How the U.S. Space Force Is Building Space Diplomacy Skills for International Cooperation

As space becomes more central to international security and cooperation, diplomacy is essential to building the relationships needed to keep it safe and secure. On September 25, Meridian International Center convened the second cohort of the U.S. Space Force’s Regional Space Advisor course with diplomatic and commercial space leaders for hands-on training, dialogue and relationship-building ahead of international postings.  

The morning session, led by Saadia M. Pekkanen, Founder of SPACEAIMS, and Gregory D. Miller, Dean of Space Education for the U.S. Space Force, explored what it takes to build the foundations of space diplomacy. Participants considered how diplomacy can help keep space safe and secure and took part in two scenario simulations to practice diplomatic tools in action.  

Frank Justice, Vice President of Open Diplomacy Programs and Director of the Space Diplomacy Initiative at Meridian, provided an overview of open diplomacy and its role in strengthening international space cooperation. The session examined how international engagement can unlock cooperation and build partnerships rooted in trust and optimism. 

The program continued with a luncheon dialogue connecting Guardians with American diplomats, commercial space leaders with international experience, and space and military attachés from the embassies of Australia, Denmark, Japan and Italy. The conversation focused on preparing Regional Space Advisors for international postings and the diplomatic skills needed to build trust and work collaboratively with international partners. Participants shared best practices, tools and resources for overseas assignments, emphasizing the importance of building relationships across government and the commercial sector, remaining curious and engaging with a wide range of partners.  

The September program built on the launch of the Regional Space Advisor course in June 2026. The three-week course prepares Guardians for overseas assignments as space-focused liaisons embedded within allied government institutions, including ministries of defense. Those relationships are already extending beyond individual convenings: participants from the September dialogue shared that they remain in contact with Guardians from Meridian’s June program, demonstrating how sustained engagement can strengthen the networks underpinning international space cooperation. 

Project summary

How the U.S. Space Force Is Building Space Diplomacy Skills for International Cooperation | September 2026