State Department launches $5M Project Constellation for space partnerships

The US Mission to the International Organizations in Vienna has launched Project Constellation, a $5M effort to build international space partnerships. It was announced at the second annual US Space Forum.

Over two years, the program will run talent exchanges, delegation visits and training to connect emerging space nations with US companies. The State Department also wants it to bring foreign governments' civil and commercial space positions closer into line at the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the General Assembly.

The State Department chose three US organisations to run it. Meridian International Center, the prime recipient, will oversee strategy, delivery, partner coordination and finances. The Commercial Space Federation will lead the commercial side, promoting procurement and business partnerships with US companies. SPACEAIMS, a public policy consulting firm, will handle law, policy, governance and diplomacy work, including country assessments, policy dialogues and training.

Wells Griffith, US ambassador to the Vienna mission, said "today's aspiring, emerging, and developing space nations will be tomorrow's satellite constellation operators." The program covers more than 70 countries, with country-specific plans to be developed with partners. The 2027 and 2028 US Space Forums are also planned.

Sourcepayloadspace.com