ECSL Summer Course on Space Law and Policy 2026
Organizer
ESA -The European Space Agency
Content Description
One of the ECSL's most prominent activities is the ECSL Summer Course on Space Law and Policy, welcoming students at all academic levels as well as select young professionals currently active in the space or related sectors. Now in its 34th year, the course has built a vast global network of alumni.
Applications are now open until 7 June 2026 23.59 CET.
Throughout the course, participants will attend lectures delivered by academics, practitioners from international and national space organisations, and technical experts. The curriculum will cover international, regional and national legal and policy frameworks governing space activities and their applications.
The main objective of the summer course will be to spark participants' interest in this specialised field and to provide them with a solid foundation for their future professional careers or further academic research.
The 2026 course will focus on:
- International Space Law
- Diplomatic Space Governance
- National Space Legislation
- Space sustainability and security
- EU and ESA space programmes
- Private and contract space law
- The legal regime of space resources exploration, exploitation and utilisation and lunar activities
- Careers in the space sector
- Military uses of outer space
- Export control
- Future legal aspects of space activities
The course will also include a mandatory group project. Participants will apply the theoretical knowledge acquired during the lectures and will present their work to a panel of judges. In addition, they will be supported by a team of tutors, experts in space law, who will be available to support them throughout the preparation of the group project.
More details on the programme and the procedure for application can be found on the ESA website.
Target Audience
The course is open to
- 45 students (under the age of 35)
- 5 young professionals (under the age of 35)
- and 6 tutors
from ESA Member States, Associate Members and Cooperating States.
Applications from citizens or residents of ESA Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States will have priority over those residing outside. A demonstrable interest in space law and policy and a strong academic background is an asset. There are no fixed criteria concerning the particular professional background of individual applicants and each application will be considered on his merits.
Participant Information
Timeline for the 2026 ECSL Summer Course on Space Law and Policy application process
- 8. May 2026 Applications opened
- 7. June 2026 (23:59 CET) Applications closed
- 14. June 2026 Application deadline for NPoCs to confirm their pre-selection to ECSL
- Early July 2026 Application results
- 10. July 2026 Deadline for confirmation of participation and payment
Applying information
The application consists of an electronic form which you have to fill out and save your response and provide it alongside a copy of your CV (2 pages max) to your respective NPoC as outlined above. Applications are not complete by only submitting the form.
Your respective NPOCs will conduct a pre-selection procedure before ECSL conducts the final selection of candidates.
If no NPoC is set up in your country of study, residence or citizenship, then apply directly to ecsl@esa.int.
Fees, Transportation and Accommodation information
For students who are citizens or residents of ESA Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States, there is a course fee of 200 EUR, which will contribute to the accommodation organised and covered by ECSL. Students will receive accommodation covered, as well as breakfast and lunches.
For young professionals who are citizens or residents of ESA Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States, there is a course fee of 600 EUR. This does not include accommodation, but lunches will be covered. Please organise your accommodation accordingly.
Both students and young professionals are expected to organise and pay for their own transport to and from the course, and are obliged to have a health and travel insurance for the duration of the course:
Contact Address
E-Mail: ecsl@esa.int