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Unit of study_
LAWS6362: International Space Law
2025 unit information
We are entering a new era of space exploration and exploitation, placing space law at the forefront of the international legal agenda. Space is no longer the sole domain of national governments, with private entities launching space flights and exploration activities. The potential for disputes is increasing, and the militarisation of space is a growing threat. This unit of study will analyse whether the existing international space law framework effectively regulates the space activities of the 21st century. In particular, this unit of study considers the international law relating to: the current and potential uses of outer space; international space institutions; the commercialisation of space; the exploitation of natural resources and sustainability; the regime for registration, liability, damage and rescue for space craft and space flight; telecommunications, satellites and national security issues; and the militarisation of space. This unit of study provides a critical overview of the current pressing issues facing the legal global governance of space activities. Further information about this unit is available in the Sydney Law School timetable https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable, unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units and academic staff profile https://www.sydney.edu.au/law/about/our-people/academic-staff.html
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney Law School
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Law |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. identify and describe the key principles and agreements relating to international space law and define the role of institutions and organisations in administering them.
- LO2. analyse the pressing policy issues facing institutions, organisations, and nations undertaking space activities in the 21st century.
- LO3. apply advanced research skills to the analysis and synthesis of ideas and concepts related to areas of space law governance: exploration, commercialisation, exploitation, remediation, communications, and militarisation.
- LO4. critically evaluate the effectiveness of the current international space law framework and identify opportunities for space law reform using a combination of written and oral arguments.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
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Semester 2a 2025
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Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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