On 21 June 2025 in Venice, the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), together with Exolaunch and Bertelsmann Foundation, organised Space Provocations, a full-day engagement platform, running in parallel to the 2025 Biennale di Venezia.
The event invited participants to explore and reimagine the intersections between space, policy, and art at the Universe Pavilion, in close collaboration with the Pavilion’s founders: space engineer Claudia Kessler, artist and activist Janine Thüngen-Reichenbach, and social scientist and curator Claudia Schnugg.
The day’s programme offered three dynamic segments:
- 10:00–12:30 – Satellite Mission Masterclass
A hands-on session guiding a select group through the essentials of spacecraft design, launch processes, and political considerations.
- 16:30–18:00 – Film Screening “Astropolitics”
A documentary from the Bertelsmann Foundation’s series, examining the geopolitical dimensions of space.
- 18:00–22:00 – Evening Reception
Hosted under “Art Night Venezia 2025,” the reception brought together partners, artists, and the broader community, including a conversation between ESPI Director Ludwig Moeller, Exolaunch CCO Jeanne Allarie, and former Italian government executive Elena Grifoni Winters, moderated by Tony Silberfeld, Director for Transatlantic Relations at Bertelsmann Foundation.
Alongside these activities, ESPI:
- Sponsored and co-created the Universe Pavilion’s Audio Guide.
- Co-launched with Exolaunch an online competition, “Why Space Matters”, running throughout the exhibition period with the chance to win a custom-build lightsaber.
Why This Matters
Space Provocations bridged art, technology, and policy, offering fresh perspectives on how space can shape societal futures. By fostering engagement through masterclasses, film, and public dialogue, ESPI continues to emphasise the importance of creative and inclusive approaches to space policy.
