Who makes the law beyond Earth?

A global learning hub for the treaties, national laws, strategies, institutions and degree programs shaping activity in orbit, on the Moon and farther out.

16global instruments
15national plans
10U.S. state frameworks
14study pathways
TREATY
STATE
LICENSE
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs logo

INTERNATIONAL DUTY
→ NATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION
→ MISSION AUTHORIZATION

INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ATLAS

Five core treaties. Eleven connected instruments.

The first five form the UN space-treaty sequence. The rest are clearly labeled as principles, guidelines, adjacent treaties or political commitments.

Binding treaty · 1963 · Global

Partial Test Ban Treaty

Prohibits nuclear weapon tests and other nuclear explosions in the atmosphere, underwater and in outer space—an important adjacent arms-control rule.

SecurityNuclearArms control
Open official source: Partial Test Ban Treaty
Binding adjacent treaty · 1959 · International

Antarctic Treaty

Reserves Antarctica for peaceful purposes, protects freedom of scientific investigation and preserves cooperation while holding territorial claims in abeyance—an important governance analogue for global-commons debates in space.

Peaceful useScientific cooperationGlobal commons
Open official source: Antarctic Treaty
UN principle · 1963 · Global

Declaration of Legal Principles

The pre-treaty declaration that articulated free exploration, non-appropriation, international responsibility, jurisdiction and cooperation.

FoundationsPrinciplesCooperation
Open official source: Declaration of Legal Principles
UN principle · 1982 · Global

Direct Broadcasting Principles

Principles governing States’ use of artificial Earth satellites for international direct television broadcasting.

BroadcastingCommunicationsSovereignty
Open official source: Direct Broadcasting Principles
UN principle · 1986 · Global

Remote Sensing Principles

Frames remote sensing for the benefit of all countries while addressing access to data, environmental protection and disaster information.

Earth observationDataDevelopment
Open official source: Remote Sensing Principles
UN principle · 1992 · Global

Nuclear Power Sources Principles

Sets safety, notification, responsibility and compensation principles for nuclear power sources used in outer space.

Nuclear powerSafetyNotification
Open official source: Nuclear Power Sources Principles
UN principle · 1996 · Global

Benefits Declaration

Addresses international cooperation and equitable access to the benefits of space activities, with attention to developing countries.

EquityCooperationDevelopment
Open official source: Benefits Declaration
Binding treaty framework · Current · Global

ITU Radio Regulations

The international framework for allocating and coordinating radio-frequency spectrum and associated satellite-orbit resources.

SpectrumOrbitsCoordination
Open official source: ITU Radio Regulations
Voluntary guideline · 2019 · Global

COPUOS Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines

Twenty-one voluntary guidelines covering policy, regulation, safety of operations, research, capacity-building and international cooperation.

SustainabilitySafetyCapacity building
Open official source: COPUOS Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines
Technical guideline · Current · Global

IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines

Consensus technical guidance from major space agencies for limiting debris released in normal operations, break-ups and post-mission disposal.

DebrisMission designDisposal
Open official source: IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines
Political commitment · 2020– · International

Artemis Accords

A set of non-binding principles for civil exploration, including transparency, interoperability, emergency assistance, registration, heritage, resources and deconfliction.

MoonInteroperabilityResources
Open official source: Artemis Accords

NATIONAL POLICY ATLAS

One domain. Many national systems.

Compare how established and emerging space nations organize civil programs, commercial authorization, security, science and international partnership.

Office of Space Commerce · Current

United States

U.S. Space Policy Collection

A federal index for national space policy, presidential directives, commercial remote sensing, spectrum and other U.S. policy instruments.

National policyCommercial
Open national source: U.S. Space Policy Collection

UK Government · 2026

United Kingdom

UK Space Strategy

The current cross-government strategy aligns economic growth, defense, security, resilience and four priority space subsectors through 2030.

GrowthDefense
Open national source: UK Space Strategy

Canadian Space Agency · 2019

Canada

A New Space Strategy for Canada

Canada’s strategic framework for science, exploration, innovation, jobs and partnership in the space sector.

ExplorationScience
Open national source: A New Space Strategy for Canada

Australian Space Agency · 2019–2028

Australia

Australian Civil Space Strategy

A ten-year civil strategy organized around national priority areas, international engagement, regulation, capability and workforce.

CivilIndustry
Open national source: Australian Civil Space Strategy

New Zealand Government · 2023

New Zealand

National Space Policy

A national policy grounded in stewardship, innovation, responsibility and partnership, including sustainability and national-interest tests.

StewardshipInnovation
Open national source: National Space Policy

State Council Information Office · 2022

China

China’s Space Program: A 2021 Perspective

The government white paper reviews achievements and sets objectives and tasks for China’s space program and international cooperation.

White paperExploration
Open national source: China’s Space Program: A 2021 Perspective

Department of Space / ISRO · 2023

India

Indian Space Policy

Defines roles for government and non-government entities, with IN-SPACe authorization and promotion across the Indian space ecosystem.

CommercialAuthorization
Open national source: Indian Space Policy

Cabinet Office of Japan · 2023

Japan

Basic Plan on Space Policy

Japan’s cabinet-level plan connects security, disaster resilience, innovation, science and exploration with an annual implementation plan.

SecurityInnovation
Open national source: Basic Plan on Space Policy

Federal Government of Germany · 2023

Germany

German Space Strategy

Sets strategic fields of action for climate protection, digitalization, security, sustainability, research and a competitive space industry.

SustainabilityIndustry
Open national source: German Space Strategy

Luxembourg Space Agency · 2023–2027

Luxembourg

National Space Strategy

Builds the country’s space ecosystem around sustainability, talent, research, international cooperation and commercial development.

IndustryResources
Open national source: National Space Strategy

UAE Space Agency · 2030

United Arab Emirates

National Space Strategy 2030

A long-term framework for governance, national capabilities, science, missions, investment and global partnerships.

GovernanceCapability
Open national source: National Space Strategy 2030

Korea AeroSpace Administration · Current

South Korea

KASA Policy & Work Plans

The national agency’s policy program advances private-sector growth, flagship missions, launch capability and Korea’s long-term aerospace ambitions.

Agency planIndustry
Open national source: KASA Policy & Work Plans

Brazilian Space Agency · 2022–2031

Brazil

National Space Activities Program

PNAE links Brazilian institutions, infrastructure, applications, industry and international cooperation across a ten-year program.

National programIndustry
Open national source: National Space Activities Program

Department of Science, Technology and Innovation / SANSA · 2010–

South Africa

National Space Strategy

A development-centered national framework for Earth observation, navigation, communications, space science and domestic capability.

DevelopmentEarth observation
Open national source: National Space Strategy
Need another country?Search UNOOSA’s national space-law database by country and instrument type.

U.S. STATE POLICY MAP

The states build the launchpads.

State space policy often appears as enabling law, public authorities, infrastructure finance, liability rules, workforce programs and economic-development strategy.

States in this guide10 highlighted frameworks
United States policy map A map of the United States with Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia highlighted.

Policy lives at multiple levels: federal rules authorize missions, while states shape sites, capital, workforce and liability.

FL

Florida

Space Florida Act & spaceport system

Creates a statewide aerospace finance and development authority and a coordinated spaceport system with infrastructure and commercial-development tools.

AuthoritySpaceports
TX

Texas

Texas Space Commission

Coordinates civil, commercial and military aerospace growth and administers the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund.

CommissionResearch fund
VA

Virginia

Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority

A state-created authority that operates the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport and supports launch, testing and economic development.

AuthoritySpaceport
NM

New Mexico

New Mexico Spaceport Authority

The public authority behind Spaceport America, pairing a purpose-built commercial spaceport with state governance and infrastructure investment.

AuthoritySpaceport
AK

Alaska

Alaska Aerospace Corporation

A state-owned corporation providing high-latitude launch infrastructure through the Pacific Spaceport Complex–Alaska.

State corporationSpaceport
OK

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority

A public authority supporting the Oklahoma Air & Space Port, horizontal-launch infrastructure and commercial space development.

AuthorityHorizontal launch
CO

Colorado

Aerospace & Defense Industry Program

State economic-development policy supports aerospace companies, national-security missions, workforce and Colorado’s broad space cluster.

Economic policyDefense
CA

California

Aerospace & Defense sector policy

California combines commercial-space and defense industry support with state incentives, permitting assistance and a mature aerospace supply chain.

Economic policyCommercial
AL

Alabama

Aerospace & Aviation development framework

A state industry strategy built around Huntsville, federal missions, research, manufacturing, workforce and aerospace recruitment.

Economic policyResearch
MS

Mississippi

Aerospace & Defense development policy

State development programs connect Stennis Space Center, engine testing, advanced manufacturing, incentives and workforce capacity.

Economic policyTesting

U.S. SECURITY & SPACEPOWER

Policy says why. Doctrine says how.

Follow the chain from whole-of-government policy to defense strategy, Space Force service strategy and operational doctrine.

National policy · 2020

National Space Policy

The government-wide baseline for civil, commercial and national-security space activities, cooperation, sustainability and leadership.

Presidential directive · 2018

Space Policy Directive-3

National space traffic management policy, including civil space situational awareness and improved safety data and standards.

Presidential directive · 2020

Space Policy Directive-5

Cybersecurity principles for space systems, emphasizing risk-based engineering, supply chains, resilience and information sharing.

Defense strategy · 2020

Defense Space Strategy Summary

Organizes defense space action around military advantage, integration with joint operations, shaping the environment and cooperation.

Policy report · 2023

Space Policy Review & Protection Strategy

Explains the Department’s approach to protecting and defending space systems, integrating allies and commercial capabilities, and responsible conduct.

Defense strategy · 2024

DoD Commercial Space Integration Strategy

Sets principles and priorities for integrating commercial space solutions into national-security architectures before crisis or conflict.

Service strategy · 2024

U.S. Space Force Commercial Space Strategy

Translates commercial integration into service-level lines of effort for transparency, technical and operational integration, risk and future capability.

Military doctrine · Current

Space Force Doctrine Library

The authoritative library for Space Force doctrine, including operations, space domain awareness, intelligence and sustainment.

Service strategy · 2025

U.S. Space Force International Partnership Strategy

A framework for integrating allies and partners across force design, capability development, information sharing, training and operations.

STUDY THE FIELD

Degrees, certificates & policy pathways.

Compare specialist law degrees, policy concentrations, interdisciplinary space studies and professional education across North America and Europe.

Law degrees & certificate · LL.M. / M.S. / J.D. / Certificate · North America

Center for Air and Space Law — degree & certificate pathways

University of Mississippi

Ole Miss’s Center offers online and Oxford pathways including an Air and Space Law LL.M., an online M.S., a graduate certificate and a J.D. concentration, alongside research in air, drone, cyber, remote-sensing and space law.

Space lawAir lawOnline study
Open official source: Center for Air and Space Law — degree & certificate pathways
Law degree · LL.M. · North America

LL.M. in Space, Cyber, and National Security Law

University of Nebraska College of Law

An intensive graduate law pathway connecting space law with cyber operations, national security and public international law.

Space lawCyberNational security
Open official source: LL.M. in Space, Cyber, and National Security Law
Policy degree concentration · M.A. · North America

M.A. in International Science and Technology Policy — Space Policy concentration

George Washington University

A graduate policy pathway through the Elliott School and Space Policy Institute focused on the relationships among space technology, policy, economics, law, security and international affairs.

Space policyInternational affairsTechnology policy
Open official source: M.A. in International Science and Technology Policy — Space Policy concentration
Interdisciplinary education & training · Courses / CLE / Executive education · North America

Space Law, Data and Policy Program

University of Washington School of Law

SPACE LDP connects outer space with law, data and global policy through public and fee-based education for university, government, industry, defense and nonprofit audiences.

Space lawData policyExecutive education
Open official source: Space Law, Data and Policy Program
Law degree · LL.M. / D.C.L. · North America

Air and Space Law graduate programs

McGill Institute of Air & Space Law

Research and graduate study in public and private air law, international space law, governance, institutions and technology.

Space lawAir lawResearch
Open official source: Air and Space Law graduate programs
Law degree · Advanced LL.M. · Europe

Air and Space Law Advanced LL.M.

Leiden University

A European and international program combining public and private air law with international and national space law.

Space lawEuropean lawAir law
Open official source: Air and Space Law Advanced LL.M.
Law degree · LL.M. · Europe

Space Law LLM

Northumbria University

A full-time or distance-learning specialization in space law, policy and governance at national and international levels.

Space lawPolicyGovernance
Open official source: Space Law LLM
Interdisciplinary degree · M.S. · North America

M.S. in Space Studies

University of North Dakota

An interdisciplinary space degree with coursework in space law, politics, policy, diplomacy, military space and remote-sensing law.

PolicyLawInterdisciplinary
Open official source: M.S. in Space Studies
Interdisciplinary degree · Master · International

Master of Space Studies

International Space University

A multidisciplinary program spanning policy and law, business, engineering, science, applications and society in an international cohort.

PolicyInternationalInterdisciplinary
Open official source: Master of Space Studies
Law & policy degree · Master · 60 ECTS · Europe

Master in Space Law and Geopolitics

Luiss Guido Carli School of Government

An English-taught multidisciplinary master combining international, European and administrative space law with policy, geopolitics, security and the space economy.

Space lawGeopoliticsSecurity
Open official source: Master in Space Law and Geopolitics
Professional program · Executive certificate · Europe

Executive Certificate in Space Law and Policy

Université Paris-Saclay

Professional education in legal, institutional, strategic and contractual issues across the space project lifecycle.

ProfessionalStrategyContracts
Open official source: Executive Certificate in Space Law and Policy

FREE COURSES · BRIEFINGS · VIDEO

Learn before you enroll.

Start with free courses, open archives and public briefings. Each item distinguishes free learning from a free audit or an optional paid certificate.

Explainer · Start here

International Space Law Explained

United Nations

A concise introduction to why international space law exists, what the core treaties do and how space activity is governed.

Course series · Self-paced

Space Services e-learning

International Telecommunication Union

Learn the filing, coordination, notification and recording procedures behind satellite spectrum and orbit use.

Free online course · Free · self-paced

Long-Term Sustainability learning hub

UNOOSA

A free account unlocks 26 short lessons, infographics and case studies explaining the UN guidelines for safe and sustainable space activity in English, French and Spanish.

Free online course · Free · self-paced

Space Law and Policy e-learning

UNOOSA

Official introductory modules cover fundamental principles of international space law, national implementation and the legal framework for space activities. No paid credential is implied.

Free open MOOC · Free · self-paced

Sustainable Space — Space Law and Ethics

University of Helsinki

An open sustainable-space course with a dedicated chapter on space law and ethics, including treaties, responsibility, sustainability and emerging governance questions.

Free course archive · Free · open access

Space Policy Seminar

MIT OpenCourseWare

An openly available graduate seminar archive with readings and lecture notes on sources of space policy, U.S. institutions, international cooperation, security and space law. Originally taught in 2003.

Online course · Free audit · certificate optional

Space Fundamentals

Adelaide University & University of Surrey

A self-paced introduction to the space sector with six modules, including a dedicated space-law module. Course access may be audited free; the verified certificate is a paid option.

Conference series · Ongoing

Space Security Conference & videos

UNIDIR

Expert briefings and recorded discussions on threats, norms, responsible behavior and multilateral security processes.

Video & event series · Ongoing

Aerospace Security Project events

CSIS

Public conversations, briefings and report launches explaining national security space policy and strategic competition.

Academic event series · Ongoing

Space Policy Institute events

George Washington University

Panels and public programs connecting policy students with government, industry and international space leaders.

THE RESEARCH DESK

Search the complete policy library.

Find primary sources, national plans, U.S. state frameworks, strategy, study programs, research institutes and explainers in one index.

87 sources

International instruments · Global

Outer Space Treaty

The constitutional foundation of space law: freedom of exploration and use, non-appropriation, peaceful purposes, State responsibility, liability and jurisdiction.

International instruments · Global

Rescue Agreement

Develops duties to assist and return astronauts and to return space objects found outside the territory of the launching authority.

International instruments · Global

Liability Convention

Sets fault-based liability for damage in space and absolute liability for certain damage caused on Earth or to aircraft in flight.

International instruments · Global

Registration Convention

Requires launching States to maintain national registries and furnish identifying and orbital information for the UN Register of Objects Launched into Outer…

International instruments · Global

Moon Agreement

Elaborates rules for the Moon and celestial bodies, including scientific use, environmental care and a future regime for natural resources.

International instruments · Global

Partial Test Ban Treaty

Prohibits nuclear weapon tests and other nuclear explosions in the atmosphere, underwater and in outer space—an important adjacent arms-control rule.

International instruments · International

Antarctic Treaty

Reserves Antarctica for peaceful purposes, protects freedom of scientific investigation and preserves cooperation while holding territorial claims in abeyance—an important governance analogue…

International instruments · Global

Declaration of Legal Principles

The pre-treaty declaration that articulated free exploration, non-appropriation, international responsibility, jurisdiction and cooperation.

International instruments · Global

Direct Broadcasting Principles

Principles governing States’ use of artificial Earth satellites for international direct television broadcasting.

International instruments · Global

Remote Sensing Principles

Frames remote sensing for the benefit of all countries while addressing access to data, environmental protection and disaster information.

International instruments · Global

Nuclear Power Sources Principles

Sets safety, notification, responsibility and compensation principles for nuclear power sources used in outer space.

International instruments · Global

Benefits Declaration

Addresses international cooperation and equitable access to the benefits of space activities, with attention to developing countries.

International instruments · Global

ITU Radio Regulations

The international framework for allocating and coordinating radio-frequency spectrum and associated satellite-orbit resources.

International instruments · Global

COPUOS Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines

Twenty-one voluntary guidelines covering policy, regulation, safety of operations, research, capacity-building and international cooperation.

International instruments · Global

IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines

Consensus technical guidance from major space agencies for limiting debris released in normal operations, break-ups and post-mission disposal.

International instruments · International

Artemis Accords

A set of non-binding principles for civil exploration, including transparency, interoperability, emergency assistance, registration, heritage, resources and deconfliction.

National plans · North America

U.S. Space Policy Collection

A federal index for national space policy, presidential directives, commercial remote sensing, spectrum and other U.S. policy instruments.

National plans · Europe

UK Space Strategy

The current cross-government strategy aligns economic growth, defense, security, resilience and four priority space subsectors through 2030.

National plans · North America

A New Space Strategy for Canada

Canada’s strategic framework for science, exploration, innovation, jobs and partnership in the space sector.

National plans · Oceania

Australian Civil Space Strategy

A ten-year civil strategy organized around national priority areas, international engagement, regulation, capability and workforce.

National plans · Oceania

National Space Policy

A national policy grounded in stewardship, innovation, responsibility and partnership, including sustainability and national-interest tests.

National plans · Asia

China’s Space Program: A 2021 Perspective

The government white paper reviews achievements and sets objectives and tasks for China’s space program and international cooperation.

National plans · Asia

Indian Space Policy

Defines roles for government and non-government entities, with IN-SPACe authorization and promotion across the Indian space ecosystem.

National plans · Asia

Basic Plan on Space Policy

Japan’s cabinet-level plan connects security, disaster resilience, innovation, science and exploration with an annual implementation plan.

National plans · Europe

EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence

A union-level framework for threat understanding, resilience, response, responsible behavior and cooperation in the space domain.

National plans · Europe

German Space Strategy

Sets strategic fields of action for climate protection, digitalization, security, sustainability, research and a competitive space industry.

National plans · Europe

National Space Strategy

Builds the country’s space ecosystem around sustainability, talent, research, international cooperation and commercial development.

National plans · Middle East

National Space Strategy 2030

A long-term framework for governance, national capabilities, science, missions, investment and global partnerships.

National plans · Asia

KASA Policy & Work Plans

The national agency’s policy program advances private-sector growth, flagship missions, launch capability and Korea’s long-term aerospace ambitions.

National plans · Latin America

National Space Activities Program

PNAE links Brazilian institutions, infrastructure, applications, industry and international cooperation across a ten-year program.

National plans · Africa

National Space Strategy

A development-centered national framework for Earth observation, navigation, communications, space science and domestic capability.

U.S. state policy · International

Space Florida Act & spaceport system

Creates a statewide aerospace finance and development authority and a coordinated spaceport system with infrastructure and commercial-development tools.

U.S. state policy · International

Texas Space Commission

Coordinates civil, commercial and military aerospace growth and administers the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund.

U.S. state policy · International

Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority

A state-created authority that operates the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport and supports launch, testing and economic development.

U.S. state policy · International

New Mexico Spaceport Authority

The public authority behind Spaceport America, pairing a purpose-built commercial spaceport with state governance and infrastructure investment.

U.S. state policy · International

Alaska Aerospace Corporation

A state-owned corporation providing high-latitude launch infrastructure through the Pacific Spaceport Complex–Alaska.

U.S. state policy · International

Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority

A public authority supporting the Oklahoma Air & Space Port, horizontal-launch infrastructure and commercial space development.

U.S. state policy · International

Aerospace & Defense Industry Program

State economic-development policy supports aerospace companies, national-security missions, workforce and Colorado’s broad space cluster.

U.S. state policy · International

Aerospace & Defense sector policy

California combines commercial-space and defense industry support with state incentives, permitting assistance and a mature aerospace supply chain.

U.S. state policy · International

Aerospace & Aviation development framework

A state industry strategy built around Huntsville, federal missions, research, manufacturing, workforce and aerospace recruitment.

U.S. state policy · International

Aerospace & Defense development policy

State development programs connect Stennis Space Center, engine testing, advanced manufacturing, incentives and workforce capacity.

U.S. defense policy · United States

National Space Policy

The government-wide baseline for civil, commercial and national-security space activities, cooperation, sustainability and leadership.

U.S. defense policy · United States

Space Policy Directive-3

National space traffic management policy, including civil space situational awareness and improved safety data and standards.

U.S. defense policy · United States

Space Policy Directive-5

Cybersecurity principles for space systems, emphasizing risk-based engineering, supply chains, resilience and information sharing.

U.S. defense policy · United States

Defense Space Strategy Summary

Organizes defense space action around military advantage, integration with joint operations, shaping the environment and cooperation.

U.S. defense policy · United States

Space Policy Review & Protection Strategy

Explains the Department’s approach to protecting and defending space systems, integrating allies and commercial capabilities, and responsible conduct.

U.S. defense policy · United States

DoD Commercial Space Integration Strategy

Sets principles and priorities for integrating commercial space solutions into national-security architectures before crisis or conflict.

U.S. defense policy · United States

U.S. Space Force Commercial Space Strategy

Translates commercial integration into service-level lines of effort for transparency, technical and operational integration, risk and future capability.

U.S. defense policy · United States

Space Force Doctrine Library

The authoritative library for Space Force doctrine, including operations, space domain awareness, intelligence and sustainment.

U.S. defense policy · United States

U.S. Space Force International Partnership Strategy

A framework for integrating allies and partners across force design, capability development, information sharing, training and operations.

Degrees & programs · North America

Center for Air and Space Law — degree & certificate pathways

Ole Miss’s Center offers online and Oxford pathways including an Air and Space Law LL.M., an online M.S., a graduate certificate and…

Degrees & programs · North America

LL.M. in Space, Cyber, and National Security Law

An intensive graduate law pathway connecting space law with cyber operations, national security and public international law.

Degrees & programs · North America

M.A. in International Science and Technology Policy — Space Policy concentration

A graduate policy pathway through the Elliott School and Space Policy Institute focused on the relationships among space technology, policy, economics, law,…

Degrees & programs · North America

Space Law, Data and Policy Program

SPACE LDP connects outer space with law, data and global policy through public and fee-based education for university, government, industry, defense and…

Degrees & programs · North America

Air and Space Law graduate programs

Research and graduate study in public and private air law, international space law, governance, institutions and technology.

Degrees & programs · Europe

Air and Space Law Advanced LL.M.

A European and international program combining public and private air law with international and national space law.

Degrees & programs · Europe

Space Law LLM

A full-time or distance-learning specialization in space law, policy and governance at national and international levels.

Degrees & programs · Europe

Master in Space, Communication and Media Law

Combines space and satellite communications law with media, electronic communications, data protection and cyber policy.

Degrees & programs · Europe

M2 Digital, Aeronautics and Space Technologies Law

A specialist program linking space and aeronautics law with telecommunications, digital regulation and technology policy.

Degrees & programs · North America

M.S. in Space Studies

An interdisciplinary space degree with coursework in space law, politics, policy, diplomacy, military space and remote-sensing law.

Degrees & programs · International

Master of Space Studies

A multidisciplinary program spanning policy and law, business, engineering, science, applications and society in an international cohort.

Degrees & programs · Europe

Master in Space Law and Geopolitics

An English-taught multidisciplinary master combining international, European and administrative space law with policy, geopolitics, security and the space economy.

Degrees & programs · Europe

Advanced Master of Space Studies — Law, Policy, Business & Management

A jointly awarded advanced master with a dedicated major in space law, policy, business and management, plus a common interdisciplinary core and…

Degrees & programs · Europe

Executive Certificate in Space Law and Policy

Professional education in legal, institutional, strategic and contractual issues across the space project lifecycle.

Research & reference · United States

Office of Space Commerce Updates & Resources

Official updates and primary resources on commercial remote sensing licensing, TraCSS, space policy, standards, the space economy and industry engagement.

Research & reference · International

UNOOSA Space Law

Treaty texts, principles, status tables, national law, technical legal assistance and COPUOS Legal Subcommittee materials.

Research & reference · International

ASTRO National Space Law Database

A country-by-country database of national space legislation, regulation, policies, strategies and related legal instruments.

Research & reference · United States

Space Policy Online

Independent reporting, calendars and explainers on U.S. civil, commercial and national-security space policy.

Research & reference · United States

Center for Space Policy and Strategy

Evidence-based research on space governance, sustainability, economics, acquisition and national security.

Research & reference · International

Secure World Foundation

Research and convening on secure, sustainable and peaceful uses of outer space, including space security and sustainability reports.

Research & reference · International

Aerospace Security Project

Analysis, threat assessments, data and events on space security, defense architecture and strategic competition.

Research & reference · Europe

European Space Policy Institute

European and global research on space economy, security, exploration, sustainability and institutional policy.

Research & reference · International

Space Security Programme

Research, conferences and practical tools on threats, responsible behavior, arms control and security in outer space.

Research & reference · United States

Space Policy Institute

Academic research and graduate education at the intersection of space science, technology, economics, law and public policy.

Research & reference · International

Space Law Library

An open collection of international and national space-law primary sources, scholarship and reference materials.

Research & reference · Europe

European Centre for Space Law

A European forum for space-law education, research, institutions and the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court.

Research & reference · International

OECD Space Forum

Comparative evidence and policy work on the space economy, infrastructure, sustainability, value chains and public investment.

Watch & learn · International

International Space Law Explained

A concise introduction to why international space law exists, what the core treaties do and how space activity is governed.

Watch & learn · International

Space Services e-learning

Learn the filing, coordination, notification and recording procedures behind satellite spectrum and orbit use.

Watch & learn · International

Long-Term Sustainability learning hub

A free account unlocks 26 short lessons, infographics and case studies explaining the UN guidelines for safe and sustainable space activity in…

Watch & learn · International

Space Law and Policy e-learning

Official introductory modules cover fundamental principles of international space law, national implementation and the legal framework for space activities. No paid credential…

Watch & learn · International

Sustainable Space — Space Law and Ethics

An open sustainable-space course with a dedicated chapter on space law and ethics, including treaties, responsibility, sustainability and emerging governance questions.

Watch & learn · International

Space Policy Seminar

An openly available graduate seminar archive with readings and lecture notes on sources of space policy, U.S. institutions, international cooperation, security and…

Watch & learn · International

Space Fundamentals

A self-paced introduction to the space sector with six modules, including a dedicated space-law module. Course access may be audited free; the…

Watch & learn · International

Space Security Conference & videos

Expert briefings and recorded discussions on threats, norms, responsible behavior and multilateral security processes.

Watch & learn · International

Aerospace Security Project events

Public conversations, briefings and report launches explaining national security space policy and strategic competition.

Watch & learn · International

Space Policy Institute events

Panels and public programs connecting policy students with government, industry and international space leaders.

WHERE POLICY THINKING HAPPENS

Research desks worth bookmarking.

Start with official primary sources, then use specialist institutes to understand context, tradeoffs and emerging debates.

Official policy & regulatory desk · United States

Office of Space Commerce Updates & Resources

U.S. Department of Commerce / NOAA

Official updates and primary resources on commercial remote sensing licensing, TraCSS, space policy, standards, the space economy and industry engagement.

Policy updatesTraCSSCommercial regulation
Open official source: Office of Space Commerce Updates & Resources
Official legal portal · International

UNOOSA Space Law

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

Treaty texts, principles, status tables, national law, technical legal assistance and COPUOS Legal Subcommittee materials.

Primary sourcesTreatiesNational law
Open official source: UNOOSA Space Law
Official database · International

ASTRO National Space Law Database

UNOOSA

A country-by-country database of national space legislation, regulation, policies, strategies and related legal instruments.

National lawComparative lawDatabase
Open official source: ASTRO National Space Law Database
News & analysis · United States

Space Policy Online

Space and Technology Policy Group

Independent reporting, calendars and explainers on U.S. civil, commercial and national-security space policy.

NewsCongressPolicy
Open official source: Space Policy Online
Policy research center · United States

Center for Space Policy and Strategy

The Aerospace Corporation

Evidence-based research on space governance, sustainability, economics, acquisition and national security.

ResearchSecuritySustainability
Open official source: Center for Space Policy and Strategy
Policy foundation · International

Secure World Foundation

Secure World Foundation

Research and convening on secure, sustainable and peaceful uses of outer space, including space security and sustainability reports.

SustainabilitySecurityGovernance
Open official source: Secure World Foundation
Policy research program · International

Aerospace Security Project

Center for Strategic and International Studies

Analysis, threat assessments, data and events on space security, defense architecture and strategic competition.

SecurityThreatsStrategy
Open official source: Aerospace Security Project
UN research program · International

Space Security Programme

United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research

Research, conferences and practical tools on threats, responsible behavior, arms control and security in outer space.

SecurityDisarmamentNorms
Open official source: Space Security Programme
University policy institute · United States

Space Policy Institute

George Washington University

Academic research and graduate education at the intersection of space science, technology, economics, law and public policy.

EducationResearchPublic policy
Open official source: Space Policy Institute
Open legal library · International

Space Law Library

Space Court Foundation

An open collection of international and national space-law primary sources, scholarship and reference materials.

LibraryPrimary sourcesScholarship
Open official source: Space Law Library
Legal education network · Europe

European Centre for Space Law

European Space Agency

A European forum for space-law education, research, institutions and the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court.

EducationEuropeMoot court
Open official source: European Centre for Space Law
Economic policy forum · International

OECD Space Forum

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Comparative evidence and policy work on the space economy, infrastructure, sustainability, value chains and public investment.

EconomicsDataPolicy
Open official source: OECD Space Forum

POLICY WATCH

The rules are still being written.

Follow legislation, regulation, diplomacy, security and institutional change through OffWorldly’s live space-news desk.

Live policy feed · refreshed 8 minutes ago
OFFICIAL U.S. COMMERCIAL SPACE DESKOffice of Space Commerce updatesFollow commercial remote sensing licensing, TraCSS, economic data, regulatory initiatives and industry notices. Open the full space-news desk