M.A. Course: Space Security in the 21st Century

On February 19, 2015 with the support and co-sponsorship of the Prague Security Studies Institute, a new course entitled "Space Security in the 21st Century" was launched in collaboration with the Charles University’s Department of Security Studies of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The central objective of this course is to introduce the rapidly growing importance of the field of space security. Among the questions raised early on will be how the security and defense policies of leading world powers influence outer space activities. This course is designed to explore the security dimensions of space from a policy, regulatory and technical perspective, with an emphasis on the irresponsible or disruptive actions of some space-faring nations in this domain. 

The course consists of six general classes, three to four guest lectures annually, and two seminars. Recognized speakers with extensive expertise in the field are invited for these public talks.
 

Past lectures

In the spring semester of 2022, guest lectures included a representative from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

  • Ladislav Stahl, March 16, 2022
  • Todd Harrison, April 25, 2022 - "Threats to Space Systems and Protection of Space Assets". More information is available here.

In the fall semester of 2021, guest lectures included representatives from the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), and the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS).

  • Dr. Xavier Pasco, December 13, 2021 - "European strategic culture". More information is available here
  • Stefano Iannitti, December 6, 2021 - "The Link Between Space and Security: The Role and the Experience of the EU Agency for the Space Programme". More information is available here

In the spring semester of 2021, guest lectures included a representative from the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA).

  • Dr. Ajey Lele, May 17, 2021 - "India's Perspective on Space Security". More information is available here. Presentation available here.

In the fall semester of 2020, guest lectures included a representative from the International Space Enterprise Consultants

  • Kenneth Hodgkins, November 30, 2020 - "Coalition of the Like-Minded Responsible Space Actors." More information is available here.

In the spring semester of 2020, guest lectures included a representative from the Prague Security Studies Institute.

  • John Stopher, April 27, 2020 - "The United States Space Force." More information is available here, and a video recording of the lecture is available here.

In the fall semester of 2019, guest lectures included representatives from the European Space Policy Institute and Nanorack.

  • Tomáš Hrozenský, December 2, 2019 - "Security in Outer Space - Stakes for Europe." More information is available here. The presentation is available here.
  • Veronica La Regina, December 9, 2019 - "Perspective on Space Security from a Newspace Company." More information is available here.

In the spring semester of 2019, guest lectures included representatives from the Czech Space Office and European Space Policy Institute.

  • Jan Kolář, May 6, 2019 - "The Moon Becomes a Subject of New Space Competition."  More information is available here.
  • Jean-Jacques Tortora, May 13, 2019 - "European Space Policy in Global Context." More information is available here.

In the fall semester of 2018, guest lectures included representatives from the Secure World Foundation, the Czech Ministry of Transport, and the Prague Security Studies Institute.

  • Victoria Samson, November 28, 2018 - "Disruptions to Space Security and Stability." A video recording of the lecture is available here and more information is available here.
  • Václav Kobera, December 5, 2018 - "Czech Republic and Space Security." More information is available here.
  • Martina Šmuclerová, December 18, 2018 - "Law and Space Security." More information is available here.

In the spring semester of 2018, guest lectures included representatives from the Charles University, the European Space Agency, and the Institut d’études politiques de Paris.

  • Michael Romancov, April 16, 2018 - "Geopolitics of Space." More information is available here.
  • Kai-Uwe Schrogl, May 18, 2018 - "European Space Agency’s Perspective on Europe’s Space Security." More information available here. His PPT presentation is available here
  • Martina Šmuclerová, May 31, 2018 - “Law and Space Security." More information is available here.

In the fall semester of 2017, guest lectures included representatives from the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs, and the European Space Policy Institute.

  • Martina Šmuclerová, November 8, 2017 - “Law and Space Security" More information is available here.
  • Yukiko Okumura, November 20, 2017 - “United Nations and Space Security" More information is available here (to be re-uploaded).
  • Cenan Al-Ekabi, November 27, 2017 - “Space Security in Europe" More information is available here.

In the fall semester of 2016, guest lectures included representatives from Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia and the Czech Republic and European Commision.

  • Peter Pindják, November 28, 2016 - "Security Aspects of EU Space Policy." More information is available here.
  • Agnieszka Lukaszczyk, December 5, 2016  - "Introduction to Copernicus, the European Earth Observation Program, and EU Space Strategy." 
  • Martina Šmuclerová, December 12, 2016 - "Law and Space Security." 

In the fall semester of 2015, guest lectures included representatives from The Aerospace Corporation, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and U.S. Department of Defense. More information is available here.

  • Mahum Melamed, November 04, 2015 - "NEO program at The Aerospace Corporation and the Planetary Defense Endeavor." Mr. Malamed is Project Leader at The Aerospace Corporation 
  • Attila Matas, December 2, 2015 - "Orbit/Spectrum Regulation - ITU International Regulatory Framework." Mr. Matas serves as Head of the Space Publications and Registration Division in the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau - Space Services department.
  • Dr. Peter L. Hays, December 09, 2015 - "Space and National Security: Opportunities and Challenges." Dr. Hays works for Falcon Research supporting the Principle Department of Defense Space Advisor.  

In the spring semester of 2015, guest lectures included senior present and former EU and U.S. space-related officials and academics from institutions such as the Space Policy Institute of George Washington University and the EU’s European External Action Service (EEAS). More information is available here.

  • Peter Marquez, April 9, 2015 - "U.S. Space Policy at the National Level” Mr. Marquez is former Director for Space Policy at the National Security Council in the White House, U.S. 
  • Dr. Scott Pace, April 23, 2015 - "U.S. National Security Space Debate” Mr. Pace is Director of the Space Policy Institute at the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs
  • Frank Asbeck, April 30, 2015 - "Policy Framework for Space Security Activities in the European Union” Mr. Asbeck is Principal Adviser for Space and Security Policy, European External Action Service (EEAS).
  • Jana Robinson, May 7, 2015 - "Space Security in Bilateral and International Relations” Ms. Robinson is Senior Fellow at the PSSI. Previously Space Policy Officer at the European External Action Service and Resident Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute.
 
Find more information about the course and its syllabus here.