This book offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the complex relationship between innovation, law, and security in the context of dual use technologies in space. As space activities expand rapidly, technologies developed for civilian purposes increasingly carry potential military or strategic applications, creating both opportunities and significant governance challenges. This volume examines these dynamics, providing a holistic understanding of the risks and benefits associated with dual use in space exploration and utilization.

At its core, the book brings together perspectives from legal scholarship, engineering, international relations, and ethics to unpack the multifaceted nature of dual use technologies. It traces the evolution of international space law and regulatory frameworks, while also addressing technological advancements such as dual use satellites and innovations for space debris mitigation. In parallel, it explores the geopolitical implications of these technologies, highlighting how they influence global power structures, cooperation, and competition in outer space.

The volume also engages with critical ethical questions surrounding dual use applications, including issues of responsibility, transparency, and the societal impact of emerging space technologies. Through a combination of case studies, historical analysis, and forward-looking insights, it provides a nuanced perspective on how innovation in space can be governed responsibly.

By bridging disciplinary boundaries, this book aims to support informed decision-making and foster dialogue among policymakers, legal practitioners, engineers, and academics. It ultimately contributes to the development of robust frameworks for managing dual use technologies, ensuring that space innovation advances in a manner that is secure, ethical, and aligned with global interests.

Samuel White 

FRHistS is the Scientia Senior Lecture in Military Law and War Studies at UNSW Canberra. Prior to this, he was the inaugural Senior Research Fellow in Peace and Security at the National University of Singapore’s Centre for International Law. Before joining academia, Dr White served in the Australian Defence Force across a range of strategic, operational and tactical level postings, and later as a Senior Legal Officer in the Office of International Law, Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department.

Matthew Stubbs FAAL is a Professor and Academic Lead (Research Quality) at the School of Law, Adelaide University, where he serves as Editor in Chief of the Adelaide Law Review. Matthew’s teaching focusses on international law, human rights and public law, and has been recognised by three Australian national teaching awards. His research addresses the intersection of international and public law, with a particular focus on military law, space law and human rights, and has been published by numerous prestigious journals and book publishers. Matthew is a member of the National Human Rights Committee of the Law Council of Australia, and is a member and former Chair of the Human Rights Committee and Space Law Committee of the Law Society of South Australia, and was awarded the prestigious Law Society of South Australia President’s Medal in 2023. He was made a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law in 2025.

Duncan Blake, Lecturer in Military and Space Law and Strategy at UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Mr Blake is also a Wing Commander in the Air Force Reserve with 29 years experience, including 22 years permanent service, as well as Special Counsel Space Law with International Aerospace Law and Policy Group.