International Space Innovation Network Launches to Catalyze Global Collaboration in the Emerging Space Economy
- Jan 8
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Emma Friedman, Digital Communications Manager
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 8, 2026) — Following the Cosmic Coordination: Space Diplomacy in an Era of Strategic Competition event hosted by the Atlantic Council and Symphony Space, the International Space Innovation Network officially announced its launch today. The Network is a global platform designed to convene leaders from government, industry, and academia to address the strategic, technical, and economic challenges—and opportunities—shaping humanity’s future in orbit and beyond.
The launch followed an insightful conversation on January 8, during which senior representatives from the public and private sectors examined the evolving role of space in diplomacy, security, economics, and technological competition. The discussion highlighted a clear inflection point: as opportunities in space expand and activity accelerates, sustained cross-sector and cross-border coordination is increasingly essential.
"Today, we face a landscape marked by geopolitical tension and regional conflict. " said Merry Walker, Co-Founder and CEO of Symphony Space. "Yet history reminds us that moments of adversity often create the strongest impetus for collaboration and transformation. We are now positioned to shape the next phase of the global space economy—one that is more dynamic, more resilient, and more competitive.”
A Platform for Action and Insight
The Network is designed to convene actors across the global space ecosystem, advancing cooperation through the three core pillars of talent development, innovation, policy and diplomacy. The Network’s thematic working groups are dedicated to examining technical, regulatory, and economic bottlenecks in the space sector, and producing actionable recommendations. It will convene virtual and in-person dialogues, summits and forums to facilitate exchanges between government leaders across regions and along the whole commercial value chain. The Network will coordinate efforts to produce thought-leadership publications, data-driven reports and white papers.
About the International Space Innovation Network
The International Space Innovation Network (the Network) is a global, multi-stakeholder platform dedicated to advancing collaboration, innovation, and responsible international cooperation across the space economy. The Network connects governments, space agencies, academia, industry leaders, investors, innovators, and multilateral institutions to address shared challenges and unlock collective opportunities in space.
About the Atlantic Council
The Atlantic Council is a nonpartisan organization that galvanizes U.S. leadership and engagement in the world, in partnership with allies and partners, to shape solutions to global challenges.
About Symphony Space
Operating at the intersection of advanced engineering and diplomacy, Symphony Space is building the world’s first modular, autonomous orbital platforms—persistent infrastructure designed to support the next generation of space-based businesses, research, and technologies.
