As access to space grows, the need to understand existing space law and policy—and to develop new national and international policy and law related to the use of space—becomes increasingly important. 

Space policy, law, and nonproliferation are principal areas affecting space operations. We must understand and prepare for the potential risks associated with new trends in space activity. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is positioned to support and lead the development of solutions that enable the peaceful and secure use of space. PNNL’s legislative and regulatory analysts, national security specialists, and scientists bring deep expertise in:

• The development, implementation, and verification of international nonproliferation treaties and associated technologies
• The analysis of nonproliferation norms, policies, laws, technologies, and their integration
• The application of international and national laws and policies to new and emerging technologies
• International capacity building

PNNL-University of Washington MOU

To advance this work, PNNL has established a memorandum of understanding with the University of Washington Space Policy and Research Center. The collaborative relationship is designed to increase opportunities for joint research in science, technology, and policy topics affecting United States activities in space.