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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.

Head of Unit

  • Alfonso Giordano

    Alfonso Giordano is an associate professor of Economic and Political Geography at Niccolò Cusano University of Rome and an adjunct professor at LUISS University, where he teaches “Exogeography, Astropolitics, and Space Economy”. His research focuses on population geography, political demography, and human-environment interactions, with a particular emphasis on border studies. Recently, he has investigated the geographical, political and economic dimensions of space exploration, analysing its implications for governance, resource allocation, and territoriality beyond Earth.

Researcher

  • Francesco Lapenta

    Francesco Lapenta

    Francesco Lapenta is the founding director of the Institute of Future and Innovation Studies at John Cabot University in Rome. Since 2018, he has led the Institute in fostering interdisciplinary dialogue to develop governance frameworks for ethical and sustainable technological innovation. His research focuses on AI, data ethics, digital governance, and the socio-political implications of space exploration. Previously, he was an associate professor at RUC University, a visiting professor at NYU, a Mozilla Fellow, and technical editor of IEEE’s Global AI Ethics Initiative.

  • Gianluca Casagrande

    Gianluca Casagrande

    Gianluca Casagrande is a full professor of Geography at the European University of Rome, where he directs the GREAL-Geographic Research and Application Laboratory. He teaches “Geographical Technologies and Environmental Control” and “Space Exploration and Exogeography”. His research focuses on geographical technologies, UAVs for remote sensing, and risk geography. He has led Arctic expeditions has recently shifted his focus toward space exploration, examining how remote sensing and mapping techniques developed on Earth can be applied to planetary environments.

  • Ilaria Cinelli

    Ilaria Cinelli

    Ilaria Cinelli is a senior engineer and leader in healthcare and space exploration with over a decade of experience. Her expertise includes space medicine, expeditions, and global health initiatives. She holds degrees in biomedical engineering and a doctorate in neural engineering. Ilaria is a fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association and co-chairs an educational curriculum on Space and Global Health with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the World Health Organization. She is a prolific author, speaker, and recipient of numerous awards, shaping the future of space and healthcare.

  • Romanelli

    Cristoforo Romanelli

    Cristoforo Romanelli is an electrical engineer and industrial manager with extensive experience in planning and strategic control. He has worked with AGIP, SIP, STET, IRI, and FINSIEL, holding key roles in corporate affairs, external relations, and executive management. Since 2001, he has been active in the aerospace sector, serving at Alenia Aeronautica, as CEO of Quadrics (UK), and as General Manager of ALTEC. He is a professor of Space Economy at the University Guglielmo Marconi, a staff consultant to the CEO of MBDA Italia, and event manager of the New Space Economy ExpoForum.

  • Alfonso Giordano

    Alfonso Giordano is an associate professor of Economic and Political Geography at Niccolò Cusano University of Rome and an adjunct professor at LUISS University, where he teaches “Exogeography, Astropolitics, and Space Economy”. His research focuses on population geography, political demography, and human-environment interactions, with a particular emphasis on border studies. Recently, he has investigated the geographical, political and economic dimensions of space exploration, analysing its implications for governance, resource allocation, and territoriality beyond Earth.

  • Antononio Alì

    Antonino Alì

    Antonino Alì is an associate professor of International Law at the University of Trento. Previously, he conducted research at the Universities of Geneva and Milan. He teaches the course “National Security from the Perspective of International and European Union Law” and researches the interaction between state economic security and international and European law. Since 2024, he has been a member, as an expert, of the Strategic Evaluation and Analysis Unit on the Exercise of Special Powers at the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers.