Over 65 years have passed since the world’s first artificial satellite was launched. The best-known space activities during this period have been for civil purposes, such as operating the International Space Station and planetary exploration initiatives. Furthermore, a number of space-related start-ups have recently emerged in Japan and abroad, drawing attention to commercial space activities.
While space activities for military purposes remain, to a large extent, less recognized than those for civil and commercial purposes, space activities are inextricably linked to military affairs. Thus, it is impossible to grasp the full picture regarding space development and use without understanding space activities for military purposes. Moreover, it is difficult to gain a comprehensive view of military affairs and national security without an adequate comprehension of military space activities.
In parallel, spacefaring nations and other stakeholders have been working on space governance, including formulating international rules so that all players can use space stably. As space systems become indispensable to routine economic and social activities, the importance of addressing space governance is further increasing.
In this context, the course will analyze and discuss two aspects of space security. The first is Space for Security, which looks at how space has been used for military purposes and how it could be used in the future. The second aspect is Security for Space, which analyzes and discusses what kind of space governance has been sought to maintain stable space use and what kind of efforts will be needed in the future.