The national space program of the United States is not only a scientific institution, furthering knowledge for the common benefit, but also an important asset in international relations that reflects changing tendencies towards interstate competition and cooperation. Contemporary political scientists see space in particular as an expression of terrestrial nationalism (Marshall 1995​, ​Dolman 2002, Spiller 2016). Upon historical reflection, some also note that the United States readily engaged in cooperative joint-endeavors with foreign powers when such activities could be justified within the national interest (Launius 2009). The National Aeronautics and Space Administration furthers economic, military, political, and scientific goals capable of providing important strategic resources and capabilities, as well as diplomatic goals through joint collaboration with foreign space programs. The focus on these various priorities has evolved periodically, waxing and waning as priorities change. The application of international relations theory plays an important role in explaining these shifts, suggesting a systematic policy-driven approach to the ordering of priorities for the space program.