Center for Strategic Communication

FACT SHEET – Current Space Launch Vehicles Used by the United States

Nathan Daniels

At present, the United States relies on Russian rocket engines to launch satellites into space. The U.S. also relies on Russia to transport its astronauts to the International Space Station, as the U.S. Space Shuttle program ended in 2011. This paper serves as a brief, but factual overview of active launch vehicles used by the United States

UN: Iran Cuts Stock Closest to Nuke-Arms Grade

George Jahn/Associated Press

Iran has converted most of a nuclear stockpile that it could have turned quickly into weapons-grade uranium into less volatile forms as part of a deal with six world powers, the U.N. atomic agency reported Thursday.

These Aren’t the Drones You’re Looking For

Paul Scharre and Shawn Brimley/Foreign Policy

The aircraft carrier is perhaps the most powerful symbol of the U.S. military and a formidable weapon for projecting American might abroad, and yet the Navy is about to make a choice that will make it less relevant for future wars.

China’s President Sets Space Defense Policy to Stun

Aljazeera and Reuters

In a move that promptly conjured up thoughts of Star Trek-like weaponry, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged his air force this week to beef up its air and space defense capability.

SpaceX Will Try Again Friday to Launch Station Cargo

Marcia Dunn/Associated Press

NASA confirmed the launch date Wednesday, two days after a last-minute rocket leak delayed the mission. Stormy weather, however, is forecast for Friday. Saturday is the backup launch date.

Slogging Forward on Climate Change

Scot Lehigh/The Boston Globe

The world now has a rough deadline for action on climate change. Nations need to take aggressive action in the next 15 years to cut carbon emissions, in order to forestall the worst effects of global warming, says the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

EU Warns Russia Against Using Gas for Politics

Associated Press/Washington Post

The European Union is warning Russia that interfering with gas deliveries to Ukraine to apply political pressure would backfire by damaging its reputation as a reliable supplier for the EU.

U.S. Agrees to Let Japanese Tariffs Stand on Rice, Wheat

The Japan Times

The United States has agreed to allow Japan to retain tariffs on rice and wheat, government sources said Thursday during bilateral talks related to the wider Pacific free trade negotiations.

U.S. and Russia Agree on Pact to Defuse Ukraine Crisis

Michael R. Gordon/The New York Times

Leaders of a high-level diplomatic effort reached an agreement on Thursday over ways to start de-escalating the crisis in Ukraine.

Recent ASP Publications:

WHITE PAPER – National Security and Space – The Next Space Race: Competition

August Cole

This paper goes into detail on the next steps the United States should be considering to enhance our national security, secure our access to space, as well as to gain value for money from taxpayers.

Tennessee and Climate Change

Andrew Holland and Nathan Daniels

As members of the American Security Project prepared to visit Tennessee to discuss the threats of climate change, ASP published a short document detailing some of the threats that climate change poses to the state. Tennessee is justifiably proud of its agriculture and forestry products – and these industries are directly threatened by climate change. However, with prudent planning and risk analysis, Tennessee could become a leader in building a climate-resilient state

National Security and America’s Space Challenge

August Cole

The U.S. military and intelligence community is increasingly dependent on its satellite capabilities to do everything from communicating securely to targeting precision weapons. Billions of taxpayer dollars are spent trying to expand and protect this strategic edge.

On Our Flashpoint Blog:

Event Recap: Fusion Power: The Answer to an Uncertain Energy Future – A Discussion with Dan Clery

Kathy Duong

On Tuesday, April 15th, the American Security Project hosted a discussion about fusion power with Dan Clery, moderated by Andrew Holland, ASP’s Senior Fellow for Energy and Climate.

What’s a Degree Here or There Really Matter?

William Fassuliotis

In ASP’s “10 Facts About Climate Change” (to be released on the 22nd), we list some of the harmful effects from a change of just a few degrees.

In Wielding Natural Gas Price Against Ukraine, Putin May Have Miscalculated

Special Guest/American Security Project

Russian natural gas producer Gazprom announced last week a more than 40 percent increase in the price Ukraine must pay for its energy. The announcement ratchets up pressure on Ukraine’s new government, which imports 60 percent of its natural gas from Russia and is teetering on the brink of financial crisis.

ASP in Tennessee: Climate Change Threatens Security

Andrew Holland

On Monday and Tuesday, April 7 and 8, representatives of the American Security Project visited Western and Central Tennessee for a series of meetings, public events, and briefings on how climate change is affecting security, and how businesses are planning for it.

China’s Xi Talks Up Military Role in Space

August Cole

An old adage in military circles is that taking the high ground gives one side an obvious advantage over an adversary. When it comes to space, that seems to be as true as it is on Earth.

Upcoming Events:

Weather, Climate, & National Security

April 23, 12:30-1:30 PM

Join ASP as Brigadier General Stephen A. Cheney, USMC (Ret)., of American Security Project, and Mr. Bryan Norcross, of the Weather Channel, discuss changes in climate and weather and the relationship they have with our national security.

CHICAGO EVENT – The Multiplication of Threats: Climate Change & the Risks to National Security

April 30, 6:00-8:00 PM

Join Brigadier General Stephen A Cheney, USMC (Ret.) and Senior Fellow Andrew Holland to discuss how climate change is creating new threats to America’s National Security.

Building a Better Corporate Tax Regime & Strengthening our Economic Security – A Conversation with Robert Pozen

May 13, 8:00-9:30 AM

Join ASP Tuesday, May 13th as we host Bob Pozen for an informative discussion about corporate tax reform, as well as the many fiscal and political obstacles facing it.  Mr. Pozen will present his unique strategy for a new corporate tax regime that could end up benefiting governments and US corporations alike.  Much of the discussion will revolve around Bob Pozen’s February article in The Wall Street Journal, “A Better Path to Corporate Tax Reform.”

European Union Election Results: Implications for the United States

May 28, 8:30-9:30 AM

This May, the European Union will hold parliamentary elections to determine their parliamentary representatives for the next 5 years. The outcome of these elections will have a resounding economic, social, and political impact on the international community – including the TTIP negotiations.

We will be joined by Paul Adamson, Philippe Maze-Sencier, and Geoffrey Harris who will be contributing their years of experience to the discussion. Join the American Security Project for a conversation about the affects these elections will have on the United States.

 

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