This course explores the multidisciplinary fields of exogeography, astropolitics, and space economy, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and evolving landscape of human activities beyond Earth. Through lectures, many expert testimonies, discussions and case studies, students will gain insights into the geographical, political, and economic aspects of space exploration and development.

Knowledge and understanding: Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts and terminology of exogeography, astropolitics and space economics. They will also be able to explain the exogeographical conditions of celestial bodies, including the Moon and Mars, and their implications for human activities. Apply knowledge and understanding: Students will analyse the historical, current, and future challenges and opportunities of space exploration. They will then be able to assess the economics of space activities and their impact on global markets and industries. Judgments: Students will be able to evaluate the role of governments, international organisations and private entities in shaping space policies and develop critical thinking skills to assess space activities' ethical, legal and environmental implications. Communication skills: Students can present comprehensive reports and case studies on exogeographic mapping and exploration beyond Mars. They will also be able to participate in informed discussions on theories and concepts of astropolitics and international space relations. Learning skills: Students will be able to conduct independent research on emerging trends in space studies, present the results effectively, and demonstrate the ability to continuously update knowledge in the rapidly evolving fields of exogeography, astropolitics, and space economics. These learning outcomes are designed to provide students with the knowledge, analytical skills and critical thinking abilities needed to navigate and contribute to the multidisciplinary space exploration and development fields.

1. Understand the fundamental concepts and terminology in exogeography, astropolitics, and space economy. 2. Explore the exo-geographical conditions on celestial bodies, such as the Moon and Mars. 3. Analyse the historical, current, and future challenges and opportunities in space exploration. 4. Examine the role of governments, international organisations, and private entities in shaping space policies. 5. Investigate the economic aspects of space activities 6. Develop critical thinking skills to assess the ethical, legal, and environmental implications of space endeavours.

Due to the varied and innovative course topics, no textbooks can effectively cover the teaching content. Consequently, the course will be based mainly on: - Academic Papers; - Book Chapters; - Official Reports. As the topics covered by the course are in continuous evolution, and to ensure the most timely updating of the course materials, these will be made available in the imminence of its start. In any case, the teaching materials will respect the expected teaching load. These readings as well as lectures slides will be made available via LUISS Learn (course webpage).

- Classes with the support of audio-visuals; - Lectures by external experts; - Case studies with involvement of students. In particular, this course adopts a seminar model. To this end, numerous expert testimonies from academia, government, business, and professional sectors are planned to provide in-depth knowledge, research, and practical experience. This format encourages interactive discussions, critical analysis, and direct discussion with experts in space affairs.

This course adopts the fully enquiry-based model. Continuous assessment for attending students: - I° assessment, 40% of the final grade, 1 open-ended question (open book) to be chosen out of the 3 proposed to be carried out in 90 minutes; - II° assessment, 30% of the final grade, group work project/presentation; - Final exam, 30% of the final grade, a take-home paper on a specific case study. More details will be provided on the course's Learn page. Final assessment for non-attending students: The learning assessment for official non-attending students (students who applied for non-attending status to the Graduate School, according to the official regulations) is carried out through a single final exam, the outcome of which will count for 100% of the final grade and consists of: - 1 open-ended question (open book) (25% of the final grade) and 30 multiple-choice questions (25% of the final grade) to be carried out in 90 minutes. - an oral interview (50%). The content of the open-ended question, the multiple-choice questions and the oral interview covers the whole teaching programme.

- Active attendance at the course; - Quality of the proposed issue for the thesis.