SPACE POLICY AND LAW COURSE 2025 CPD

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

15 – 17 October 2025, Online

ISPL is pleased to announce the programme for the Space Policy and Law Course for 2025.

This interactive annual course explores space policy and law to inform professionals in the

space sector about the policy and legal principles and the latest developments affecting space

activities.

 

The course is taught by leading experts on the topics covered, which include:

•  The space environment and space technology, orbit characteristics and management
•  Space policy principles, regime and institutions
•  Laws governing space activities; principles and sources of space law; treaties
•  National laws and policies
•  Laws relating to specific applications including communications and spectrum management, remote sensing, scientific experiment, exploration and manned activities
•  Use of Artificial Intelligence in space systems
•  Peaceful use of space; responsible use and space traffic management
•  Military activities and arms control
•  Sovereignty, property rights, commercial and private activity
•  Risk, liability and insurance
•  Space security, natural hazards and debris
•  Current and future developments

 

View the full programme

 

LECTURERS

The course will be taught by leading international experts. A full list of lecturers is given in

the programme.

 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The Course is particularly appropriate for those working in the space sector who wish to gain

or increase their knowledge of the current legal and policy framework and be informed on

matters of topical interest:

•  Policy-makers in government and international bodies
•  IGO, NGO and space agency personnel
•  Military personnel
•  Lawyers and jurists
•  Commercial and consulting space sector firm members
•  Satellite manufacturing or operation team members
•  Managers and team leaders of other space operations
•  Investors, insurers, bankers, executives who evaluate space related risk and liability
•  Academics and post-graduate students in space related law, business or technology
•  Others involved in space related activities, decision-making or research

Undergraduates: please register for one of our other courses or lectures.

 

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION (CPD)

The course qualifies for CPD for Solicitors and for Barristers in England and Wales. Other

professionals should please contact their professional bodies about whether the course will

qualify for CPD.

 

FEES

£ 1,500

No VAT is payable.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED

This is an interactive online lecture and discussion-based course and is therefore limited in

size. The information provided in the course will be reinforced with case studies.

Previous knowledge of policy or law is not required. There is no required reading before the

course. Before the course participants will receive a reading list that may be supplemented

after the course to expand their knowledge in general or on specific topics. Slides presented

by lecturers will be provided following the course.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Apply by a message to Events@ispl.org providing:

 Subject: SPLC 2025

 Full name:

 Preferred title:

 Job title or occupation:

 Organisation:

 Work email address:

When your application is received, we will send an invoice with details of payment and

cancellation, refund and other terms.

We will confirm your place on the course on receipt of payment.

 

CONTACT

For more information contact: Events@ispl.org

AI USE IN SPACE (CPD) – Policy and Legal Considerations

Thursday, May 4th, 2023

The Seminar provides an overview and general understanding of the use of AI and its related elements in space. The issue of state, company and individual responsibility in the various current and potential civil and military use cases will be considered from a legal and policy perspective. Factors affecting liability will also be considered.

Programme and Application details.

SPACE WARFARE – Political and Legal Fundamentals

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

29 March 2023, On-line  

Programme and Application details

Space Warfare or Space War are increasingly referred to in political, legal, military and commercial circles, as well as in the press and other media. This is not least due to high profile events such as the creation of national space forces or commands and the Indian and Russian anti-satellite weapon tests in recent years. The Ukraine War has also highlighted the importance of space capabilities in modern warfare, including the involvement of commercial operators, and cyber-attacks against such capabilities.

 

This Course provides an overview and general understanding of conflict in and through space. The legal, policy and other political factors concerning military and security operations in outer space and the role of space assets in warfare will be considered. Placement of weapons in space and the deployment of space capabilities in terrestrial conflicts will be examined, including considerations affecting deployment of dual-use systems.

Strategic Collaboration with ESPI

Monday, July 4th, 2022

The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) and the London Institute of Space Policy and Law (ISPL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster mutually beneficial collaboration, effective 1 July 2022. Areas of co-operation include, research, events and activities, research visits, and research network and engagement. They will collaborate on Commissions and Studies, Reports and Publications, share research outcomes, contribute to each other’s publications and exchange knowledge. The collaboration between ESPI and ISPL further covers arranging and promoting joint and separate conferences, seminars, roundtables, workshops and other events. ESPI and ISPL determined to also work towards establishing a broad research network for horizontal engagement of research entities dealing with space and those that are linked to the space sector in some other way across Europe and internationally. Additionally, the two parties will collaborate to improve engagement with the general public, academia, and industry. Jean-Jacques Tortora, Director, European Space Policy Institute, observed: ESPI and ISPL have similar missions to maintain permanent focus on space policy developments throughout Europe and worldwide, to analyse and anticipate trends at work and to suggest recommendations to their stakeholders. They are also complementary in their research activities run from within the EU or from a non-EU member state called to remain a key partner in space. This agreement is timely and opportune to further develop joint understanding of stakes for the space sector at large, but also to strengthen their respective efforts in promoting the development of space policy and law. Collaboration between the two organisations will help explore opportunities for mutual exchange and cooperation, helping further the objectives of both ESPI and ISPL. Sa’id Mosteshar, Director, London Institute of Space Policy and Law, welcomed the collaboration: It is a great pleasure to formalise the collaboration between ISPL and ESPI and to work more closely with friends and colleagues whom we hold in high regard. We share a common view of human activities in space and how best to make peaceful and sustainable use of its many benefits. ESPI’s deep knowledge and expertise in European space activities and policies will inform and strengthen our future work. I look forward to a close, long and rewarding association with ESPI to further our common objectives. About ESPI The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) is the European think-tank for space. A not-for-profit association based in Vienna, the world capital of space diplomacy, ESPI provides recommendations, policy options and forward vision as to how Europe’s engagement in space can bring maximum benefit to society. ESPI’s efforts include research and analysis on major space policy issues, the monitoring of global space trends and policy developments, and the organisation of thematic conference and workshops. The Institute’s work also reflects how space can sensibly contribute to Europe’s unique role in global politics as a strong and principled actor. About ISPL ISPL was founded in 2008 and incorporated as a research and academic charity in 2009. Its mission is to pursue impartial study and development of space policies and related laws to advance human interaction with outer space and its use for the betterment of life. It is focused on informing and educating present and future policy makers and lawyers internationally to lead the way to achieve that end. ISPL consults commercial and public bodies, carries out research in space policy and law topics, both independently and commissioned by international, government and private entities. ISPL offers opportunities to pursue postgraduate degrees in space policy and space law and delivers undergraduate lecture courses and complete modules as part of courses taught at other institutions. In addition it holds industry and practitioner seminars on topical subjects and intensive courses on space-related topics. ISPL has close links with the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, space agencies and commercial enterprises, law firms and academic institutions around the world. It collaborates with research, educational and international organisations.

SPACE POLICY AND LAW COURSE 2023 CPD

Tuesday, June 28th, 2022

23 – 25 October 2023, Online.

ISPL is pleased to announce the programme for the Space Policy and Law Course 2023.
This interactive annual course explores space policy and law to inform professionals in the space sector about the policy and legal principles and the latest developments affecting space activities. The course is taught by leading experts on the topics covered, which include:
• The space environment and space technology, orbit characteristics and management
• Space policy principles, regime and institutions
• Laws governing space activities; principles and sources of space law; treaties
• National laws and policies
• Laws relating to specific applications including communications and spectrum management
• Use of Artificial Intelligence in space systems
• Peaceful use of space; responsible use and space traffic management
• Military activities and arms control
• Sovereignty, property rights, commercial and private activity
• Risk, liability and insurance
• Space security, natural hazards and debris
• Current and future developments

View the full programme

LECTURERS

The course will be taught by leading international experts. A full list of lecturers is given in the programme.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The Course is particularly appropriate for those working in the space sector who wish to gain or increase their knowledge of the current legal and policy framework and be informed on matters of topical interest:
• Policy-makers in government and international bodies
• IGO, NGO and space agency personnel
• Military personnel
• Lawyers and jurists
• Commercial and consulting space sector firm members
• Satellite manufacturing or operation team members
• Managers and team leaders of other space operations
• Investors, insurers, bankers, executives who evaluate space related risk and liability
• Academics and post-graduate students in space related law, business or technology
• Others involved in space related activities, decision-making or research

Undergraduates: please register for one of our other courses or lectures.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION (CPD)

The course qualifies for CPD for Solicitors and for Barristers in England and Wales. Other professionals should please contact their professional bodies about whether the course will qualify for CPD.

FEES

£ 1,400
No VAT is payable.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

This is an interactive online lecture and discussion-based course and is therefore limited in size. The information provided in the course will be reinforced with case studies.
Previous knowledge of policy or law is not required. There is no required reading before the course. Before the course participants will receive a reading list that may be supplemented after the course to expand their knowledge in general or on specific topics. Slides presented by lecturers will be provided following the course.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Apply by a message to Events@ispl.org providing:
• Subject: SPLC 2023
• Full name:
• Preferred title:
• Job title or occupation:
• Organisation:
• Work email address:
When your application is received, we will send an invoice with details of payment and
cancellation, refund and other terms.
We will confirm your place on the course on receipt of payment. For more information contact: Events@ispl.org

UK Space Sustainability Measures

Friday, June 24th, 2022

The UK has announced measures to advance space sustainability and promote Active Debris Removal (ADR)and In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing (IOSM). The Plan for Space Sustainability outlined on 23 June 2022 aims to further the UK National Space Strategy. These will include the establishment of a Space Sustainability Standard and funding implementing Phase 3 of the UN Office for Outer Space (UNOOSA) guidelines for the long-term sustainability of outer space.  The regulatory framework will also be reviewed to encourage industry involvement in the Plan.

Space Policy and Law Course 2022 CPD

Monday, June 20th, 2022

24 – 26 October 2022, Online. ISPL‘s interactive annual course explores space policy and law to inform professionals in the space sector about the policy and legal principles and the latest developments affecting space activities. The topics are taught by leading experts through lectures, discussions and case-studies.

Topics covered include:

•  The space environment and space technology
•  Orbits, their characteristics and management
•  Space policy principles, regime and institutions
•  The laws governing space activities; principles and sources of space law; international conventions and treaties
•  National laws and policies
•  Laws relating to specific applications including telecommunications, broadcasting, remote sensing, scientific experiment and exploration, manned activities and the ISS
•  Spectrum management
•  Peaceful use of space; responsible use and space traffic management
•  Military activities and arms control
•  Sovereignty, property rights, commercial and private activity
•  Risk, liability and insurance
•  Space security, natural hazards and debris
•  Current and future developments

View the full programme

LECTURERS

The course will be taught by a number of leading international experts.  A full list of lecturers is given in the programme.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The Course is particularly appropriate for those working in the space sector who wish to gain or increase their knowledge of the current legal and policy framework and be informed on matters of topical interest:

•  Policy-makers in government and international bodies
•  IGO, NGO and space agency personnel
•  Military personnel
•  Lawyers and jurists
•  Commercial and consulting space sector firm members
•  Satellite manufacturing or operation team members
•  Managers and team leaders of other space operations
•  Insurers, bankers and executives who evaluate space related risk and liability
•  Academics and post-graduate students in space related law, business or technology
•  Others involved in space related activities, decision-making or research

Previous knowledge of law or policy is not required.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION (CPD)

The course qualifies for CPD for Solicitors and for Barristers in England and Wales.

Other professionals: please contact your respective professional bodies about whether the course will qualify for CPD.

FEES

£ 1,250

No VAT is payable.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

This is an interactive online lecture and discussion-based course and is therefore limited in size. The information provided in the course will be reinforced with case studies.

There is no required reading before the course. At the conclusion of the course participants will also receive a further reading list to expand their knowledge in general or on specific topics.

At the end of the course there will be a session considering case studies to consolidate what has been taught.  The Case Studies will be handed out at the start of the course.

Slides presented by lecturers will be provided following the course.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Apply by sending an e-mail to the address below, with subject “SPLC 2022” and the following required information:

•  Full name
•  Preferred title
•  Employment affiliation
•  Work email address

On receiving your application we will send an invoice with details of payment, cancellation, refund and other terms.

We will confirm your place on the course on receipt of payment.

For more information contact: SPLC2022@ispl.org

Space-related items in Germany’s new Special Fund Bundeswehr

Monday, June 13th, 2022

According to a draft Economic Plan Germany’s new 100 billion Euro ‘Special Fund Bundeswehr’ includes investments into several space-related items. A brief overview can be seen here.

US Bans DA-ASAT Tests

Wednesday, April 20th, 2022

United States committed “not to conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) missile testing, and that the United States seeks to establish this as a new international norm for responsible behaviour in space.” The announcement by US Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday 18 April 2022 is the first initiative in establishing national security space norms to advance United States’ interests and preserve the security and sustainability of space. [The White House, New U.S. Commitment on Destructive Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite Missile Testing, 18 April 2022; https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/04/18/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-advances-national-security-norms-in-space/] Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves today, Tuesday 19 April 2022, welcomed the commitment, issuing the following statement: “The Commerce Department welcomes the announcement by Vice President Harris not to conduct destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile tests. Space should be a safe place to operate the thousands of satellites that provide boundless benefits to people around the globe. Previous tests conducted by the Peoples’ Republic of China in 2007 and the Russian Federation in November 2021 created significant debris hazards for all low-earth orbiting satellites. “This new commitment announced by the Vice President helps protect U.S. interests in space, including our space-based environmental monitoring platforms. Meaningfully reducing ASAT testing and debris generation advances U.S. national security interests and protects long-term U.S. interests in space exploration, space science, and space-enabled economic development.” [US Department of Commerce, Deputy Secretary Graves Statement on Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite Missile Tests, 19 April 2022; https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2022/04/deputy-secretary-graves-statement-direct-ascent-anti-satellite-missile] Both the White House and the Department of Commerce releases refer to ASAT tests by China and Russia without mention of those conducted by the US or India. [Michael C Mineiro, FY-1C and USA-193 ASAT Intercepts: An Assessment of Legal Obligations under Article 9 of the Outer Space Treaty, Researchgate, September 2008; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228149659_FY-1C_and_USA-193_ASAT_Intercepts_An_Assessment_of_Legal_Obligations_under_Article_9_of_the_Outer_Space_Treaty; Sa’id Mosteshar, Indian Missile Adds to Space Debris Risk, The Guardian, 29 March 2019; https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/mar/29/indian-missile-adds-to-space-debris-risks] It is to be noted that the commitment refers to DA-ASAT tests and not to all ASATs. ASAT weapons launched into space generally fall into one of two categories: direct-ascent or co-orbital systems. Direct ascent systems use rockets to put an interceptor on a suborbital trajectory that intersects with the target in orbit without the interceptor entering orbit itself. The ASAT weapon systems tested so far fall in this category. By contrast, co-orbital systems use a Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) to place the interceptor into orbit, after which it manoeuvres to either collide with or pass near the target. China, Russia, the US and others are actively developing their rendezvous and close-proximity systems and capabilities. [Brian Weeden, Through a Glass, Darkly: Chinese, American, and Russian Anti-satellite Testing in Space, The Space Review, 17 March 2014; https://www.thespacereview.com/article/2473/1]

Ukraine War Impact on Space

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022

The Russian attack on Ukraine was preceded by loss of Internet connectivity in Ukraine, largely provided through Viasat’s KA-Sat satellite. According to Viasat this was due to a cyber-attack being investigated by the company. The disruption of connectivity continued after the attack. 

Space activities of Russia, the United States and Europe are closely integrated. Russia is a lead partner in the International Space Station and a significant provider of rocket engines and launch services. For example, OneWeb has several contracts for Soyuz launches to establish its satellites constellation. The next Galileo launch is also to use Soyuz rockets.

Sanctions imposed against Russia by the United States, European Union and others will have a wide-ranging impact on the space activities of Russia and others. For a more detailed analysis of the effect of deteriorating relations between Russia and other space-active countries see Eric Berger of ARS Technica, The Russian invasion of Ukraine will have myriad impacts on spaceflight.