Course syllabus Space as an Operative Domain

This course is commissioned education without formal requirements. Participants are recommended to have the following previous knowledge: Passed courses of at least 180 credits that include at least 7.5 credits in the field of defence, crisis management and security, a written thesis project of at least 15 credits, and English skills equivalent to English 6 or English Level 2.

In this course, the participant explores the opportunities and limitations of the space domain from the perspectives of defense systems and societal security. In this course, the participant studies the historical development of the space domain, with particular focus on the interaction between civilian and military applications (dual-use) as a driving force for technological and strategic development. In the course, the participant is also introduced to key theories of space power, as well as contemporary space-based capabilities and their significance for modern military operations and critical societal functions.

Type of instruction 

Lectures

Seminars

Group work

Individual written assignment

Upon completion of the course the participant should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe the limiting and fundamental conditions for space-based systems
• describe conflicts and warfare in space
• demonstrate knowledge of legal aspects relating to the space domain

Competence and skills 

• analyze the capabilities of space-based systems
• demonstrate the effects of space services on the execution of total defence tasks
• analyze the strategies of key actors in space based on theories of space power

Judgement and approach

• discuss the relationship between space-based systems and terrestrial systems
• critically assess space-based systems from a holistic perspective.

The course is examinated through a mandatory seminar and an individual written assignment in which the participant conducts an individual analysis/assessment.

The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments for the participant to be able to achieve a passing grade on the course. A supplementary assignment (kompletteringsuppgift) shall be submitted no later than 10 working days after the result and the supplementary assignment for the examination in question have been notified. Examination papers submitted late will not be graded unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.

Grading

The participant is graded on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG).

To obtain the grade Pass (G) for the course, active participation in the mandatory seminar and a passing grade on the individual written assignment are required.

To obtain the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) for the course, the participant must, in addition to the requirements for a Pass (G), achieve the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) for the individual written assignment.

Restrictions in number of examinations

There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.

When the course is no longer offered or when the course content has changed substantially, the participant has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-term period in accordance with this syllabus.