Space Catalyst Partnership Boosts U.S. Space Superiority

The Space Catalyst Partnership (SCP), the Department of State's flagship initiative to deepen civil and commercial space cooperation between the United States and Artemis Accords signatory countries, was launched today in Lima, Peru. The SCP aims to create opportunities for foreign governments, industry, space agencies, and research organizations to benefit from the vibrant U.S. space ecosystem through commercial partnerships and scientific collaboration, while ensuring outer space is used safely, peacefully, and transparently to the benefit of mankind.

As part of the SCP, the Department is working with Congress to launch a $6.5 million rural connectivity project to offer satellite-based internet to rural schools, small businesses, community centers, and public institutions across Peru's southern regions. This project is among the first SCP projects that, subject to the availability of funds, will assist priority countries' efforts to integrate space-related technology and services into their economies.

The SCP will primarily promote civil and commercial space cooperation through three tools: diplomatic outreach, industry engagement, and the targeted use of foreign assistance, subject to the availability of funds. Potential activities under the SCP include:

• Coordinating across U.S. government agencies to help partner countries gain access to American space technology and services, including assistance in securing U.S. government financing for major projects.
• Expanding the number of space-focused trade delegations to foster deeper collaboration between the United States, key partner countries, and the private sector.
• Aligning the scientific experiments, equipment, and other capabilities of foreign space agencies and research institutions in support of U.S.-led civil space activities, including through partnerships with American companies.

• Deploying targeted foreign assistance to procure U.S. space goods and services for the benefit of emerging spacefaring countries, starting with the aforementioned $6.5 million Peruvian rural connectivity project.
• Integrating U.S. space capabilities in public and private organizations to drive economic prosperity and scientific advancement in other sectors, such as critical minerals, agriculture, transportation, communications, finance, energy, and pharmaceuticals.

• Connecting American companies with new customers and helping foreign countries to navigate the U.S. commercial space ecosystem to create new partnerships with U.S. companies and learn best practices for fostering the growth of a vibrant space industry.
• Accelerating direct industry-to-customer engagement opportunities in the Western Hemisphere, East Asia and the Pacific, and other priority markets to help American firms compete effectively and give prospective users direct access to the world-class space technology and services.
• Leveraging the Department's diplomatic platforms to promote American industry at international commercial space trade shows, forums, and events, including in emerging space markets.
• Strengthening relationships with American space companies, through industry briefings and roundtables, to ensure U.S. industry priorities inform the Department's diplomatic engagements.