MVV29468K Space Law

Faculty of Law
Autumn 2025
Extent and Intensity
0/1/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Martin Švec, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Anna Blechová (seminar tutor)
Mgr. Nikola Schmidt, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
JUDr. Bc. Terezie Smejkalová, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Mgr. Martin Švec, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Martin Švec, Ph.D.
Institute of Law and Technology – Faculty of Law
Contact Person: Alice Dvořáková
Supplier department: Institute of Law and Technology – Faculty of Law
Timetable of Seminar Groups
MVV29468K/01: Mon 29. 9. to Fri 19. 12. each even Monday 18:00–19:40 160
Prerequisites (in Czech)
MP215Zk EU and International Law
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 25/25, only registered: 0/25
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
  • Law (programme PrF, PR_)
  • Law (programme PrF, M-PPV)
Course objectives
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the international legal framework governing outer space, including key international organizations. It will examine ongoing legislative initiatives addressing commercial space activities, the legal implications of the militarization of outer space, and efforts to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have a solid grasp of the distinctive features of international space law, be able to navigate fundamental international treaties and national legislation, and critically assess contemporary challenges in the field.
Syllabus
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles, development, and evolving challenges of international space law. It begins by distinguishing space law from air law, highlighting the divergent legal and technological contexts that have shaped their respective regulatory frameworks. The course then traces the historical evolution of space law, focusing on the geopolitical and legal implications of early space activities, particularly following the launch of Sputnik in 1957. Special attention is given to the analogical use of other legal regimes, such as the law of the sea and Antarctic law, in framing the early international legal order for outer space. Subsequent lectures provide a detailed analysis of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, with an emphasis on its foundational provisions (Articles I–V), including the principles of free access, non-appropriation, peaceful use, and the obligation to assist astronauts. The course further examines Articles VI–XV, addressing international responsibility, liability, registration, and compliance mechanisms, and introduces the four subsequent UN space treaties. Throughout, the course interrogates the normative coherence and institutional underpinnings of this treaty-based regime. The course also engages with contemporary issues in space governance, notably the increasing commercialisation of space activities, with a particular focus on space resource utilisation. Legal questions related to ownership, sustainability, and national legislative initiatives (e.g., U.S. and Luxembourg laws) are critically assessed in light of current international law and recent multilateral efforts such as the Artemis Accords. Finally, the course addresses the intersection of space law and national security, examining legal constraints and strategic considerations related to military uses of outer space. (1) Outer Space: An Area Recognised as Res Communis Omnium (2) The Evolution of Space Law and International Legal Framework for Outer Space I. (3) The Evolution of Space Law and International Legal Framework for Outer Space II. (4) Commercialization of space activities (5) National Security & Military Space Activities (6) The Formation of Norms in International Space Law
Literature
    recommended literature
  • ŠVEC, Martin and Nikola SCHMIDT. International Space Law as the Transiting Path to Cosmopolitan Order. In Governance of Emerging Space Challenges: The Benefits of a Responsible Cosmopolitan State Policy. Governance of Emerging Space Challenges: The Benefits of a Responsible Cosmopolitan State Policy. Springer Nature, 2022. ISBN 978-3-030-86555-9. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86555-9_8. info
  • ŠVEC, Martin and Nikola SCHMIDT. Space Mining: Attempts to Materialise Cosmopolitan Ideas Enshrined in International Space Law. In Nikola SCHMIDT. Governance of Emerging Space Challenges: The Benefits of a Responsible Cosmopolitan State Policy. Springer Nature, 2022. ISBN 978-3-030-86555-9. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86555-9_8. info
  • International space law. Edited by Frans G. von der Dunk. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2018, 1 online. ISBN 9781786438911. URL info
  • Routledge handbook of space law. Edited by Ram S. Jakhu - Paul Stephen Dempsey. First published. London: Routledge, 2016, 1 online. ISBN 9781317613718. URL info
  • Cologne commentary on space law : in three volumes. Edited by Stephan Hobe - Bernhard Schmidt-Tedd - Kai-Uwe Schrogl - Peter Stubbe. Köln: Carl Heymanns Verlag, 2015, xciii, 698. ISBN 9783452272133. info
  • TRONCHETTI, Fabio. Fundamentals of space law and policy. New York: Springer, 2013, xviii, 107. ISBN 9781461478690. info
  • DIEDERIKS-VERSCHOOR, Isabella Henrietta Phile and Vladimír KOPAL. An introduction to space law. 3rd rev. ed. Alphen aan den Rijn: Kluwer Law International, 2008, xxiv, 249. ISBN 9789041126474. info
    not specified
  • Routledge handbook of commercial space law. Edited by Lesley Jane Smith - Ingo Baumann - Susan-Gale Wintermuth. First published. Abingdon, England: Routledge, 2024, 1 online. ISBN 9781003268475. URL info
Teaching methods
Lectures and class discussion.
Assessment methods
To complete the course, it is necessary to successfully pass the colloquium test and submit the colloquium paper. A) Colloquium Test The first requirement for completing the course is to pass the colloquium test successfully. The test consists of 20 questions. To pass, at least 70% of the answers must be correct. B) Colloquium Paper The second requirement for completing the Space Law course is the preparation of a position paper, 2-3 pages in length. The paper should identify a specific challenge that is not sufficiently addressed by current international space law and propose a well-reasoned solution to address this issue.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/law/autumn2025/MVV29468K