The Business, Law, & Technology of Space Commerce (513-SF)
Instructors
Randy Schneider Segal
Tony Lin
Steven M Kaufman
Alexander Fishkin
Meeting Info
TBA: Mon, Su 11:00AM - 7:00PM
TBA: Tues 11:00AM - 1:00PM
TBA: Tues 11:00AM - 1:00PM
TBA: Tues 3:00PM - 5:00PM
TBA: Tues 11:00AM - 1:00PM
TBA: Thurs 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Overview of class
This course introduces the basics of the business, technology, and law of space commerce. We will review the key historical moments of space exploration, the basic science of space, and the government's role in promoting space exploration as these factors have influenced the development of the business and law of space commerce. We will further explore the overarching system of space law - from international law to national legislatures to regulatory frameworks - that has developed over the last half century to gain deeper understanding of the current space commerce environment. We will consider the role of national security and the various U.S. agencies involved in space military and commercial activities and how the two are linked. Upon completion of this course, students will have a strong grasp of the evolving business models for the industries of space commerce and the role and influence of relevant law.
Additionally, you will visit several space companies in the Bay Area to gain insight into business-legal challenges that these companies are tackling, and you will work in three-to-four person teams (supervised by practicing space law experts), to closely analyze a business-legal problem of your choosing that is particular to space commerce. There is a broad range of business-legal topics and issues that may be explored, including: geolocation, earth observation, and remote sensing; spectrum and spectrum alternatives; 3D robotics and artificial intelligence in space; satellite refueling and mission-extension services; launch innovations, such as reusable and multiple-payload launches and "last mile" boosters; high-throughput satellites delivering broadband internet, and nanosatellites connecting Internet-of-Things devices; on-orbit manufacturing; celestial body (asteroid) mining; and data gathering and procurement (including by governments and public-private partnerships). Each group will produce a white paper and present it during the last class.
Class Attributes
Course meets in San Francisco
Registrar enrollment; not a biddable class
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: MSL Students are not eligible to enroll
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required