Military Human Spaceflight: A Key Component to American Space Superiority
May 22 2026
The Space Force needs to place Guardians in space to defend American interests. In this latest paper, we outline the conditions requiring future human military spaceflight and the steps the Space Force can take to make it a reality.
Register NowCongressman August Pfluger
June 2 2026
Before his time in Congress, Congressman Pfluger graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and served for over two decades as a fighter pilot--including time as a squadron commander. Join us as we explore national security perspectives as seen from Capitol Hill through the lens of a combat veteran fighter pilot.
Register NowMississippi
May 20 2026
This week we are visiting Mississippi! Astronauts, Stennis Space Center and NASA’s Rocket Propulsion Test Program Office. Plus, the Key Brothers and the pioneering area of operations for Huff Daland Dusters—a crop dusting company that would go on to become Delta Air Lines.
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In the News & Commentary
Chronic pilot shortages. Ancient planes. The Air Force needs upgrading.
May 20 2026
The Washington Post | May 20, 2026
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In the News & Commentary
SDA director Sandhoo takes on broader Space Force missile warning portfolio
May 20 2026
Space News | May 19, 2026
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In the News & Commentary
Taiwan says China deploying over 500 converted fighter-jet drones
May 19 2026
Taiwan News | May 18, 2026
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In the News & Commentary
Valkyrie redux: supercruising bombers could viably replace B-52s
May 19 2026
The Strategist by ASPI | May 19, 2026
Read MoreIn the News & Commentary
China readying drone fleet: MAC
May 19 2026
Taipei Times | May 18, 2026
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In the News & Commentary
The U.S. Air Force’s New F-47 NGAD Stealth Fighter Has a Math Problem
May 19 2026
National Security Journal | May 15, 2026
Read MoreMitchell Institute In the News
Space Force Considering Fewer Moves Between Bases for Guardians
Air & Space Forces Magazine | May 14, 2026
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A new US military wargame series began by simulating a nuclear weapon in orbit
Ars Technica | May 13, 2026
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US Space Command, Allies Crafting Ops Plan for Orbital Warfare
Air & Space Forces Magazine | May 13, 2026
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AFA Commends Pentagon for Support of E-7 Wedgetail
Air & Space Forces Association | May 13, 2026
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US, close allies creating joint ‘orbital warfare’ plan: SPACECOM chief
Breaking Defense | May 12, 2026
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Space Force Lays Out How Officers Can Advance Their Careers
Air & Space Forces Magazine | May 12, 2026
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The U.A.E. Has Been Secretly Carrying Out Attacks on Iran
The Wall Street Journal | May 11, 2026
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Recent Mitchell Institute Publications
Rebuilding American Airpower: Balancing the Air Force’s Combat Forces for Peer Conflict
Arlington, VA | April 9, 2025 — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is pleased to announce a new entry...
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Strategic Attack: Maintaining the Air Force’s Capacity to Deny Enemy Sanctuaries
Arlington, VA | February 9, 2026 — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is pleased to announce a new entry...
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Charting a Path to Space Superiority: The Cross-Domain Imperative
Arlington, VA | December 9, 2025 — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is pleased to announce a new entry...
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It’s Time to Invest: Enhancing Current and Future U.S. Air Force Airlift
Arlington, VA | December 2, 2025 — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is pleased to announce a new entry...
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A Broader Look at Dynamic Space Operations: Creating Multi-Dimensional Dilemmas for Adversaries
Arlington, VA | November 6, 2025 — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is pleased to announce a new entry...
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Winning the Next War: Overcoming the U.S. Air Force’s Capacity, Capability, and Readiness Crisis
Being technologically superior, numerically sufficient, and well-trained is key to success in the air. Yet today’s USAF is the oldest, smallest, and least ready in its history.
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Homeland Sanctuary Lost: Urgent Actions to Secure the Arctic Flank
Arlington, VA | September 4, 2025 — The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is pleased to announce a new entry...
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About the Mitchell Institute
The Mitchell Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research organization established to provide fact-based policy options, inform debate, and empower our nation’s leaders.
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