The main goal of the course is to provide a comprehensive outlook of the Space sector with a special focus on space technologies, especially Earth observation, as tools for improving economic/business solutions on Earth. The student learns notions of planning, finance, law, economy, business models and methods through a hands-on approach. The final goal is to support an entry level of the student to the new space economy ecosystem. This can form the basis to built professional skills in the space sector, as well as to evaluate social, economical and juridical impact of the space technologies and to assess potential risk/opportunities connected to their use. The students will deepen the main themes of the discipline of earth science, territorial and urban planning for smart and sustainable cities, through the scientific and theoretical project elaboration called to face new planetary challenges that impact the environment, people, settlements, and infrastructure such as climate change the scarcity of resources, the consumption of soil, the environmental and social emergencies that characterize the contemporary territories. The course takes place through lessons, readings, exercises and laboratories, and inspections, oriented to acquire theoretical and operational tools useful for the elaboration of a territorial-urban project rooted into space-based technologies.

No technical prerequisite is required. A STEM background is not a prerequisite. A genuine interest to tech business models, finance for innovation and international context is a prerequisite. All concepts necessary for understanding the discipline will be provided during the course

The course will be project-based. This means that students will acquire the tools to perform state-of-the-art analyses focusing in technical analyses and ecosystem impact mapping. The next milestone is providing attendants with strategic planning techniques. This will be a fundamental step in modifying the physical space. More specifically, students will have to imagine aims and objectives and concrete interventions necessary to reach the selected aims and objectives. For this reason, students will also acquire actor-mapping and engagement techniques elaborating the necessary tools to acquire the selected scopes. Students will also understand how to craft a realistic roadmap. Lastly, within the course, students will be assisted in elaborating a meta-project. This instrument is in between policymaking (focusing on objectives and interventions) and proper architectural and urban planning (focusing on design techniques). --- The evolution of the international, European and national space sector and its major institutional and private stakeholders. Space economy, Space technology and Space law as new opportunities for growth and sustainability. The space ecosystem: new trends, opportunities, risks and effects on society. Basic knowledge of satellites, scientific space missions, applications and space related services. Basic knowledge of space economy parameters, funding sources, metrics.

The course does not foresee one handbook or book. Every week and for every topic addressed, the course instructor will share slides and suggested readings/media to the class. Materials will be uploaded on the Luiss Learn platform. Examples of potential readings/media are: - EUSPA EO and GNSS Market Report 2022 - The future of the European space sector, EIB 2019 - Start-Up Space Report 2022, Brycetech - Ted Talk: Vicki Arroyo – Let’s prepare for our new climate https://www.ted.com/talks/vicki_arroyo_let_s_prepare_for_our_new_climate?referrer=playlist-our_future_in_cities&autoplay=true - Kudo, S. (2015), Population aging: an emerging research agenda for sustainable development, Social Sciences, n. 4, pp. 940-966. - Muramatsu, N., Akiyama, H. (2011), Japan: super-ageing society preparing for the future, Gerontologist, n. 51, pp. 425-432. - Colding, J., Barthel, S. (2017), An urban ecology critique on the ‘smart city’ model, Journal of Cleaner Production, n. 164C, pp. 95-101. - Boschma, R. (2005). Proximity and innovation: A critical assessment. Regional Studies, 39(1), 61–74. - Guallart V., 2012, La ciudad autosuficiente, RBA libros, Barcelona

Visual presentations, interactive classes, visits to national and international laboratories, seminars and meetings with industrial and new space economy leaders

Written examination and final group project

Students/groups of students will be asked to select a subject from lectures content and to join a working group to test their knowledge and maturity in elaborating new skills