I am proud to be part of SPHERE – Space Policies, Humanities, and Exogeographical Research Ecosystem, a research initiative that explores the political, social, and strategic dimensions of space in bold, interdisciplinary ways.
It is dedicated to the exploration of the political, economic, social, and geographical dimensions of space governance and exploration, in a context where the space sector is undergoing a profound and rapid transformation.
The name SPHERE evokes the shape of celestial bodies – planets, moons, and Earth itself – and introduces a broader reflection on spatiality and territoriality in extraterrestrial environments. At the same time, the sphere suggests a closed yet interconnected system, much like our planet and future human settlements in space, where the imperative of sustainable and balanced development becomes central. The concept also recalls a sphere of influence, underlining the unit’s analytical focus on the strategic, economic, and political dynamics of the space domain.
SPHERE aims to act as a bridge between academic research, industry expertise, and policymaking, fostering the development of a knowledge and innovation ecosystem in the space sector. Its research spans four key domains. The first is space policy, including international treaties, national regulatory models, geopolitical rivalries, emerging markets, and public-private partnerships. The second area focuses on the humanities, examining the societal, cultural, and ethical implications of space activities and emphasizing the centrality of the human experience in non-terrestrial futures. The third is exogeography, a field concerned with planetary environments, interplanetary infrastructure, and the spatial organization of life beyond Earth. The fourth domain is the research ecosystem itself – the creation of a collaborative, transdisciplinary network connecting scholars, decision-makers, and space industry actors.
SPHERE’s activities include the production of academic publications and policy studies, the organization of international conferences and roundtables, contributions to LUISS courses on exogeography, astropolitics, and the space economy, and the development of collaborative projects with space agencies, companies, and research institutions.
By fostering strategic dialogue and promoting the integration of space-related themes into international relations and strategic studies, SPHERE serves as a platform to support more inclusive, forward-looking, and sustainable space governance. Through its engagement with public institutions, private enterprises, and civil society, the unit contributes to shaping how we imagine and govern the future of human presence beyond Earth.