Space Law & Policy: National Security's Next Frontier

Catalog description

This is an interdisciplinary law and policy course directed to the national security uses of space as well as threats to and in space arising from the national security and commercial uses of space. The course will start with an overview of key terms and concepts as well as consideration of how different states and entities use space for national security purposes. We will then address key national security policy issues related to space, including situational awareness and traffic management; launch requirements; small satellites; orbital debris; rendezvous and proximity operations and non-earth imaging; remote earth sensing; sustainability and the environment; liability; and space threats, counterspace threats, and the use of force. Along the way, the course will identify and examine the domestic and international law relevant to the national security uses of space by the U.S., other state actors, and non-state actors, as well as potential gaps in applicable law and how those gaps should or might be filled. The course will also briefly consider the law and policy related to other global domains, such as the high seas and cyber space for purposes of comparison and analogy. There are no perquisites for the course other than interest. Course requirements: A paper and related class presentation along with class participation.