Specialization in Space Affairs
Overview
Overview
The Master in Public Policy – Space Affairs specialization examines space as an indispensable and strategic domain for global security, economic development, and international cooperation. Space policy, space governance, and space security now play a central role in the daily lives of citizens around the world. The rapid development of space technologies, services, and applications has fueled the growth of the global space sector, creating new commercial space markets and business opportunities for private actors. At the same time, space infrastructure and services have become irreplaceable for national security and defense, particularly in today’s turbulent geopolitical environment.
As space increasingly emerges as a contested and critical domain, it is essential for societies to invest in the next generation of leaders who will ensure the responsible, secure, and sustainable evolution of the global space ecosystem for the benefit of all.
Students choosing this specialization gain expertise across the full spectrum of space activities, from the design and operation of space systems to the economic, political, and security forces shaping the space sector. Through lectures, expert talks, and applied case studies, students analyze space missions, space programs, markets, institutions, and strategic environments, examining how technical, commercial, regulatory, and geopolitical factors interact.
The Space Affairs specialization combines a solid understanding of space systems and operations with insights into leadership, business strategy, space economics, policy, regulation, and defense. Students develop skills in project and financial analysis, organizational leadership, negotiation, and strategic decision-making, tailored to the specific cultures of governments, space agencies, large industry players, and startups.
Graduates emerge ready to take on leadership and analytical roles in governments, space agencies, international organizations, defense institutions, consulting firms, multinational corporations, commercial space companies, startups, and think tanks. Equipped with a deep understanding of space policy, space markets, governance frameworks, and space security, they are prepared to shape the future of the global space sector.
Want to know more?
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
Designed for students enrolled in the Master in International Relations, this Space Affairs specialization is ideal for those who seek to understand, analyze, and shape the rapidly evolving global space sector. It develops expertise in space systems, space operations, space markets, space policy, and space security, while equipping students with practical competencies in leadership, project management, and economic and strategic analysis.
By combining technical foundations with perspectives from business, governance, and defense, the specialization prepares future professionals to operate at the intersection of technology, strategy, and public policy. It is particularly suited for students aspiring to careers in space agencies, government institutions, international organizations, defense and security bodies, the space industry, consulting, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Graduates develop the analytical, managerial, and strategic skills needed to understand complex space programs, assess high-impact projects, and contribute to shaping the future of the global space ecosystem.
- José Ignacio Fernández-SalvadorSenior Manager
ANY DOUBTS?
Schedule a personal consultation call with our Program Specialist and solve all your questions!
What makes this specialization stand out?
What makes this specialization stand out?
Careers
Careers
Graduates of the Space Affairs specialization develop advanced expertise in space policy, space security, and the global space industry. They acquire strong analytical, strategic, economic, and policy skills that enable them to work across public institutions, international organizations, commercial space actors, and research bodies, addressing challenges at the intersection of technology, markets, governance, and security in space.
Possible career paths include:
- 01.
Government and Public Institutions
Roles in ministries of defense, economy, innovation, or foreign affairs as space policy officers, program managers, or strategic advisors contributing to national space strategies, space regulation, security policy, and international space cooperation.
- 02.
National Space Agencies
Positions in national or regional space agencies such as the Spanish Space Agency (AEE), ESA member agencies, CONAE, AEM, AEB, JAXA, UAESA, or the African Space Agency as program analysts, mission managers, or policy specialists supporting civil, commercial, and defense space programs.
- 03.
International and Regional Organizations
Careers in organizations such as ESA, EU institutions (EUSPA, EDA), NATO, or UN bodies (UNOOSA) as space policy analysts, regulatory professionals, or security advisors working on global space governance, standards, and coordination.
- 04.
Space Industry and Commercial Sector
Roles with prime contractors (Airbus, Leonardo), satellite operators, launch providers (PLD Space), and space startups (D-Orbit) in strategy, business development, regulatory affairs, and public-private partnerships.
- 05.
Defense and Security Sector
Positions in defense institutions, military commands, or security-focused organizations as space security analysts, capability planners, or strategic advisors focusing on surveillance, resilience, cybersecurity, and space situational awareness.
- 06.
Consulting, Strategy, and Risk Analysis
Work in consulting firms or specialized advisory groups as space strategy consultants, market analysts, or geopolitical risk experts assessing regulatory, technological, and security developments affecting space activities.
- 07.
Finance, Investment, and Entrepreneurship
Roles in investment funds (e.g., Seraphim, Primo Space), venture capital, or corporate finance as space market analysts or investment associates, or as founders launching and scaling space-related ventures.
- 08.
Think Tanks, Research Institutes, and NGOs
Positions as policy researchers, fellows, or analysts producing evidence-based insights on space governance, space economics, sustainability, and international security (e.g., ESPI).
Partners
Partners
European Space Agency (ESA)
ESA is Europe’s intergovernmental organization dedicated to space research, exploration, and technology development for peaceful purposes. It coordinates the space activities of its 23 member states to advance science, technology, and innovation, developing, launching, and operating missions across the full spectrum of space activities.
Official Degree + Specialization Private Diploma
Official Degree + Specialization Private Diploma
Students complete the official degree of the Master in International Relations, awarded by IE University. In addition, upon successful completion of this specialization, they receive a private diploma in Space Affairs.