SME Global Space Cooperation Program

A membership-based program that cultivates international partnerships for American commercial space startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while building confidence and capability to operate compliantly across borders.

Geographic Scope: International; primarily focused on U.S. companies expanding globally

Focus Areas:

• International partnerships for U.S. space companies
• ITAR and export control compliance
• Government agency engagement
• Foreign partnerships and international commercial markets
• Space diplomacy and international norms

What the Program Provides:

• Monthly experiences and engagements
• Practical guidance on compliance and international engagement
• Curated government engagement with U.S. space agencies (NASA, Department of Commerce, Department of State, FAA, FCC, U.S. Space Force)
• International partnership pathways with foreign space agencies and visiting delegations
• Track 1.5 space diplomacy dialogues and receptions
• Closed-door workshops on compliance, agency engagement, and global collaboration

Program Structure:

• Membership: Annual basis, limited to 10-15 companies for high-touch engagement
• Year-round programming: Monthly meetings and ongoing engagement
• Annual Membership Fee: $5,000

Eligibility:

• U.S. commercial space startups and SMEs
• Companies seeking to expand internationally with compliance expertise

Partners: Space Exploration Engineering (SEE) and Camber Research

Background: Meridian launched the Space Diplomacy Initiative to strengthen U.S. global partnerships while expanding knowledge of space and international affairs, housed within the Center for Technology, Innovation and Space.

How to Join

1. Contact: Frank Justice, Vice President, Open Diplomacy Programs and Director, Space Diplomacy Initiative
2. Email: forums@meridian.org
3. Submit inquiry regarding participation and membership

Program Details

Annual Membership Fee: $5,000

Membership Structure:

• Limited to 10-15 companies
• Intentionally small group size ensures high-touch engagement and measurable outcomes

Sample Programming Includes:

• Inaugural Closed-Door Sessions: Focused workshops and roundtables on compliance, agency engagement, and global collaboration with emphasis on demystifying ITAR and export control regulations
• Monthly Meetings: Briefings and discussions with U.S. space agencies
• International Partnership Pathways: Curated engagement with foreign space agencies, visiting delegations, and international commercial partners
• Track 1.5 Space Diplomacy: Meridian-led dialogues and receptions connecting SMEs with policymakers, diplomats, and industry leaders