Business of Space: Intl Comp

1 Credit · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course explores the rapidly evolving space industry at the intersection of business, technology, and international affairs. Students will examine the structure and dynamics of modern commercial space enterprises, including launch providers, satellite manufacturers, communications networks, earth observation services, and emerging markets such as space tourism and resource extraction. In parallel, the course investigates how governments, militaries, and international institutions shape the industry through regulation, funding, partnerships, and geopolitical competition. Key themes include the commercialization of space launch and satellite services, the role of private capital and venture investment, the geopolitics of space exploration, security concerns related to space assets, and multinational cooperation through organizations such as the European Space Agency and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. Students will analyze case studies of leading companies (e.g., SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, OneWeb, Planet Labs), assess the impact of national and international space policies, and consider the implications of great-power competition in space. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of both the business mechanics of the space economy and the international frameworks that govern its growth. They will be able to identify key trends, opportunities, and risks shaping the future of human activity in space.