Space Policy, Law and the New Space Economy
Overview
This interdisciplinary unit examines Australia's emerging space sector through legal, policy and commercial frameworks. It is grounded in exploration of Australian space companies and innovations. Students develop practical working knowledge of space regulation. They also build understanding of the strategic importance of space technology to modern society.
Requisites
31-May-2026
31-May-2026
Unit learning outcomes
1. Identify the role of space technologies in daily life, the Australian economy, and national security
2. Analyse Australian and international legal and regulatory frameworks governing space operations
3. Apply public policy analysis tools, stakeholder mapping, and systems thinking to space law and governance challenges
4. Evluate legal, commercial, and risk management frameworks for space activities including liability and insurance
5. Assess emerging legal and regulatory challenges including space sustainability, mega-constellations, and space resources
6. Synthesise comparative legal and regulatory approaches into policy recommendations for Australia's space sector
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Lecture |
2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Online Learning Activities |
2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
Unspecified Activities |
8.50 | 12 weeks | 102 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Individual | 70 - 80% | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 10 - 30% | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Online Discussion | Individual | 10 - 30% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Content
The unit emphasises practical application through case studies of Australian companies (Gilmour Space, Myriota, Fleet Space, ClearSpace) and ADF Space Command, preparing students for careers in policy, regulation, commercial ventures or defence.
- Space in daily life and the Australian space ecosystem
- Foundations of international space law and public policy frameworks
- Australian space regulatory framework Part 1 – licensing and authorisation
- Australian space regulatory framework Part 2 – cross-cutting regulations
- Commercial space operations, contracts and financing
- Space applications in practice – health and Earth observation
- Space debris and a sustainable space economy
- Liability, insurance and risk management
- Intellectual property and technology transfer
- National security, ADF space operations and dual-use technologies
- Future regulatory challenges and emerging issues
- International comparative frameworks and policy synthesis
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.