SME Global Space Cooperation Program

Accelerating International Partnerships for U.S. Space Companies

The SME Global Space Cooperation Program is a membership-based program that cultivates international partnerships for American commercial space startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while building the confidence and capability to operate compliantly across borders. 

Meridian partners with Space Exploration Engineering (SEE) and Camber Research to provide hands-on operational guidance and export control expertise, creating a platform for American companies to engage meaningfully with government agencies, foreign partners, and international commercial markets. 

The hybrid kick-off session for the SME Global Space Cooperation Program will be held on Friday, February 27. See more information on how to join below.

Why the Program Matters

U.S. commercial space companies often face a dual challenge: understanding ITAR and export control requirements while also finding credible partners overseas. While larger firms can dedicate staff to compliance and international engagement, smaller companies frequently lack these resources. 

The SME Global Space Cooperation Program addresses this gap by providing monthly experiences and engagements that turn compliance into a strategic advantage and supports responsible international growth. 

Program Structure

Membership is offered on an annual basis and is intentionally limited to a small group of 10–15 companies to ensure high-touch engagement and measurable outcomes. Year-round programming combines practical guidance, curated government engagement, and international partnership opportunities. 

Hybrid Participation: Members may join events in person at Meridian House in Washington, DC, or participate virtually from anywhere in the United States, making the program accessible to participants across the country. 

Sample Programming Includes: 

  • Inaugural Closed-Door Sessions: Focused workshops and roundtables on compliance, agency engagement, and global collaboration. Special emphasis is placed on demystifying ITAR and export control regulations.  
  • Monthly Meetings: Briefings and discussions with U.S. space agencies such as NASA, Department of Commerce, Department of State, FAA, FCC, and the U.S. Space Force. 

Annual Membership Fee: $5,000 

The Path Forward

Guided by Meridian’s mission to strengthen U.S. alliances, foster global partnerships, and advance American competitiveness in the space sector, the SME Global Space Cooperation Program equips startups and SMEs with the knowledge, relationships, and operational confidence needed to engage internationally in a compliant and strategic manner.  

Through curated government engagement, operator-level guidance, and Track 1.5 diplomacy, the program helps members transform complex regulatory and compliance challenges into actionable global partnerships.  

By convening representatives from government, industry, and international space actors, the initiative fosters a collaborative ecosystem that strengthens U.S. leadership in space, accelerates commercial opportunities, and builds a resilient network of companies prepared to navigate the evolving global space economy. 

Program Kick-Off

The hybrid kick-off session for the SME Global Space Cooperation Program will be held on Friday, February 27. Participants are invited to join in person in Washington, DC, or virtually from anywhere in the United States. 

This inaugural session will convene a small group of U.S. commercial space startups and SMEs to explore practical approaches to strengthening global space cooperation. Discussion will focus on export control capacity-building, sustained engagement with U.S. government agencies, and trusted public–private collaboration. 

The session will feature a guest speaker from either NOAA’s Office of Space Commerce or the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Space Affairs. Additional details will be shared closer to the date. 

Interested in attending? Contact Frank Justice, Vice President, Open Diplomacy Programs and Director, Space Diplomacy Initiative, at forums@meridian.org. 

About Meridian

Meridian International Center is a nonpartisan center for diplomacy founded in 1960 and headquartered on a historic campus in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to empower the next era of leaders to advance diplomacy for a better future. Our programs strengthen American leadership by accelerating collaboration on shared challenges, increasing economic competitiveness, and building geopolitical resilience. We equip leaders from government, business, science and technology, cities and states, culture and sports with the insights, networks, and resources to navigate a complex world.  

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.    

Leadership

Frank Justice
Vice President, Open Diplomacy Programs and Director, Space Diplomacy Initiative

 

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