Space Law and Policy

Efforts in space science and engineering are undergirded and structured by the laws and policies that shape behavioral norms for governments, businesses, and other entities. Since the earliest days of space activities, humanity has worked to craft the rules and regulations necessary to ensure peaceful and successful activities in space. Laws have been created both at the international and national levels, and the United Nations has provided the Outer Space Treaty, sometimes termed the Magna Carta of space, as the primary guide for nations' actions in space. Domestically, the United States has passed a multitude of laws, policies, and regulations, all aimed to address various key facets of U.S. national goals. Space studies students will have an opportunity to study and research these areas, as well as posit their own views on issues ranging from the role of government in space exploration, to the legal issues associated with private industry operating in space.