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 free of charge for journalists, 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.
- Deeper understanding of the role of space applications in society.
Learning outcomes of the training school will include:
- Gain foundational knowledge of the technical, political, industrial, economic, and societal dimensions of space activities.
- Master best practices for producing high-quality and insightful reporting on space affairs.
- Learn to access, use, and interpret space-based data in journalistic work.
- Build networks with space professionals to deepen sector knowledge.
For more information about the Training School, or if you have questions, please contact:
Programme
Day 1 – 25 September 2025
9:00 – 9:15: Welcome
9:15 – 9:30: Keynote Speech
9:30 – 10:45:
- 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:
- 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
- Reporting on Space: Challenges, Trends & Perspectives
- Communication Space Issues to a Non-Space Audience: Experience from covering space topics.
15:00 – 16:15:
- 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:
- Theme #2: Security & Defence
- Protection of space assets and infrastructure.
- The role of space in global security and defence strategies.
17:45 – 19:00:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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 working, professional journalists.
- 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.
Costs
- The Training School is free of charge for professional journalists who meet the eligibility criteria.
- Up to four press officers from industry and/or the public sector will also be selected for the Training School, and if selected, will incur a fee of €2.000.
Travel & Accommodation
- Participants are kindly requested to arrange their own travel and accommodation.
Application Submission
Submit Your Application Below:
Confirmed Trainers
We are excited to welcome the following esteemed experts as trainers for this year’s Training School. More trainers will be announced in due course.
