Free teaching resources about defence in space

Published 16 May 2025

About this lesson

As outer space becomes increasingly significant to countries worldwide, governments are thinking more carefully about "defence space" – how to protect critical services in orbit.

This shift also presents a unique opportunity: to learn from Earth’s past and create a future for space which is governed by peace rather than conflict.

These teaching resources have been created with support from PA Consulting and The PA Foundation. The Economist Educational Foundation maintained full editorial control.

Skills and knowledge

Speaking

Step 0: I speak clearly to someone I know
Did you speak clearly to your group when discussing the questions
in the game?

Step 4: I speak effectively by thinking about what my listeners already know
Did you think about what people already knew from the game discussions before you shared your ideas for the headline?
Step 11: I speak adaptively by planning for different possible responses
of listeners
Did you consider what other people might say when you planned your points in the class debate?
Knowledge

I know what defence space is and the impact decisions can have on the future of space exploration
What is defence space? What decisions must governments make about space?