F1IS 4160 - Outer Space Law, Security, & Diplomacy

Modern life is entirely dependent on space-based technologies to provide critical infrastructure for telecommunications, navigation, aviation, transport, banking, security and defence. The Outer Space Treaty (1967) provides all States with freedom of scientific investigation, exploration and use of outer space, while balancing those rights with obligations to support peace in this Global Commons. It is first and foremost a disarmament treaty, prohibiting the placement of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in outer space. Study of this area of international law contributes to cooperation in space and international development.

This course examines contemporary issues in outer space at the the intersection of outer space law, telecommunications, science, security and defence. Students will learn how to navigate and apply the Outer Space Treaties to contemporary issues including rocket launches, scientific missions, satellite mega-constellations, space debris, rescue of astronauts, space tourism, electronic satellite warfare, the settlement of the Moon and Mars, and use of space resources. Students have the opportunity to develop and propose new regulation and policy in order to address burgeoning challenges, and learn how to brief their superiors on burgeoning space issues in government, ministry, and military organisations. This equips students with the ability to advocate for change and support the global community in realising the benefits of space activities.

Learning Outcomes:

Students will develop an understanding of:

• geopolitical history of the space race and historical role of the diplomacy of science
• international framework governing activities in outer space, including the Outer Space Treaty (1967), the astronaut Rescue Agreement, and allocation of radio frequencies and orbits by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
• application of principles in the Outer Space Treaties to real-life case studies
• political forces shaping EU and international space policy
• risks of misunderstanding, mistake & miscalculation in outer space
• escalating risk to global peace and security in a space arms race
• mechanisms for managing conflict under the Outer Space Treaties through consultation and cooperation
• future geopolitical implications arising out of the race to the Moon and Mars
• need to balance risk and opportunity, and communicate this diplomatically in briefing documents.

Professional Skills:

Respectful debate & diplomacy; how to conduct an impact assessment process, weighing up risks and benefits; an understanding of geopolitical history and its application to exercising good judgment within sensitive contexts; how to write a Public Policy Submission and exercise influence; how to draft a Briefing Document to superiors and leadership in foreign affairs, government and ministries, military & defense, and UN and international organisations.

This Masters-level course is designed for students with cross-discipline backgrounds in law, policy, security & defence, European and international affairs. While there are no pre-requisites, understanding of the basic foundations of international law is advantageous.

In-class during workshop activities; in-class following results of mid-semester examination; provision of notes and feedback on final papers.

Written policy submission (50% or 10 points on 20-point scale)

Students write a public policy proposal to a relevant authority advocating for a specific policy change relating to a contemporary issue in outer space law and policy OR prepare an Internal Briefing document on risks and opportunities relating to a security issue arising in Outer Space. 2000 – 3000 words. Due Week 12.

The policy submission should demonstrate the ability to apply key concepts in the Outer Space Treaties to real recent events. Students will receive tuition and guidance on what makes for a successful public policy submission, and will be encouraged to submit the proposal to the authority or organization to whom it is addressed.

Students who choose to write an Internal Briefing document – the kind one might write for internal consumption in a Ministry or Military – will receive guidance on how to draft this kind of document.

Mid-semester examination (20% or 4 points

20 question multiple choice in-class exam in week 7 of which 10 questions relate to a case study. 60min. Students are only permitted a copy of the Outer Space Treaties during exam conditions.

Final examination (30% or 6 points

30 question multiple choice in-class exam in week 12 relating to 2 case studies. 90min. Students are only permitted a copy of the Outer Space Treaties during exam conditions.

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 4 hours a week / 48 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 1 hours a week / 12 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 5 hours a week / 60 hours a semester