Space is no longer the exclusive domain of national space agencies. Private companies, start-ups, defence organisations, and international partnerships are playing an increasingly significant role in the space sector. However, the development of effective regulation, oversight, and enforcement is struggling to keep pace with this rapid expansion.
This creates new challenges related to risk management, compliance, cybersecurity, liability, and international cooperation. Organisations that depend on space infrastructure can no longer afford to overlook these developments.
During this masterclass, participants gain insight into the legal, governance, technological, and societal issues surrounding crime and security in outer space. The programme equips professionals to identify emerging risks, analyse future scenarios, and address governance challenges from multiple perspectives.
Week 1
Day | Location | Theme | Activities | Result |
Day 1 | VU Amsterdam | Introduction and Foundations | Course opening and orientation. Introduction to space crime, policing, and justice in outer space. Historical parallels with maritime, polar, and cyber domains. Guest lecture by a space criminology expert. Group discussion on risks and key actors. Networking session. | Shared understanding of the key concepts and scope of the field. |
Day 2 | VU Amsterdam | Law, Governance and Jurisdiction | International space law frameworks, including the Outer Space Treaty, the Liability Convention, and the Artemis Accords. Jurisdiction without sovereignty. Organisational liability. Guest lecture by a space law expert. Case discussion on legal gaps and challenges. | Insight into legal and governance challenges. |
Dag 3 | University of Twente | Criminology and Policing | Application of criminological theories to the space domain. Models for policing and governance. Organisational crime and public-private challenges. Applied workshop on a space security case. | Ability to apply theory to challenges within the space sector. |
Day 4 | University of Twente | Human Behaviour and XR Simulation | Behaviour and conflict in extreme environments. Psychological pressure, stress, and victimisation. XR simulation of an orbital incident. Debriefing and reflection. | Experience with simulation-based analysis and decision-making. |
Day 5 | University of Twente | Risk, Crisis and Future Scenarios | Space situational awareness and cyber-physical risks. Crisis response scenarios. Guest contribution from the space industry. Group crisis simulation exercise. Introduction to the final assignment. | Practical understanding of crisis response and risk management. |
Day 6 | VU Amsterdam | Justice, Ethics and Governance Design | Punishment, responsibility, and accountability in outer space. Restorative justice. Environmental justice. Governance design workshop. International expert panel. | Initial ideas for governance solutions. |
Day 7 (optional) | VU Amsterdam | Integration, Presentation and Field Visit | Reflection on key insights gained throughout the programme. Informal presentation of assignment ideas. Closing session at an external venue. | Initial framework for the individual assignment. |
Week 2
Dag | Vorm | Thema | Activiteiten | Resultaat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Day 8–9 | Online | Framing the Assignment | Independent work on topic selection and problem definition. Optional group check-in session. Submission of a short concept note outlining the problem, context, and proposed direction. | Clearly defined topic and approach. |
Day 10–11 | Online + Individual Supervision | Analysis and Development | Independent research and development of the assignment. One-to-one supervision sessions with Yarin Eski and Iris van Sintemaartensdijk. Optional thematic consultation sessions. | Structured analysis and targeted feedback. |
Day 12–13 | Online | Refinement and Recommendations | Further development of the advisory report. Focus on recommendations, feasibility, and ethical considerations. Opportunity for peer feedback and discussion. | Near-final advisory report. |
Day 14 | Online | Submission and Closing | Final submission of the advisory report. Optional online pitch. Joint reflection and closing session. | Completed professional advisory report. |