We are at a key moment in history both nationally and internationally in terms of the expansion of in human activity in outer space and the legal and governance issues this brings with it. While many are not fully cognisant of it, our 21st century interactions and movements are already highly dependent upon outer space. This course provides a critical overview of the issues we face today and in the coming decades, with an emphasis on Australia's role in the global space sector, and our potential leadership in shaping international norms.
Our current international space governance regime is a product of the Cold War and the dawn of the space age, however today’s multi-polar geopolitical world no longer operates with those power relations. We are also entering an age of commerce-based space politics, disruptive technologies and disruptive business models, all of which puts pressures on domestic law-makers in the governance of space activities. Concerns such as environmental responsibility, equitable access to space-based technologies, the weaponisation, commercialisation and colonisation of space, will all be covered. Students will be asked to reflect upon their role as planetary citizens, and on the need for a model of 21st century space governance that is ethically responsible.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyse the international legal framework governing space activities.
- Interrogate existing legal and governance responses to the problems of space debris and space traffic management
- Reflect critically on the legal ramifications of military and security activities in outer space
- Synthesise and apply the domestic and international legal principles and rules applicable to Australian commercial space operators
- Evaluate legal and governance debates on access to space, decolonisation of space and space infrastructure, and democratisation of space
- Research and propose, in written or oral form, ways in which Australia can take a lead in solving one of the legal and/or governance issues discussed throughout the course
Other Information
Please contact the ANU College of Law Student Administration Services to request a permission code to enrol in classes offered in non-standard sessions.
Indicative Assessment
- Collaborative problem solving exercise (15) [LO 1,2,3]
- Contribution to online blog (2 x 700 word blog posts ) (25) [LO 1,4,5,6]
- Research paper (3,000 words) (choice of LO 2,3,4 or 5) (60) [LO 1,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Classes offered during semester periods are expected to have 3 contact hours per week (a minimum of 36 hours). Students are generally expected to devote at least 10 hours overall per week to this course.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There will be no prescribed texts, as all reading materials will be made available online. A reading list will be made available before the course begins.
Assumed Knowledge
It is assumed students have some familiarity with international law.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4170 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4683 | 05 Jul 2021 | 16 Jul 2021 | 16 Jul 2021 | 03 Sep 2021 | Online | View |
