The World of Space Exploration - Political, legal and international considerations 2100-ERASMUS-TWSE
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted world of space exploration politics. The course introduces students to the legal frameworks governing exploration and how they shape the conduct of space missions.
The strategic roles of Europe, the USA, China, Japan, and Russia in space exploration will be carefully examined, shedding light on their pioneering endeavors and geopolitical impact.
An essential aspect of the course involves investigating the rising prominence of nascent powers in space exploration, as students navigate the challenges and opportunities they face in shaping the future of cosmic exploration.
The course will also examine the transformative impact of private actors in space exploration, exploring the roles and endeavors of commercial ventures and their potential implications for future missions.
By the course's conclusion, students will have developed a profound understanding of the geopolitical, ethical, and political dimensions that govern humanity's quest beyond Earth.
The course schedule is as follows:
1. Introduction - overview of space exploration activities around the world and the scope of international cooperation connecting to those
2. Historical context - the space race; Poland in Space Exploration
3. Legal frameworks of exploration - Space Law
4. Role of Europe and the EU in space exploration
5. USA and Nasa in space explotaion
6. Nascent powers in Space Exploration
7. Lunching sites as a case study of international cooperation in space exploration - group work and the beginning a group project
8. Private Actors in space exploration
9. Russia and post-soviet states in space exploration (+ presentation of 2 group projects)
10. China and Japan in Space Exploration (+ presentation of 2 group projects)
11. Overview and discussion on international cooperation in space exploration - chances and dangers. (+ presentation of 2 group projects)
12. Should we go back to the moon? Final discussion on the feasibility and sustainability of Space Exploration. Final test.
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students should have a comprehensive understanding of the politics, challenges, and opportunities in space exploration, and be able to critically evaluate different aspects of international space cooperation and the role of major spacefaring nations in shaping the future of space exploration. Specifically, the student will learn to:
- Understand the historical context and major milestones of space exploration worldwide.
- Analyze the scope and significance of international cooperation in space exploration efforts.
- Evaluate the role of major spacefaring nations and emerging players in space exploration.
- Explain the key principles and components of international space law and its impact on exploration activities.
- Assess the geopolitical implications of space exploration, including the role of Europe, the USA, China, Japan, and Russia.
- Examine the involvement of private actors and commercial ventures in space exploration.
- Analyze case studies of international cooperation in launching sites for space missions.
- Discuss the feasibility, sustainability, and ethics of future space exploration missions,
- Collaborate effectively in group projects and present research findings on specific space exploration topics.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills in analyzing complex space policy issues and making well-reasoned arguments.
Assessment criteria
The students will be evaluated according to:
Active participation in classes - 20% of the final grade
Group project and presentation of the results- 30% of the final grade
Final test - 50% of the final grade
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: