Challenges and Innovations in Space Sustainability and Community Labs: Insights from the Technology Policy Accelerator
In this edition of the Technology Policy Accelerator Newsletter, Simone D’Amico and coauthors dive into the multifaceted challenges posed by the space sustainability paradox. Drew Endy, alongside his colleagues, advocates for community laboratory spaces in every US city. Meanwhile, the authors of the Stanford Emerging Technology Review gear up for the 2026 edition of their report, providing a comprehensive look at cutting-edge technologies.
Space Sustainability Paradox: A Delicate Balance
The space sustainability paradox reveals a complex dichotomy: as we ramp up space activities aimed at monitoring Earth’s health and security—like satellite systems for environmental tracking—we unintentionally contribute to the perilous overcrowding of space. This growing congestion not only threatens the sustainability of these critical activities but poses risks of catastrophic collisions in orbit.
Simone D’Amico and his coauthors, including Tycho Bogdanowitsch and Rebecca Wang, have detailed this intricate issue in a new working paper published by the Hoover Institution Press. The authors categorize both policy and technology gaps that hinder effective management of space traffic, highlighting the urgent need for policy frameworks capable of addressing the burgeoning challenge. They underscore the roles of various national and international agencies that share responsibility in monitoring and regulating space activities.
Without proactive measures, the potential for increasing amounts of space debris could lead to entire orbital zones becoming unsafe for generations. The authors implore that both technological and policy innovations are crucial for reversing these trends. The United States is urged to take a leadership role, not just within its borders but on a global scale, to champion these necessary changes.
Discussion surrounding the working paper is set for an event in Hoover’s Washington, DC office in October, where experts from various sectors will delve deeper into these pressing issues.
For more details, you can read the full paper here.
The Rise of Community Laboratories: Bioengineering for All
In a related vein, Drew Endy, alongside his colleagues Callie R. Chappell, Ana Paulina Quiroz, and David Sun Kong, argues for the establishment of community laboratory spaces, or “LABraries,” that can serve as resource hubs for bioengineering. In the latest edition of Issues in Science and Technology, they stress that such facilities should be as ubiquitous as public libraries.
This initiative is illustrated through the example of BioCurious in Santa Clara, California—a community lab that allowed a Stanford bioengineering team to continue their research during the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional lab access was compromised. The authors also cite numerous successful community lab initiatives across cities like Seattle, Baltimore, Chicago, Brooklyn, and Somerville, MA.
To fund such a transformative proposal, they suggest a model akin to the Carnegie library construction efforts of the late 19th century, calling for state support or substantial private philanthropy. The potential benefits of LABraries are immeasurable, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where individuals—be they budding scientists, artists, or entrepreneurs—can freely explore scientific pursuits in a well-supported environment.
Further insights into this vision can be explored here.
The 2026 Stanford Emerging Technology Review: Emerging Insights
As we look toward the future of technology, contributors to the Stanford Emerging Technology Review are diligently advancing their 2026 edition. This important guide for policymakers is set to address ten pivotal emerging technologies—including AI, biotechnology, neuroscience, and quantum technologies—as well as crucial intersections across these domains.
A noteworthy addition to this upcoming report is a section dedicated to technical standards and their significance in fostering technology adoption and influencing geopolitical dynamics. This expanded focus will serve as a timely resource when the document is released in late January next year.
For additional information about this evolving landscape, you can visit the Stanford Emerging Technology Review here.
About the Technology Policy Accelerator
The Hoover Institution’s Technology Policy Accelerator conducts pivotal research aimed at helping leaders in government and business navigate the complexities of emerging technology. By offering insights, the Accelerator enables these leaders to better seize opportunities while mitigating risks, ultimately advancing American interests and values.
About the Stanford Emerging Technology Review
The Stanford Emerging Technology Review is a vital guide for understanding the technologies that will shape our future. It provides an in-depth perspective on pivotal tech domains, recent advancements, and emerging trends worth watching.
The interconnected themes emerging from the Technology Policy Accelerator and the ongoing work of related initiatives emphasize the pressing need for thoughtful engagement with technology that can shape not just policy but the very fabric of society.