Course overview
This course surveys the legal and policy issues associated with the commercial space industry. It gives an overview of applicable international treaties and the requirements imposed on States in relation to private commercial actors. It examines domestic Australian space law and draws comparisons with the law in other jurisdictions. Specific areas covered include launches and returns, responsibility and liability, artificial satellites, debris mitigation, space traffic management, spectrum allocation, off-Earth resource utilisation and space assets as critical infrastructure. The course also looks at commercial law issues such as contracting, trade law and dispute resolution. There will be a focus on understanding the law in the context of current and emerging industry trends, with expert presenters drawn from the commercial space sector, regulatory agencies, legal practice and academia.
Course learning outcomes
- Undertake legal research at a high level of complexity.
- Effectively structure and articulate written legal arguments.
- Deploy advanced skills in statutory and treaty interpretation to resolve complex legal problems arising in relation to domestic and international laws affecting the commercial space industry.
- Analyse complex factual scenarios and identify the relevant legal issues arising in relation to Commercial Space Law.
- Identify and evaluate relevant domestic and international legal regimes affecting the space environment, including the legal and ethical relationship between civilian and military space operations and dual use technologies.
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Class number 55173
Section WS01
Size 30
Available 30
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.