Expected learning outcomes

• Appreciate the importance of space policy and learn to apply the process of space policymaking

• Understand the nexus between space policy and development of firm/national space capability

• Learn from the SWOT analysis of selected spacefaring and emerging countries and apply lessons learnt

• Understand current national, regional and international governance regimes

• Develop knowledge and skills for tackling emerging technological and policy challenges

Who should attend?

• Government officials

• Public servants

• Members of Parliament

• Organisation/Team Leads

• Young professionals

• Students

Benefits of participation

• Gain knowledge in space policymaking

• Earn a certificate in space policy

• Become part of the ASLI Network

Curriculum

The course contains five modules.

Primer on Outer Space: Sound policy requires some level of fundamental technical knowledge. This module is to provide necessary foundational knowledge about space including fundamental space science, satellites, orbits, frequency spectrum, and spaceflight. Three topics will be covered in this module namely Physics of Outer Space Environment, Orbital Mechanics and Space Geopolitics.

Primer on Space Policymaking: A discussion on concepts, process and actors in space policy making and advising, as well as a brief history on space development. Three topics will be covered under this module namely Fundamentals of Space Policymaking; Design of a Space Policy and Strategy, and Organisational Design.

Lecture on Fundamentals of Space Policymaking: Introduces principles and methodologies for making space policies. This lecture contains a live simulation exercise.

Lecture on drafting of national space policy and/or strategy: This module gives a general overview of the meaning, application and implication of space policy. It highlights the role of policy and politics in attaining national goals. It describes the dimensions of space policy and places space policy within the context of other public policies.

Lecture on organisational design: Many space organisations are designed using traditional structures or adopting the structures of other organisations. A better way is to design a structure based on the national space policy and/or strategy. In this lecture, Dr. Valanathan Munsami will demonstrate how to unpack a country’s space policy, and from it design a suitable organisational structure.

African Outer Space Programme: A discussion on the conceptualisation, drafting process and adoption of the African Space Policy and Strategy. Two topics are covered in this module namely History of the African Union and the African Outer Space Programme.

Lecture on the history of the AU: This lecture gives a background to the establishment of the African Union (AU), beginning with the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). It presents an overview of the structures of the AU and how outer space fits into the policy agenda of the organisation. It also highlights the politics and competing interests in the development of the OAU, and later, the AU.

Lecture on the African Outer Space Programme: The African Outer Space Programme is one of the flagship programmes of the AU. In 2016, the African Heads of States and Governments adopted the African Space Policy and Strategy. Two years later, the African Space Agency (AfSA) was established. In this lecture, Dr. Tidiane Ouattara elaborates on the process that was followed in developing the African Space Policy and Strategy, as well as the establishment of the African Space Agency.

Case Studies: Case studies of two countries in Africa (South Africa and Nigeria), two non-African countries (India and the U.S.) and two regional space programmes (the European Union and Asia-Pacific regions).

Outer Space Treaty and Principles: This module is an introduction into the provisions of the treaties and principles of the Outer Space Treaty.

Facilitators
Dr. Adigun Ade Abiodun
Prof. Paul Baki
Prof. Mariel Borowitz
Dr. Tare Brisibe
Dr. Namrata Goswami
Prof. Keith Gottschalk
Dr. Valanathan Munsami
Dr. Tidiane Ouattara
Prof. Nicolas Peter
Dr. Narayan Prasad
Dr. Tejumola Taiwo

Programme schedule
Live sessions hold on every Thursday and Friday in April and May 

Course Price
ZAR 4,750