DSS 709 - Seminar on Space Policy and Security

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the extent to which spacepower doctrine, concepts, and operations influence national security strategy and international security. It identifies key space policy issues facing the United States and places them in the larger context of technological advances and a changing international strategic environment. The course will briefly examine the historical and policy foundations for the U.S. and international space programs and activities, including space policy evolution and international space law and treaties. It will then address current issues facing U.S. space programs, including efforts to reorganize national security space activities, and current international efforts to develop “rules of the road” for space activities. The course will also address strategic choices facing other nations in space capabilities, including continued dependence on U.S., European, and Russian space capabilities, developing indigenous space programs, and reliance on commercial space capabilities. Conflicts over dual-use technologies, such as space launch, remote sensing, satellite navigation, and communications, will be examined for their implications for such topics as spectrum management, and more broadly, for international security. Students will have an opportunity to apply insights gained from their readings and class discussion in a future wargame that includes both space and terrestrial crises and involves student team of players.

Lecture Contact Hours: 3

Typically Offered: Demand