Space activities are now integral to daily personal and global activities. They contribute to socio-economic and political progress, environmental sustainability, as well as scientific advancement. The World Economic Forum (WEF) and McKinsey project that the global space economy will be $1.8 trillion in about a decade from now. Given the role that space plays in the international economy and geopolitics, organizations and countries need to leverage on space cooperation in order to advance their internal and international interests.

However, outer space is a dynamic and complex mix of competition, conflict and cooperation. It is also described as a congested, contested and competitive domain. This course is aimed at equipping professionals, policy makers, private sector actors and other stakeholders, with the knowledge and skills needed for strategic space cooperation.

It will also provide an opportunity for participants to understand peculiar topics as well as gain expertise in formulating policy and governance frameworks to promote responsible, sustainable, and inclusive participation in space activities.

Beginning with international relations theory, the course explores systems, means and tools of space cooperation.

Expected learning outcomes

• Understand how national interests influence space cooperation, trade, technology transfer and exports

• Understand the nexus between foreign policy, space policy and economic policy

• Enhanced knowledge of space policy and law frameworks

• Ability to engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions and negotiations

• Learn principles and practice of space diplomacy

Who should attend?

• Government officials

• Council members

• Heads or representatives of space institutions
• Private sector actors

• Public servants

• Foreign service officers

• Science/Space attachés

• Organisation/Team Leads

• Journalists

• Young professionals

• Students

Benefits of participation

• Gain knowledge in international relations theory and practice

• Access relevant space policy, governance and diplomacy materials
• Understand rationale, ways and tools of international cooperation

• Gain knowledge about space policy, law and governance

• Acquire knowledge and skills in space cooperation and partnerships

• Earn a verifiable certificate after completion

• Become part of the ASLI Network

Key topics to be covered

• The outer space environment: what, where, why and how?

• Benefits and applications of space exploration

• International relations theory and applications to outer space

• Space geopolitics

• UN space treaties, principles and resolutions

• Space Economy

• Role of visiting missions and embassies

• Tools and means for space cooperation

• Space for Diplomacy and Diplomacy for Space

• Space Policy – Foreign Policy Nexus

• Space-Cyber-Nuclear Nexus

Previous facilitators

• Prof. Namrata Goswami (Independent scholar and international affairs expert)

• Dr Sarah-Jane Gill (Chief of Staff, UK Staff Agency)

• Ms. Julia Selman Ayetey (Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Ghana)

• Dr. Taslim Alade (Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, The Netherlands)

• Ms. Lami Omale (Office of the Legal Counsel, African Union Commission)

• Prof. Paul Baki (Technical University of Kenya)

• Ms Joan Chesoni (Director, Kenyan Space Agency Board)

• Dr. Valanathan Munsami (Deputy CEO, Saudi Space Agency; and Cofounder, ASLI)

• Mr. Etim Offiong (Cofounder, ASLI)