The NSS-affiliated nonprofit Expanding Frontiers (ExF) recently signed the Washington Compact on Norms of Behavior for Commercial Space Operations, a landmark initiative led by the Hague Institute for Global Justice to promote peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive conduct in space.
Expanding Frontiers was founded by NSS Board of Directors member Dr. Fredrick Jenet (pictured above), who also serves as ExF’s CEO. Dr. Jenet is also the NSS Vice President of Technology and Entrepreneurship.
The Compact brings together a growing coalition of commercial space entities, research institutions, and civil society leaders committed to transparency, interoperability, and the long-term sustainability of outer space activities. Expanding Frontiers joins over 100 global signatories, reinforcing its role as a leading voice in advancing responsible innovation at the intersection of space, energy, and entrepreneurship.
“Signing The Washington Compact reflects our commitment to not only building the future space economy but doing so responsibly, equitably, and transparently,” Jenet said. “We are honored to contribute to a global framework that puts civil society and startups at the heart of shaping space governance.”
Expanding Frontiers’ participation in the Compact aligns with its mission to cultivate a thriving innovation ecosystem in South Texas and beyond. Through programs like NASA Tech Trek, Rockets and Rigs, and partnerships with leading space technology companies and universities, ExF helps entrepreneurs translate breakthrough technologies into sustainable ventures that benefit humanity on Earth and in space, goals that NSS supports.
“We are pleased to welcome Expanding Frontiers to this growing alliance of responsible space actors,” said Sohair Salam Saber, President of the Hague Institute for Global Justice. “Their leadership in training the next generation of entrepreneurs and creating responsible and inclusive innovation ecosystems in commercial space is exactly the kind of impact we seek to elevate through The Compact.”
The Compact’s principles—including the preservation of space heritage, support for interoperability, and commitment to international cooperation—mirror ExF’s efforts to support emerging ventures, mentor young space professionals, and promote capacity-building in underrepresented regions.
“Space is no longer the sole domain of governments. It is a shared frontier that demands shared responsibility,” said Kenneth Hodgkins, Co-Chair of The Off-World Approach at the Hague Institute. “We welcome Expanding Frontiers and its unique model for ethical innovation as we work together to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future beyond Earth.”
Expanding Frontiers looks forward to actively participating in the Compact’s ongoing dialogue and contributing its perspective as a nonprofit accelerator empowering the next generation of space leaders and technologies.
About Expanding Frontiers
Expanding Frontiers is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) innovation ecosystem builder headquartered at the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport in Brownsville, Texas. Its mission is to develop space and energy technology startups, train the next generation of space entrepreneurs, and foster sustainable economic development through innovation. ExF’s programs connect entrepreneurs to cutting-edge technologies, mentor networks, and commercialization pathways to turn bold ideas into thriving ventures.
About the Hague Institute for Global Justice
The Hague Institute for Global Justice is an independent, nonpartisan organization established to undertake interdisciplinary policy-relevant research, training, and facilitation activities on issues at the intersection of peace, security and justice, and is registered with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce as a Stichting (comparable with Foundation).
