Space security 2025

Join senior policymakers, space security experts and industry leaders for this unique conference, examining how space actors are tackling conflict and competition and enhancing cooperation in a fracturing world.

Conference
5 March 2025 — 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
Chatham House and Online
Space satellite orbiting earth

Conflict, competition and cooperation in outer space

Space is a crucial domain of conflict, competition and cooperation. Recent years have seen the emergence of new actors in the ecosystem, as more countries seek to grow their presence in outer space, accompanied by the explosive growth of the space industry. Extraterrestrial exploration offers great opportunities, from the benefits of the space economy and technological developments to national security advantages. But with increasing activity and the diverging interests of state actors, governments, international organizations and the private sector are confronting fierce competition and the potential for conflict in space.

Alongside intensified competition, stakeholders are managing the growing role that space plays in modern military and defence strategies. Increased extraterrestrial activity has also created sustainability issues with serious security implications, demanding long-term solutions. At the same time, a fracturing global order poses major challenges to cooperation on space governance efforts and attempts to uphold international law.  

The 2025 Space Security Conference convenes policymakers and leaders from the private sector, multilateral organizations, academia and NGOs for a day of high-level interactive discussions examining conflict, competition and cooperation in outer space. Ahead of the 2025 Chatham House Security and Defence Conference, this event explores how the public and private sectors are addressing space security challenges and fostering a secure environment whilst harnessing the benefits of space for defence and economic growth.

Why attend?

  • Gain unique insights into the many and varied threats to space security and how governments, international organizations and the private sector are tackling them.  
  • Understand how key leaders in the domain are viewing the 21st century space race and what countries and space organizations are doing to mitigate conflict whilst keeping up in this competitive landscape.
  • Network with senior leaders from across government, international organizations and industry in-person at Chatham House and access exclusive ‘under the Rule’ discussions. 

The institute occupies a position of respect and trust, and is committed to fostering inclusive dialogue at all events. Event attendees are expected to uphold this by adhering to our code of conduct.

Agenda

Wednesday 5 March

Keynote Address | The UK’s priorities in outer space

How is UK space policy addressing the importance of outer space to critical national infrastructure? How is the country harnessing space for both economic and security purposes, and are these two goals compatible? What is the UK’s approach to public-private partnerships in the domain?


How will the government work with relevant partners and organizations to ensure space security?

1000–1030

A renewed space race

How has the role of space evolved in contemporary conflicts, such as Russia’s war in Ukraine? How can collaboration between the public and private sectors be strengthened to accelerate innovation and maximise capabilities in outer space? Which capabilities are states likely to be competing over in the coming years? With governments providing less research and development funding in the space sector, what are the implications for the international system?


How might growing reliance on space technologies exacerbate tensions between nations, especially as access to space remains restricted for many countries?

1030–1130

Networking break

1130–1200

The space economy and sustainability

How do the space economy and technological innovations help address pressing business and societal challenges? How can we ensure that the space economy works with governments to enhance the resilience of critical national infrastructure? What are the links between space security and sustainability?


What long-term solutions can address these challenges? What role will the private sector play in extraterrestrial sustainability?

1200–1300

Lunch

1300–1400

Enhancing space governance

What are the existing international agreements and regulatory frameworks governing space activity and how have they helped to preserve international law? What is the future of global space governance in an international landscape characterised by geopolitical rivalry? With the rise of middle powers and new state actors with divergent interests in space, how can governments, international organizations and the private sector enhance international collaboration on space governance?


How can private companies be engaged in the conversation around space governance and what does effective regulation look like given their increasing influence and innovation in the domain?  

1400–1500

In conversation | Exploring the final frontier

1500–1530
Chatham House exterior.

The venue

Chatham House is a trusted forum for debate and independent analysis. Our conferences provide access to thought leadership, market insight and influential ideas by bringing together policymakers, world leaders, senior business executives and sector specialists.

Join us at our world-famous Grade II listed home in beautiful St James Square, London.

Supporters

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Support a conference

Interested in supporting this conference? For all enquiries, please contact Lydia Isard.