Space technologies play a major role in everyday life—from GPS on our phones to satellite imagery used for weather forecasting and national security. This course introduces students to how decisions about space activities are made, including which missions to fund, how space exploration priorities are set, and how governments engage with the commercial space industry. Students will gain a basic understanding of key institutions, policies, and milestones that have shaped space activities over time.

The course also explores the importance of international cooperation and competition in space activities. From the geopolitical context of the space race to the challenges of addressing space debris in an increasingly congested environment, we examine how countries determine when and how to work with other nations. By the end of the course, students will have a clear, accessible introduction to the major issues, actors, and debates in space policy.