Course information

Outer space is central to life on Earth. Access to space is rapidly expanding, with a growing number of spacefaring states and commercial operators involved in space launch and myriad satellite applications, as well as emerging opportunities for space mining, tourism, and even human habitation on the Moon or Mars. National space programs have established extensive and durable cooperation in areas of scientific research, but space is also characterised by intense inter-state and, increasingly, commercial competition. As such, outer space is inextricably implicated in the social, political, economic, and legal processes that characterise relations within and between communities here on Earth.

This module examines outer space as a key domain for contemporary global politics through a bi-focal approach. It applies International Relations theories and concepts to assess current and future operations in Earth orbit and beyond. Equally, it uses space activities to examine key themes including great power rivalries, the nature of power and (in)security, the development and impact of law, the interaction of state and non-state forms of agency, and the potential transformation of sovereignty and political identity.

This is not a module about science fiction or domestic space policies, though students are encouraged to draw on their other interests and bring those insights into our discussions. This module does not assume or require any familiarity with natural sciences: students enrolled in this module are not expected to have any prior knowledge of astrophysics, astronomy, etc.