Facilitators  

The executive training is intentionally designed to prioritize strategic insight, practical decision-making, and participant engagement within a limited time frame.  

Meridian International Center is a nonpartisan center for diplomacy that empowers leaders to advance the next era of diplomacy. Through its Center for Technology, Innovation and Space, Meridian advances dialogue and cooperation at the intersection of emerging technologies, security, and international engagement, with a strong track record of executive-level programming and Track 1.5 dialogue. 

SPACEAIMS brings deep expertise in space security, strategic competition, and crisis dynamics. Led by Dr. Saadia M. Pekkanen, its work focuses on scenario-based learning and structured decision-making approaches that allow participants to experience realistic, high-pressure crises in a controlled environment. 

Together, Meridian and SPACEAIMS deliver a differentiated executive program that integrates diplomatic, security, and commercial perspectives in a neutral and senior-level setting. 

Program Structure

Executive Briefing

The session begins with an interactive briefing on the contemporary space security landscape. Topics include counterspace capabilities, gray-zone activity, and civil, commercial, and military interdependence. Participants examine how vulnerabilities in space systems affect national security, economic resilience, and crisis stability, while also exploring alliance dynamics and governance challenges. 

Regional Strategic Perspectives

Participants receive concise regional briefings focused on key space actors including China, Japan, the European Union, and the United States. Each session highlights doctrine, capabilities, political drivers, and approaches to crisis escalation, offering a comparative understanding of how different actors approach space security challenges. 

Decision-Making Frameworks

To prepare for the simulation, participants are introduced to structured decision-making tools that support risk assessment under uncertainty. These frameworks address attribution and signaling, proportional response, and the balance between diplomatic and operational considerations, providing practical approaches applicable beyond the exercise. 

Tabletop Exercise (TTX)

The in-person tabletop exercise immerses participants in a realistic, evolving space crisis. Participants assume role-based positions such as national security advisors, defense officials, commercial operators, or allied representatives. Across multiple decision rounds, participants confront challenges involving satellite interference, orbital hazards, commercial and military entanglement, and alliance coordination. The exercise concludes with a facilitated debrief that synthesizes key insights and lessons learned. 

Session Details

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026  | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm 

Location: Meridian International Center | Washington, DC

Format: In-person, half-day executive session lasting approximately 3.5 hours.  

Fee: $499.00

Participants
The training is designed for professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of space security, crisis management, and international cooperation. It is well suited for participants from government, industry, academia, and the policy community, including emerging leaders, technical practitioners, and those transitioning into space or national security roles. Typical participants include U.S. and allied government staff, commercial space professionals, diplomatic and embassy personnel, defense and national security practitioners, and analysts from think tanks and universities. 

Participation is capped at 25 participants.  

At the conclusion of the program, participants receive a Certificate of Completion to recognize their engagement and learning.

Reach out to forums@meridian.org with any questions.  

Please inquire about reduced rates for government employees, students and non-profits.

About Meridian Space Diplomacy

Meridian launched the Space Diplomacy Initiative to strengthen U.S. global partnerships while expanding knowledge of space and international affairs. Housed within the Center for Technology, Innovation and Space, the Initiative delivers track 1.5 diplomacy, cross-sector convening, geopolitical training, and professional exchanges to advance international norms, support emerging spacefaring nations, and accelerate the global space economy for the U.S. and its allies. At its core, the Initiative is focused on preserving American leadership in the space sector through international cooperation. As part of that effort, Meridian is increasingly focused on exploring the best avenues for nations to partner with the U.S. on space as well as identifying and overcoming the barriers to this cooperation.