Initiative will strengthen international space partnerships and support emerging space economies

WASHINGTON, D.C.— October 20, 2026 — The Commercial Space Federation (CSF), along with partners Meridian International and SPACEAIMS, today announced that they have been awarded a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of State to implement Project Constellation, an initiative to strengthen international collaboration in space.

Project Constellation will support the U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna (UNVIE) by establishing a long-term platform to connect governments, industry, academia, entrepreneurs, and international organizations. The initiative will advance international partnerships and build capacity in emerging space economies. The award was announced at the second annual U.S. Space Forum in Vienna and builds on CSF’s support for the forum over the past two years.

“Space is a global endeavor, and the standards, norms, governance approaches, infrastructure, and critical capabilities developed today will shape how countries participate for decades. U.S. commercial companies are central to that effort: they are already delivering capabilities and building cross-border relationships that turn cooperation into practice. We are proud to partner with Meridian International Center and SPACEAIMS through Project Constellation to advance these efforts,” said Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Strategic Advisor for Global Markets and Industry Engagement, Commercial Space Federation.

CSF will lead the initiative’s commercial-space components. A central part of CSF’s role is to move engagement toward practical commercial pathways: helping assess partner-country priorities and readiness, build commercial-space fluency, and connecting emerging space ecosystems with relevant U.S. companies and supply chains. Through convenings, exchanges, and delegations, CSF will help identify opportunities for commercial engagement, procurement, and sustained business partnerships.

CSF looks forward to continuing to work with the U.S. Department of State and the broader administration to strengthen and promote the U.S. commercial space industry and ensure American superiority in space.

About CSF

Founded in 2006, the Commercial Space Federation (CSF) and its members are laying the foundation for democratizing access to outer space for scientists, students, civilians, and businesses. All while working towards the goal of expanding the U.S. Commercial Space Economy. Through the promotion of technological innovation, CSF and its diverse membership are guiding the bolstering of U.S. leadership in aerospace and inspiring America’s next generation of engineers and explorers. CSF also serves as the commercial space industry’s primary advocate with the U.S. Congress and the Administration, helping inform the development and implementation of policy priorities. By engaging with congressional players, CSF is able to provide recommendations on commercial space issues that will impact the commercial space industry in the short and long term.