Space Systems

Course aim

This course will introduce the diversity of space assets, both civil and defence, that form our critical infrastructure in space and the potential threats to these systems, whether they be from natural phenomenon or intentional activities.

We will look at how the ‘opening up’ of this new domain to defence, and the formation of new defence agencies, fits into the existing military structures, and the governance and strategic implications of these new actors. This will touch briefly on the principles at work in the international treaties and laws, and domestic regulation, constrain or enable certain activities.

Finally, we will look at the technologies and mission architectures that can be deployed to protect space assets in a resilient way, both from a sovereign capability perspective and with our partners.

Course content

• Overview of the space domain
• Fundamentals of space mission design
• Civil space infrastructure and services
• Defence uses of space (technology and assets; SATCOM, ISR, PNT, C2)
• Space in the context of the Defence Force (governance, strategy and operations)
• International space law
• Natural threats to space-based critical infrastructure
• Intentional threats to space-based critical infrastructure
• Militarisation of space and counterspace weapons
• Resilient space systems

Textbook(s)

Nil

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Continuous assessment, Report

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 4C)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
How to determine your Commonwealth Supported course fee. (Opens new window)

Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
How to determine the relevant non award tuition fee. (Opens new window)

Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.