Space Security

Course Description

Over the past sixty years, an increasing number of countries have conducted military and civilian activities in space, often of competitive nature. Yet, countries have not yet engaged in open conflicts in the space domain opting, instead, for strategic constraint or cooperation. Since the creation of the Westphalian state in 1648, ensuring state security has trumped all other national interests. Now, state security has become dependent on space security, as spacefaring countries have developed new technologies pushing the phase of space discovery into phases of expansion and exploitation. This course examines space security, both theoretically and analytically. In the theoretical part, we will cover the main approaches to the study of space security rooted in leading theoretical approaches to international security: realism, liberalism, and constructivism. In the analytical part, we will explore key topics in space security including (a) the roots of competition and cooperation among states in space, and (b) recent trends toward weaponization of space as well as how those may challenge prior norms of conflict avoidance. We will also address specific challenges to space security, including (a) the role and vulnerability of critical satellite networks (GNSS & PNT), (b) anti-satellite capabilities and the offense-defense aspect of dual-use technology, (c) man-made orbital debris, (d) space traffic management (STM) and space situational awareness (SSA), (e) cyber security threats to space assets/space terrorism, (f) planetary defense, and (g) the impact of emerging space technologies. We will conclude the course by examining the need for space sustainability and future options for space governance.

Code

SA.502.183

Credits

4

Subject

Security, Strategy and Statecraft