Study location	Netherlands, Maastricht
Type	Summer Courses, Full-time
Nominal duration	1 week (2 ECTS)
Study language	English
Course code	MSS1017

Tuition fee	€399 one-time

Entry qualification

Enrolled as an Undergraduate student or Undergraduate diploma The course does not require any prior knowledge apart from being a University student. Multidisciplinary backgrounds are welcome. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Language requirements	English The language of the course is English, so we expect a fluent level and the ability to follow and participate in class.

More information	maastrichtsummerschool.nl

Overview

Course Description
The new era of Space exploration is rapidly evolving, transforming from a government-led endeavour to a vibrant industry driven by private enterprises and international collaborations. This one-week intensive course, ‘The New Space Economy,’ offered by Maastricht University Summer School, delves into the multifaceted world of space commercialization. We will explore the historical milestones of space travel, the rise of private space companies, and the ethical, economic, legal, and geopolitical dimensions of space settlement and exploration. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the space economy’s theoretical foundations while acquiring practical skills to analyse and engage with this dynamic sector. By examining real-world case studies and engaging in interactive discussions, students will be equipped to critically assess the opportunities and challenges of space commercialization. This course is designed for those aspiring to contribute to the space industry or enhance their knowledge of this cutting-edge field.

Goals
After completion of this course students should be able to respond to the following questions:

• Evaluate the Ethical Dimensions of Space Settlemen: What ethical considerations arise from the settlement and utilization of space resources? How should we balance human expansion into space with the preservation of space environments?
• Understand the History and Key Organizations in Space Travel: What are the major milestones in the history of space exploration? Which public organizations are responsible for space exploration, and what are their key contributions?
• Analyse the Private Space Industry Ecosystem: How do private space companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic contribute to the space economy? What are the roles and impacts of startups and emerging companies in the space sector?
• Examine the Economic Elements of Space Exploration: What are the key economic drivers of space exploration and commercialization? Who stands to benefit economically from space activities, and how are these benefits distributed?
• Assess Geopolitical Tensions and Space Militarization: What are the current geopolitical tensions related to space exploration? Can space militarization be avoided, and what strategies might promote peaceful use of space?
• Familiarize with the Legal Dimension of Space Activities: What are the foundations of Space law? Which intergovernmental bodies govern space activities and what international treaties regulate them?

Recommended Literature
• Gaubert, A., & Lebeau, A. (2009). Reforming European space governance. Space Policy, 25(1), 37–44.
• OECD. (2022). OECD Handbook on Measuring the Space Economy, 2nd Edition.
• Paris, France: OECD Publishing Weeks, E. (2012). Outer space development, international relations and space law: a method for elucidating seeds. Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Teaching Methods
Lectures, PBL Skills training, VR immersion, Scenario exploration activities, Interactive Class, Presentations, Research

Assessment Methods
Assignment, Oral exam, Presentation, Participation

Course Coordinator
Athanasios Tsarouchas