Overview
ESPI and LUISS School of Journalism Data Lab are pleased to launch the first European training school for journalists, “From Space Journalism to Satellite Journalism: The Big Picture”, a pioneering initiative designed to equip media professionals with the tools to navigate the evolving landscape of space activities and space data-enabled journalism.
This two-day intensive program will equip participants with the skills to analyze, interpret, and report on space-related news, helping them to navigate the complexities of the industry and its impact on society. Led by renowned space experts and media professionals, the programme will offer hands-on training to help journalists produce high-quality, insightful reporting on space affairs and policy.
Themes of the training school will include:
- Foundational knowledge;
- Best practices for reporting on space; and
- Deeper understanding of the role of space applications in society.
Programme
Day 1 – 25 September 2025
9:00 – 9:15: Welcome
9:15 – 9:30: Keynote Speech
9:30 – 10:45: First Speaker
- Introduction: Why Space Matters and the “Space Hourglass”
- Foundations & Impact of Space: An exploration of the origins, key milestones, and the fundamental principles that have shaped space exploration.
- Space’s Integration into the Global Economy & Society: Examining the transformative role of space technologies across critical sectors, including energy, agriculture, environment, and transportation, and their growing impact on global development.
10:45 – 11:00: Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:15: Second Speaker
- Space Technology
- Upstream: The vital components of space missions, including launchers, satellites, and ground infrastructure.
- Downstream: Exploring the applications of space technologies, such as positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), Earth observation (EO), and satellite communications (SATCOM), and their impact on industries and society.
- Global Trends & Outlook: The evolving space sector, international cooperation, diplomacy, and Europe’s position in the global landscape.
12:15 – 13:45: Lunch
13:45 – 15:00 Third Speaker
- Reporting on Space: Challenges, Trends & Perspectives
- Communication Space Issues to a Non-Space Audience: Experience from covering space topics.
15:00 – 16:15: Fourth Speaker
- Theme #1: Industry & Economy
- The rise of the commercial space industry and evolving industrial policies.
- From the space economy to leveraging space for broader economic impact.
16:15 – 16:30: Coffee Break
16:30 – 17:45: Fifth Speaker
- Theme #2: Security & Defence
- Protection of space assets and infrastructure.
- The role of space in global security and defence strategies.
17:45 – 19:00: Sixth Speaker
- Theme #3: Science & Exploration
- How space science, research, and missions inspire public engagement and storytelling.
20:30: Dinner
Day 2 – 26 September 2025
8:00 – 8:45: Transfer to ESRIN
9:00 – 10:15: Visit to ESRIN
10:15 – 11:15: Seventh Speaker
- European Space Agency (ESA) & Earth Observation (EO): The importance and applications of EO technologies.
11:30 – 12:30 : Transfer back to LUISS Data Lab
12:30 – 14:00: Lunch
14:00 – 14:15 Day Two Introductions
14:15 – 15:30: Eighth Speaker
- Space Journalism Toolkit: Using Satellite Data & Applications
- Satellite Imagery & Data for Journalism: Using EO, PNT, and SATCOM for investigative reporting and fact-checking.
15:30 – 15:45: Coffee Break
15:45 – 17:00: Ninth Speaker
- Thematic Applications: Leveraging satellite tools for reporting on environment, conflict, disaster management, and more.
- Practical Resources: Navigating the C3S Press Data Portal for journalistic research.
17:00 – 17:15: Concluding Remarks
Call for Applications
Selection Procedure:
- Eligibility: Open to journalists from EU and ESA member states.
- Selection: A maximum of 20 participants will be selected.
- Required Documents:
- Resume;
- Reference Letter from a media organisation, editor, or industry professional; and
- Two samples of work (newspaper/media articles).
Selection Criteria:
- Proved journalism experience and professional background;
- Motivation explaining interest in space journalism; and
- At least one endorsement from referees (e.g., newspaper editor).
If you, or someone you know, fulfills this criteria and is interested in participating in the training school, submit your application by 30 May 2025 at 17:00 CEST using the form below.
Timeline:
- Application Deadline: 30 May 2025 at 17:00 CEST.
- Communication to Successful Applicants: 18 June 2025.
- Confirmation of Participation by Selected Candidates: 4 July 2024.
Application Submission
Submit Your Application Below:
