Space Policies, Humanities, and Exogeographical Research Ecosystem (SPHERE)

Overview
SPHERE is an interdisciplinary research unit within the LUISS Center for International and Strategic Studies (CISS). It is dedicated to the study of political, economic, social, and geographical dimensions related to space exploration and governance. SPHERE aims to bridge academic research, industry expertise, and policymaking in the rapidly evolving space sector.

SPHERE

• symbolises the shape of celestial bodies (Earth, planets, moons), recalling the concept of spatiality and territoriality in extraterrestrial contexts.
• represents a closed but interconnected system, just like our planet and future human communities in space, emphasising the importance of sustainable and balanced development.
• evokes the concept of a ‘sphere of influence’, reflecting the role of the Research Unit in analysing the political, economic and strategic dynamics of space.

Focus areas

• Space Policies (SP): Examining international and national treaties and regulations, governance models, geopolitical competition, emerging market dynamics, and the role of public-private partnerships in space development.
• Humanities (H): Investigating the societal and implications of space exploration, emphasizing the human dimension in space policies and the sustainable development in space ventures.
• Exogeography (E): Studying planetary environments, human settlement planning on extraterrestrial bodies, spatial organization of interplanetary infrastructures, and the societal adaptation to non-terrestrial environments.
• Research Ecosystem (RE): Creating a network of scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders to foster knowledge exchange and innovation in the space domain.

Activities

• Academic Research and Policy Studies: Producing scholarly publications, strategic reports, and policy briefs on space governance and economics.
• Conferences and Workshops: Organizing international events, roundtables, and networking sessions involving academia, industry, and government stakeholders.
• Educational Programs and Training: Contributing to LUISS courses such as Exogeography, Astropolitics, and Space Economy.
• Innovation and Industry Collaboration: Partnering with space agencies, private companies, and research institutions to develop applied projects and technological solutions for space exploration.

SPHERE serves as a platform for fostering policy dialogue, influencing decision-making processes, and supporting the integration of space studies into international relations and strategic analysis. By engaging with public institutions, private enterprises, and civil society, SPHERE contributes to shaping the future of space governance and sustainable development beyond Earth.