--- title: "Defense and Intelligence Space Conference 2027 — Reston" description: "Defense and Intelligence Space Conference 2027 – National Security Space Association is a professional conference in Reston, United States, Feb 8–10, 2027." url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/conferences/professional/defense-and-intelligence-space-conference-2027-national-security-space-association-2027" --- # Defense and Intelligence Space Conference 2027 – National Security Space Association Feb 8–10, 2027[Reston, United States](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1\&query=Reston%2C%20United%20States)In-person [Registration open](https://nssaspace.org/event/disc27/) The Defense and Intelligence Space Conference, hosted by the National Security Space Association, is a significant gathering for professionals involved in national security space. Held in Reston, USA, this event focuses on the critical intersection of defense, intelligence, and space technology. It serves as a forum for discussing advancements, challenges, and strategic imperatives within this specialized domain. ## Committees & topics - Topics The National Security Space Enterprise ## Why it matters This conference is crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of national security in the space sector. As geopolitical competition extends into orbit, the discussions and collaborations fostered at events like this directly influence the development and deployment of technologies vital for defense and intelligence operations. The insights shared here can inform strategic planning and resource allocation for national space programs. The discussions at the conference are particularly relevant given the increasing reliance on space-based assets for communication, surveillance, and navigation. Maintaining a technological edge and ensuring the resilience of these systems against emerging threats are paramount concerns. Therefore, the conference provides a platform for experts to address these complex issues and explore innovative solutions. For those observing international relations, the conference offers a window into the strategic priorities of key players in the space domain. Understanding the technological and policy directions discussed can provide valuable context for analyzing global power dynamics and potential areas of cooperation or competition in space. ## How to prepare Attendees should prepare by reviewing current national security space policies and significant technological developments. Familiarity with the strategic objectives of major space-faring nations, such as USA, CHN, and RUS, will enhance the understanding of the conference's discussions. Consider how advancements in satellite technology, cyber security in space, and anti-satellite capabilities are shaping the global security environment. To maximize engagement, participants could apply principles from the 'what-is-stakeholder-mapping' and 'stakeholder-workshop' lessons to identify key individuals and organizations present. Understanding their respective interests and influence, as outlined in 'hidden-stakeholders', can facilitate more productive networking and information exchange. Furthermore, preparing questions that delve into the long-term implications of current space policy and technological trends would be beneficial. Consider the 'dynamic-analysis' lesson to critically evaluate the presented information, looking beyond immediate technical details to grasp the broader strategic implications. Thinking about how different national approaches, including those from FRA, GBR, and JPN, might converge or diverge in the context of space security will also be valuable. ## Country perspectives Where the most-relevant 6 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile. [United States](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Leading advocate for responsible behavior in space while actively developing advanced defense and intelligence space capabilities.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [The host nation and a primary driver of innovation and policy in national security space, heavily invested in protecting its space assets and maintaining strategic superiority.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [China](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Rapidly expanding its space capabilities with a focus on both civilian and military applications, often viewed as a strategic competitor.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [A significant and growing player in space, whose technological advancements and strategic objectives are closely monitored by other nations, particularly in the context of national security.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Russia](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [Historically a major space power, actively modernizing its space forces and developing counter-space capabilities.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [Possesses a long-standing and sophisticated space program with considerable military applications, contributing to the complex geopolitical dynamics of space security.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [United Kingdom](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) [Focusing on developing a resilient and secure space infrastructure, often in collaboration with allies.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) [A key partner in international space security initiatives, contributing expertise in areas such as satellite communication and intelligence gathering.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) [France](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/france) [Committed to maintaining independent access to space and strengthening its defense capabilities in orbit.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/france) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/france) [An important European space power with a strong emphasis on strategic autonomy in space, contributing to European defense and intelligence efforts.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/france) [Japan](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/japan) [Increasing its focus on space security and defense, particularly in response to regional geopolitical shifts.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/japan) [Role in topic](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/japan) [A technologically advanced nation expanding its role in space for both civilian and security purposes, often collaborating with allies on space-based surveillance and early warning systems.](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/japan) ## Topics & background The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it. 1 ### The National Security Space Enterprise The U.S. national security space enterprise encompasses the constellation of military, intelligence, and allied civil-government organizations that develop, field, and operate space systems for defense and intelligence missions. Its modern architecture took shape during the Cold War, when reconnaissance satellites such as Corona, missile-warning systems, and secure satellite communications became foundational to deterrence and crisis stability. The enterprise was historically distributed across the Air Force, the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and other agencies, but the 2019 establishment of the U.S. Space Force and the elevation of U.S. Space Command formalized space as a distinct warfighting domain in response to growing Chinese and Russian counterspace capabilities. The core dispute today centers on how to transition from small numbers of large, exquisite satellites in geostationary or highly elliptical orbits toward more resilient, proliferated architectures in low Earth orbit, while integrating commercial providers at unprecedented scale. Counterspace threats have matured rapidly: direct-ascent ASAT tests by China (2007), India (2019), and Russia (2021), as well as demonstrated co-orbital, electronic warfare, and cyber capabilities, have eroded the sanctuary assumption that long underpinned U.S. space planning. The Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, the National Reconnaissance Office's expanded commercial imagery contracts, and the Space Force's Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve initiative all reflect this pivot. Where the enterprise stands now is at an inflection point between acquisition reform, allied integration, and norm-setting. Budget pressures, classification barriers that complicate industry partnership, and unresolved questions about offensive space control doctrine remain contentious. Simultaneously, Combined Space Operations initiative partners are deepening data-sharing and interoperability, while the United States has pledged not to conduct destructive direct-ascent ASAT testing and is pressing for broader adoption of that norm — a position rejected by Russia and not embraced by China. Key players - [United States](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Operator of the world's largest national security space enterprise and lead in proliferated LEO architectures](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) - [China](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Principal pacing threat with mature counterspace, ISR, and PNT systems under the PLA Strategic Support Force/Aerospace Force](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) - [Russia](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [Demonstrated kinetic and non-kinetic counterspace capability and persistent opponent of U.S.-led space norms](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) - [United Kingdom](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) [Close Combined Space Operations partner expanding sovereign space command and ISR contributions](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) - [France](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/france) [Operates Commandement de l'Espace and pursues independent military space situational awareness and active defense concepts](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/france) - [Japan](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/japan) [Growing allied contributor through the Space Operations Group and hosted-payload cooperation with the U.S. Space Force](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/japan) ## Resources News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for Defense and Intelligence Space Conference 2027 – National Security Space Association. Recent reporting to ground your prep [Virginia Joins National Popular Vote Compact](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/virginia-joins-national-popular-vote-compact-a-game-changer) [Arming an archipelago: Is time running out for Europe's oldest DMZ? | Euronews](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/ala-arming-an-archipelago-is-time-running-out-for-europes-oldest-dmz-euronews) [Comprehensive approach to security: Federal Council launches consultation on Switzerland's security policy strategy](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/che-comprehensive-approach-to-security-federal-council-launches-consultation-on) [Georgia Considers Position in New South Caucasus Transit Era - Jamestown](https://modeldiplomat.com/story/sgs-georgia-considers-position-in-new-south-caucasus-transit-era-jamestown) Lessons Bite-sized lessons to build the basics [Hidden Stakeholders](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/hidden-stakeholders) [Engagement Strategies](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/engagement-strategies) [Dynamic Analysis](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/dynamic-analysis) [Stakeholder Mapping Workshop](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/lessons/stakeholder-workshop) Courses Guided courses that go deeper on the topic [Advanced Negotiation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/advanced-negotiation) [Multilateral Negotiation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/multilateral-negotiation) [Policy Brief Writing](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/policy-brief) [Conflict Resolution](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/conflict-resolution) The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance [United States](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-states) [China](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/china) [Russia](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/russia) [United Kingdom](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/united-kingdom) [France](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/france) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/france) [Japan](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/japan) [Country dossier](https://modeldiplomat.com/country/japan) ## Frequently asked questions - - - Free account Save conferences, research any topic with AI, build position papers, and keep your daily prep streak — free. [Create free account](https://modeldiplomat.com/sign-up?next=%2Fconferences%2Fprofessional%2Fdefense-and-intelligence-space-conference-2027-national-security-space-association-2027) Already a member? [Log in](https://modeldiplomat.com/sign-in?next=%2Fconferences%2Fprofessional%2Fdefense-and-intelligence-space-conference-2027-national-security-space-association-2027) Free account Save conferences, research any topic with AI, build position papers, and keep your daily prep streak — free. [Create free account](https://modeldiplomat.com/sign-up?next=%2Fconferences%2Fprofessional%2Fdefense-and-intelligence-space-conference-2027-national-security-space-association-2027) Already a member? [Log in](https://modeldiplomat.com/sign-in?next=%2Fconferences%2Fprofessional%2Fdefense-and-intelligence-space-conference-2027-national-security-space-association-2027)