Growing geopolitical tensions, the increasing role of private actors, and competing political and economic interests are reshaping the conditions under which international cooperation in space research takes place. These challenges will be discussed at the upcoming KIWi Policy Talk “Cooperation and Diplomacy in Space”. The event is part of the Falling Walls Science Summit and will take place in Berlin on 8 November 2026 at 5pm. Register here for the livestream. The recording will subsequently be made available on the KIWi website. 

International cooperation has long been a defining principle of space research. From the International Space Station to joint Earth observation missions, outer space has often been regarded as a unique arena for scientific collaboration beyond political borders. Yet the international environment surrounding space activities is rapidly changing. 

Against this backdrop, a distinguished panel of international experts from academia and policymaking will explore the future of international scientific cooperation and science diplomacy in space research, addressing the following questions: 

• How can international scientific cooperation in space research be sustained and strengthened amid geopolitical fragmentation?
• What role can science diplomacy play in governing outer space as a ‘global commons’ and fostering international trust and dialogue?
• How can scientific goals, societal expectations, and international cooperation frameworks be aligned in shaping future space research agendas?
• What roles and responsibilities do universities, science organisations, and researchers hold in these collaborative projects?