Space Law Track

In other countries, under the Outer Space Treaty (which entered into force in 1967) that guides the development of space exploration and related businesses, nations have established their own research and educational institutions to proactively train personnel for the formulation of international rules and the development of domestic laws. Against this backdrop, there was a growing need in Japan for a research and education hub for space law to train legal professionals for space activities. This course was subsequently established in 2012 at Keio University, which has a history of pioneering research achievements in the field of space law, in close collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

The curriculum of this track requires students to complete the following categories of coursework: (1) required specialized track courses, such as “Space Law (Space Activities and Law),” “Public International Space Law,” and “Private International Space Law”; (2) specialized course electives (required), including space law–related subjects such as “Aviation Law,” “Security Studies and Space,” and “Joint Seminar on Space Law,” as well as positive law subjects such as constitutional law, administrative law, and international law; and (3) related elective courses in fields such as regional politics, international relations, and international finance.

Students who complete the program and are recognized as having acquired the qualifications required to serve as legal professionals in space activities are awarded the degree of Master of Laws (LL.M.).

In 2012, when the Space Law Track was established at the Graduate School of Law, I was often asked, “Is there even law in space?” Now, however, the questions I receive, even from people who are not particularly space enthusiasts, have become more specific and presuppose knowledge of space activities, such as, "Is ownership of lunar mineral resources recognized on a first-come, first-served basis?" or "Doesn't leaving space debris in orbit violate international law?" I believe this is a result of knowledge of and interest in space becoming part of our daily lives, following the remarkable global advancements in space development and utilization over the past decade, especially the revolutionary changes in the space business.

I believe this also means we have entered an era where space law is needed more than ever. New businesses such as space tourism, space debris removal, and on-orbit satellite servicing and refueling are becoming established. Private companies are scheduled to begin constructing space stations in a few years, and it is predicted that a sphere of activity extending from Earth to the Moon will be established by the mid-21st century. However, unlike on land, at sea, or in the air, traffic rules do not yet exist in space, and the formation of rules for the operation of various spacecraft and the construction and operation of space stations remains a future challenge. Building consensus on the increasingly important use of space for defense and security purposes is also an urgent issue. The specialized track in Space Law is open to those with a strong interest in space who aspire to take on roles in international rule-making, domestic legislation, and risk management within international organizations, government, and industry.