Overview 

These executive trainings are designed to help participants engage with real-world space challenges through a combination of expert perspectives and interactive, scenario-based learning. 

Each program focuses on a specific theme within the broader space diplomacy landscape while emphasizing cross-sector coordination, strategic awareness, and applied problem-solving. 

Trainings are offered periodically based on participant interest and can be tailored for specific audiences or organizations. 

Why Participate 

As space becomes more integrated into global systems, disruptions and competition in the domain carry increasing consequences. Leaders must be prepared to navigate: 

• Intersections of diplomacy, security, and commercial activity  

• Coordination across governments, industry, and international partners  

• Strategic uncertainty and evolving risks in the space domain  

These trainings provide a structured environment to explore these challenges, test approaches, and gain practical insight that can be applied in professional settings. 

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. 

Meridian offers both individual enrollment in existing trainings, and bespoke group programs tailored to organizations. 

Interested in a training? Fill out our interest form. 

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 

Each training is designed as an interactive, executive-level experience. While topics vary, programs typically include: 

Expert Briefings
Focused insights on the selected topic, grounded in current geopolitical, economic, and technological developments. 

Strategic Perspectives
Comparative views on how different countries and actors approach space-related challenges. 

Applied Frameworks
Tools and approaches to support analysis, coordination, and strategic thinking. 

Interactive Exercises
Scenario-based simulations that allow participants to engage with realistic challenges and explore decision pathways in a dynamic environment. 

Example Training Topics 

Trainings are modular and evolve based on interest. Example focus areas include: 

• Space Security & Crisis Management  

• International Space Governance and Norms  

• Commercial Space and Economic Competition  

• Strategic Competition in Space  

• Space Sustainability and Orbital Debris  

• Emerging Technologies and Space (e.g., cyber, AI)  

• Alliance Coordination and Multilateral Engagement 

About Meridian's Space Diplomacy Initiative

Meridian’s Space Diplomacy Initiative strengthens 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.      

Our Most Recent Training 

On March 26, 2026, Meridian International Center and SPACEAIMS convened a half-day Executive Training on Space Security focused on strengthening strategic decision-making in the increasingly contested space domain. As space systems become ever more integral to national security, economic stability, and global communications, leaders are being asked to navigate complex crises shaped by counterspace capabilities, cyber threats, orbital congestion, and geopolitical competition. This session provided senior professionals with a clear, high-level understanding of the evolving space security landscape, emphasizing the real-world implications of disruption and the need for coordinated, cross-sector responses under conditions of uncertainty.