Space Law in the 21st Century

Catalog description

This course examines the major legal and policy questions shaping the future of space governance. Topics include the enforcement of existing treaties, the militarization of space, the legal status of space tourism and resource extraction, liability for space debris and satellite collisions, the regulation of autonomous systems in space, and the governance of future lunar and Martian settlements. Through weekly guest lectures from legal scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders, students will explore gaps in current international space law and analyze potential pathways for new agreements, norms, and enforcement mechanisms. The goal of this course is to inspire students to engage with this increasingly vital yet understudied field of law.