The course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks and governance structures governing global space activities, with a particular focus on Africa. The course explores the intersection of international space law, national legislation, and regional cooperation in the African context. Participants will examine the role of international law in the regulation of outer space activities as well as examine the legal principles, policies, and practices that shape the development, regulation, and utilization of space resources and technologies in Africa. Through case studies and practical applications, participants will gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African countries in the field of space law. 

Course objectives

• Gain a solid foundation in the principles, concepts, and sources of space law, including international treaties, agreements, and customary practices.
• Explore the international treaties and agreements relevant to space law, with a focus on their implications for African countries and their participation in global space activities.
• Examine the legal frameworks established by African countries to regulate space activities within their jurisdictions, including licensing, liability, and intellectual property rights.
• Examine the governance structures, policies, and strategies implemented by African countries to promote and regulate space activities, including the establishment of national space agencies and collaboration with international organizations.
• Explore the legal aspects surrounding the use of space applications, including satellite communications, remote sensing, and navigation systems.
• Examine the legal frameworks and measures to ensure the security and safety of space activities, including space debris mitigation and space situational awareness.
• Gain insights into the mechanisms for resolving disputes related to space activities, including arbitration, mediation, and the role of international courts.
• Gain insights into the legal challenges and opportunities arising from emerging trends in space law, such as space tourism, asteroid mining, and the use of space resources.

Expected Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• synthesize public international law (including treaties and customary principles) discussed in the classes and identify law applicable to space activities. 
• understand how the legal frameworks, policies, and practices governing space activities apply in the African context. 
• apply acquired knowledge to resolve problems and challenges related to the conduct of space activities.
• Apply acquired knowledge to navigate the complex legal landscape of space law and contribute to the development and implementation of effective space governance in Africa.

Who should attend?

• Government officials
• Public servants
• Members of Parliament
• Policy and legal practitioners
• Organisation/Team Leads
• Young professionals
• Students

Benefits of participation

• Gain knowledge in international space law, regulations, governance and norms
• Earn a certificate in Space Law and Governance endorsed by McGill University and ASLI
• Become part of the ASLI Network

Curriculum

The course contains six modules.

Application of International Law to Outer Space Activities: This module provides course participants with an introduction to international law that governs outer space (space law) and the fundamental legal and general principles applied in space activities.

International Space Governance: This module provides course participants with an overview of international, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who are involved in the development space law, regulation of space activities and governing relations in outer space. The module provides course participants with an in-depth examination of the space treaties & principles applied in governing cooperation by nations and IGOs and NGOs in space activities. Study of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing commercial space activities in Africa, including licensing, liability, and intellectual property rights

Legal Frameworks for Space Applications: This module covers the laws and regulations governing thematic application areas. The thematic areas covered are earth observation, satellite communication, navigation and positioning, astronomy and climate change.

Military Space Activities and Space Security: This module provides course participants with an in-depth examination of the space treaties & principles as it applies to military space activities. 

Space activities and programmes in Africa: This module provides course participants with an examination of the space activities and programmes conducted on the African continent and by nations and entities of Africa. It delves into practical applications of space law and governance in Africa.

Emerging Issues and Disputes Resolution: This module is an exploration of emerging legal challenges and issues in space law, such as space tourism, AI, blockchain financing and asteroid mining. It also provides an overview of mechanisms for resolving disputes related to space activities, including arbitration, mediation, and the role of international courts.

Faculty
Prof.Ram Jakhu (McGill Institute for Air and Space Law)
Prof. Andrea Harrington (Co-Director, McGill Institute for Air and Space Law)
Dr. Valanathan Munsami (Cofounder, ASLI)
Dr. Tare Brisibe (SES Satellites)
Dr. Kevin Pomfret (Spatial Policy and Law))
Dr. Adrian Tiplady (South African Astronomical Observatory)
Dr. Memme Onwudiwe (Evisort)

Venue
All course activities (such as live lectures, group discussions and assignments) will be done virtually using a proprietary Learning Management System (LMS). This will be augmented with open social platforms.

Time
Live sessions hold on every Thursday and Friday in August and September, from 1-3pm GMT.

Registration
ZAR 6,650