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 (de)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:

1. Synthesise and review the international legal framework governing space activities.
2. Interrogate and critique existing legal and governance responses to the problems of space debris and space traffic management
3. Reflect critically on the legal ramifications of military and security activities in outer space
4. Examine and appraise the domestic and international legal principles and rules applicable to Australian commercial space operators
5. Contribute to legal and governance debates on access to space, colonisation or decolonisation of space, and democratisation of space

Examination Material or equipment

There is no final examination for this course.

Required Resources

There is no prescribed textbook for this course. Readings will be made available on CANVAS two weeks prior to the course commencement date.

Recommended Resources

See Reading Guide available on CANVAS for bibliography and resources.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments

• verbal comments

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).

Extensions, late submission and penalties: https://law.anu.edu.au/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Extenuating circumstances: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/extenuating-circumstances-application

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties

Distribution of grades policy: https://law.anu.edu.au/grading

Assessment Reviews and Appeals: https://law.anu.edu.au/assessment-review-and-appeals

Further information about the course is available from the course Canvas page. Students are required to access the Canvas site regularly throughout the course for any announcements relating to the course.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The ANU Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as providing clear guidance on the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.

The following resources may also be useful:

• The ANU Library's Libguide is a valuable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in academia.

• The ANU Academic Skills site provides useful information to ensure that you leverage AI responsibly and effectively.

• The ANU School of Law Academic Integrity and Misconduct site provides content related to legal implications, ethical guidelines, and considerations when dealing with AI in the context of law.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Seminar 1: 10am-2pm, Tuesday 1 July 2025Seminar 2: 10am-2pm, Tuesday 8 July 2025Seminar 3: 10am-2pm, Tuesday 15 July 2025Seminar 4: 10am-2pm, Tuesday 22 July 2025Seminar 5: 10am-2pm, Tuesday 29 July 2025Seminar 6: 10am-2pm, Tuesday 5 August 2025Seminar 7: 10am-12pm (noon), Tuesday 12 August 2025	This is a semi-intensive course that is delivered online from 10am - 2pm, Tuesdays 1 July 2025 - 5 August 2025 and 10am -12pm, Tuesday 12 August 2025.Topics covered during the seminars are: Introduction to the Unit /Administrative Details; Why space is different Space and International Law The definition of Space Space Actors Why we need a legal regime for Space The role of UNCOPUOS (United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space) The UN Space Treaties and Principles International Space Law and National Law Australian and New Zealand National Space Law Authorization and Continuing Supervision of National Space Activities The Environment of Space and the Problem of Space Debris Space Traffic Management/Coordination In Orbit Servicing and RPOs/ADR Suborbital Flights and High-Altitude Activities Private Sector Involvement in Space Activities Non-Appropriation Principle Space Resource Activities Military Uses of Outer Space Space Insurance AI and Space Discussion of Research Papers

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Class Participation	10 %	*	26/08/2025	1,2,3
Research Proposal	20 %	18/08/2025	03/09/2025	1,2,3
Major Research Paper	70 %	09/09/2025	*	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

The ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy considers participation in the classes offered to be an important part of the educational experience of the graduate program and students are required to attend ALL classes (and all of each class). The normal pressures of work or planned personal trips do not constitute exceptional circumstances to justify an exemption from full compliance of this policy.

Examination(s)

There is no final examination for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Class Participation

Details of task: Students are expected to participate in all class sessions.

Nature of task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to participate will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 10%

Due date: Ongoing

Estimated return date: 26 August 2025

Assessment criteria: Students will be assessed on active and positive contribution to the session discussions, indicating an understanding of the basic principles and demonstrating that the student has done the requisite reading and is prepared to engage with the issues raised in the readings and discussions.

Assessment Task 2

Research Proposal

Details of task: Outline of major research paper proposal focused on identification of relevant research question and relevant issues to be addressed.

NOTE: Students must obtain prior approval of the proposed topic from the Course Convener by 2:00pm July 2025.

Nature of task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 20%

Word limit: 1,500 words

Due date: 5:00pm, 18 August 2025. Late submissions without an extension are permitted, although late penalties will apply.

Estimated return date: 3 September 2025

Assessment criteria:

a) Identification of relevant questions and issues

• addresses an appropriate and relevant question
• the major issues raised by the topic are clearly and concisely identified

b) Communication & development of argument

• clear theme or argument
• ideas/paragraphs linked coherently

c) Presentation, style, and referencing

• good use of structure and paragraphs
• clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging of reader
• use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax, and spelling
• style according to the Australian Guide to Legal Citation or equivalent style guide
• adherence to word limit

Assessment Task 3

Major Research Paper

Details of task: Research paper on proposed topic (previously approved by Course Convenor).

Nature of task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 70%

Word limit: 5,600 words (inclusive of footnotes)

Due date: 5:00pm, Tuesday 9 September 2025. Late submissions without an extension are permitted, although late penalties will apply. Please be aware that if you are in your final course(s), any late submissions may delay your conferral date.

Estimated return date: Results for non-standard sessions will be released approximately six weeks from the 9 September 2025 (course end date).

Assessment criteria:

a) Understanding of the issues

• addresses the question and covers all the important points

• evidence of close consideration of the question and the research materials drawn on

• issues raised by the topic are clearly and concisely identified

• material chosen relates clearly to the topic and is analysed not just summarised or quoted extensively

b) Communication & development of argument

• clear theme or argument

• arguments logical and well-organised

• ideas/paragraphs linked coherently

c) Argument/analysis

• originality of ideas and critical analysis of the material

• complexity and insight in dealing with theory/ideas

• suggestions for change where appropriate

• interdisciplinary perspective where appropriate

• addressing opposing arguments

• well-reasoned conclusions

d) Research

• research covering primary and secondary materials

• good organisation of sources and ability to synthesise all the research materials used

• use of theoretical material where appropriate

• range of research sources including material beyond the required/recommended readings for the Course

• integration of material from research resources into the essay

e) Presentation, style, and referencing

• good use of structure, section headings, and paragraphs

• clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging of the reader

• use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax, and spelling

• full and accurate footnotes together with a bibliography

• style according to the Australian Guide to Legal Citation or equivalent style guide

• adherence to the word limit

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. You must ensure that you upload the correct document on the specified submission due date and time. Any document modified after the due date and time will either incur a late penalty or will NOT be accepted. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education), submission must be through Turnitin in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). Electronic copies in .pdf file format are not acceptable.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

• Late submission is not accepted for tests or examinations.

• Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been granted an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time will be provided in writing. Importantly, any revised due date is inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date will be penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the task per 24-hour period.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

All marks and feedback will be provided by the return date listed in the class summary. 

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

A resubmission refers to the act of re-uploading a submission for an assessment task after an initial submission has already been made. This typically occurs when a student realises they have submitted an incorrect or incomplete document and wishes to upload the correct version.

Resubmissions are permitted up to the due date and time without penalty. After this point, any resubmissions will incur the relevant late penalty with no exceptions.

If you need to request that your original submission be deleted in order to resubmit, please email enquiries.law@anu.edu.au. Do not contact your course convenor directly regarding this matter.

Please note: If a task states that no late submissions are permitted, then resubmissions will not be accepted under any circumstances after the due date and time.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students