Overview

This course examines the political history of the space age from the perspective of U.S. national security. After reviewing Cold War developments and the U.S.-Soviet space race, the course turns to current great power competition in space.  It seeks to familiarize students with the international dimensions of space activity, current strategies of the major spacefaring countries, and challenges facing the U.S. Space Force. The course covers the major space treaties and policy debates, as well as different approaches to space security, including alliances. It also considers the impact of commercial and civil space developments on space security.

Included in Degrees & Certificates

• 738

Prerequisites

• NS3011
• NS3024
• Or permission of instructor

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the domestic and international politics of the Cold War space race and its continuing effects today.
• Understand the motivations, activities, and strategies of today’s major spacefaring countries and their relevance to international security.
• Understand the main treaties governing space activity today, including their gaps.
• Demonstrate an ability to analyze the international political conflicts that affect current space relations.
• Demonstrate an ability to enunciate U.S. national security space policy and the future challenges it faces in a new era of Great Power Competition.