Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to two interrelated areas: (1) the laws relating to outer space; and (2) the regulation of satellites. International law regimes and selected national legislative frameworks will be examined with the emphasis placed on non-military, civil space and satellite activities. This unit provides students with a broad understanding of the international law governing outer space and the Moon including the five UN treaties, the global regulation of satellites, selected national governance regimes for civil space and satellite projects, and some current issues including space debris, satellite congestion, small satellites and constellations, space tourism, and the uses of satellite data for law enforcement.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the legal frameworks and institutional architecture relevant to space and satellite law; (2) critically describe the use and regulation of space technologies for environmental monitoring and law enforcement; (3) critically analyse legal issues, current developments and effectiveness of space and satellite law; (4) apply the law to hypothetical problem-solving exercises, and make persuasive legal arguments and counter arguments; (5) critically assess the effectiveness of the law with respect to outer space, celestial bodies and satellites explored in this unit; and (6) develop coherent arguments for reform and/or further research in the areas of space and satellite law.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) class participation; (2) short answer paper; and (3) research paper. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Erika Techera
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
20810 Doctor of Juridical Science
Incompatibility
Enrolment in
LAWS5577 Space and Satellite Law
Contact hours
5 full days of intensive teaching plus online modules before the intensive
Note
Please refer to the timetable website for session times and venues. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.
Texts

Readings will be set via Unit Readings Online.

 

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.