Universität Wien

030518 KU General Legal Framework of the Use of Outer Space Technologies (2026W)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 3 - Rechtswissenschaften
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
Th 03.12. 11:00-13:00 Seminarraum SEM42 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 4.OG

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Details

max. 46 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Friday 04.12. 11:00 - 13:00 Seminarraum SEM52 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum 5.OG
  • Friday 08.01. 15:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum SEM61 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum 6.OG
  • Thursday 14.01. 15:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum SEM62 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum 6.OG
  • Monday 18.01. 15:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum SEM44 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum 4.OG
  • Wednesday 20.01. 15:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum SEM52 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum 5.OG
  • Monday 25.01. 15:00 - 17:00 PC-Raum 1 Schenkenstraße 8-10, 1.UG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This elective course will provide an overview of the legal framework for activities in outer space and for the use of outer space technology. At the outset, general principles of space law as a branch of international law will be discussed. Furthermore, other obligations of States and private actors will be addressed. The course will deal with legal questions connected to different kinds of space activities, be it for commercial, scientific, security, or other purposes. The interaction of the different actors in the use of outer space technology will also be analysed, particularly in view of increased privatisation.

There will be an excursion to the UN in Vienna in January.
Guest speaker: Prof. Otto Koudelka (Graz University of Technology)
Guest speaker: David Schuman (NASA, ret.)

This course is part of the specialization ('Wahlfachkorb') in 'The Law of International Relations' and 'Law and Technology'.
The course is open also to international students, in particular Erasmus and Australian exchange students.

Assessment and permitted materials

Active participation in class, e-learning and written exam

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

A general understanding of the nature of space law as a field of study and of some of the perspectives from which the use of space technologies are analysed; a substantial awareness of new developments in space activities; a developed appreciation of some of the main contemporary issues of the peaceful use of outer space.

Examination topics

Students are expected to read assigned texts made available on the Moodle platform and to participate actively in the discussion. The final exam will be a written test (in English).

Reading list

- Legal Framework of the Use of Outer Space Activities (Marboe/Traunmüller), Facultas, Vienna 2013. It also includes the five space law treaties and other important documents. You can buy it in the Facultas book store at the Law Faculty.
- Further material will be available on the Moodle e-learning platform.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Th 08.10.2026 11:06