Space is rapidly transforming from a frontier of exploration into an intensively utilized, and increasingly vulnerable, resource. Technological innovation continues to lower barriers to entry in space activity, improving both affordability and productivity. At the same time, unprecedented launch volumes and growing orbital congestion raise urgent concerns about the practical and physical limits of the space environment.
With the space economy and space regulation at a crossroads, Silicon Flatirons convened leaders from the scientific, commercial, regulatory, and defense communities. Held on June 24–25, 2025, the Inaugural Space and Spectrum Policy Conference, Challenges in Sustaining Space as a Resource, examined the challenges of sustaining space as a shared resource and explored solutions. A report detailing the conference outcomes is available for download, thanks to Colorado Law students Sarah Joy Caster and Holly Chavet Ely, and CU Boulder Aerospace Engineering Sciences student Andreas Wilwerding.