Short Course: Space Law
Date: 5 Sessions: 2,9, 16, 23, 30 October 2026
Time: 13.00 - 15.00 (UK time)
Venue: Online
Course Details
As activity in outer space expands rapidly and new actors reshape the domain, the need for clear and effective legal frameworks has become increasingly urgent. International Space Law examines the legal framework governing human activities in outer space, with a focus on the treaties, principles, and institutions developed through the United Nations system, particularly the work of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
The course introduces the core instruments of the field, including the Outer Space Treaty, and explores how international law applies to questions of jurisdiction, state responsibility, liability, and the peaceful use of outer space. Building on these foundations, the course considers contemporary challenges arising from the rapid expansion of commercial space activity, satellite constellations, space debris, and evolving debates around resource use and security in outer space. Participants will assess how existing legal frameworks respond to technological change and examine competing approaches to the future governance of outer space.
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Understand the structure, sources, and key principles of international space law
- Gain familiarity with the UN space treaties and their legal implications
- Evaluate state responsibility and liability for space activities
- Assess current legal challenges such as space debris and commercialisation
- Critically engage with emerging debates on the future governance of outer space
Indicative course topics:
- Foundations of International Space Law
- Treaty Framework and Core Principles
- State Responsibility, Authorisation, Registration and Liability
- Regulation of Space Activities and Commercial Operations
- Contemporary Issues and the Future of Space Governance
Course leader
Dr Jack Kenny, Visiting Fellow, British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) and Lecturer, University of Manchester.
Who is the course for?
The course is for a wide range of professionals interested in the developments in space law including in-house counsel, legal practitioners, NGO representatives, government representatives, academics, PhD students and other professionals.
Course format
The virtual course format will consist of a series of 5 sessions in which live (synchronous) teaching is offered via Zoom. Participants will be able to interact with the tutors and amongst themselves on screen.
Training scholarships
We are delighted to be able to offer scholarships designed to enable individuals from communities currently under-represented in the legal field to access our world-class courses and benefit from unparalleled learning experiences.
Scholarships are aimed at 3 categories: individuals from communities and backgrounds that are under-represented in the legal field in the UK and abroad; individuals who have recently received a needs-based bursary from their university or further-education college and representatives from Small Charities, NGOs, and Community-Based Organisations.
Applications for training scholarships must be received at least six weeks ahead of the course start date (21 August 2026). Applications must be made via the online form and applications received via any other means will not be considered.
Find out more and apply for a scholarship
