Security and Technology
Space Law and Policy
The Space Law and Policy Program at the Strauss Center for International Security and Law advances research, education, and public engagement on the legal, policy, and governance challenges shaping the future of space. As government, commercial, and international space activities continue to expand, the program brings together expertise from law, public policy, engineering, business, and the physical sciences to develop practical, forward-looking solutions for an increasingly complex space domain.
The program serves as a hub for interdisciplinary scholarship and experiential learning, preparing the next generation of leaders to address emerging issues in space governance, national and international security, commercial space, regulatory policy, sustainability, and international cooperation. Through innovative courses, research initiatives, conferences, and partnerships with government, industry, and academia, students gain opportunities to engage directly with the most pressing legal and policy questions affecting space activities.
A cornerstone of the program is Space Domain Decision Intelligence (SDDI), which integrates technical, legal, and policy perspectives to improve decision-making in the space domain. By combining data-driven analysis with legal and policy expertise, SDDI supports more informed approaches to space operations, governance, and the long-term stewardship of the orbital environment.
The goals of the program are to develop innovative interdisciplinary courses; support student research and professional development across the University; produce impactful scholarship on space law, policy, and governance; foster collaboration among academia, government, industry, and international partners; and serve as a trusted forum for advancing practical solutions to the evolving challenges of the space domain.
Contact the Texas Space Law & Policy Society’s for more information for UT Austin students interested in space law and policy.
Award
Aerospace Policy Solutions LLC Award in Space Policy
The Robert Strauss Center for International Security and Law awards a yearly winner of the Aerospace Policy Solutions LLC Award in Space Policy. This $2000 award, sponsored by Aerospace Policy Solutions LLC, is given to exceptional UT-Austin student engaged in research related to space policy or interested in pursuing work related to space policy analysis and development after graduation. Applicants are continuing graduate students in policy, social sciences, or law, and have a demonstrated interest in space policy and a commitment to pursuing a career in the field.
Past Winners
2025 – Connor Sale, LBJ School of Public Affairs Master of Global Policy Studies candidate
2024 – Perry Lum, LBJ School of Public Affairs Master of Global Policy Studies candidate
2023 – Brittany Silvester, UT School of Law JD candidate
Featured
Annual Space Traffic Conference
As part of the Space Domain Decision Intelligence (SDDI) subprogram of Strauss’ Space Policy and Law, the Space Traffic Conference serves as the program’s premier annual forum for advancing research and dialogue on the increasingly complex space domain. The conference brings together students, scholars, policymakers, military professionals, industry leaders, and international partners to examine the technical, legal, policy, and strategic dimensions of space activities.
Through research presentations and panel discussions, participants explore topics such as space traffic coordination, space situational awareness, orbital sustainability, governance frameworks, emerging technologies, and decision-support tools. By fostering interdisciplinary engagement and connecting academic research with real-world challenges, the conference advances the development of informed, data-driven decision-making for the safe, secure, and sustainable use of space.
News
Latest in Space
Aerospace Policy Solutions, LLC Award in Space Policy Becomes Permanently Endowed
Strauss’ Space Traffic Conference Highlights the Need for More Coordination in Space
Events
Our Latest Events
- February 18-19, 2026
- ALL DAY
- Bass Lecture Hall, LBJ School of Public Affairs
“Operational Assurance for All” 12th Annual Space Traffic Conference
- March 4-5, 2025
- 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Bass Lecture Hall, LBJ School of Public Affairs, UT Austin
“STM: From the Ground Up and Back” 11th Annual Space Traffic Management Conference
- February 27-28, 2024
- All Day
- Bass Lecture Hall, LBJ School, The University of Texas at Austin