
promote freedom around the world;
• The United States considers space systems to have the rights of passage through and
operations in space without interference. Consistent with this principle, the United States
will view purposeful interference with its space systems as an infringement on its rights;
• The United States considers space capabilities -- including the ground and space
segments and supporting links -- vital to its national interests. Consistent with this
policy, the United States will: preserve its rights, capabilities, and freedom of action in
