Our Strategy: Exploring the Universe Together

Mission

Our mission is to provide a strategic perspective on space policy and development, throught a novel Four-Dimensional Approach ("Four Causes in Space©"), offering a platform to explore the future of space together. Thanks to insightful articles, engaging discussions, and structured dimensions, we aim to bring the universe a little closer to our audience.

Scope

spacestrategies.org is a multi-faceted platform designed to serve space strategies professionals, including executives in private enterprises and policymakers in the public sector, as well as scholars in the field of the space domain. Our primary purpose is to disseminate cutting-edge research, intriguing developments, and insightful analyses within the space domain. We strive to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current trends and future directions of the space sector, covering a wide array of topics from the role of artificial intelligence in space exploration to the geopolitical dynamics in space.

spacestrategies.org hopes to be a “food for thought” platform. With the Aristotelian Four Causes as our pedagogical foundation, our classes offer a structured approach to understanding various aspects of space exploration. We delve into the Frameworks, Technologies ,Stakeholders , and Purposes of space-related topics, providing a multi-faceted perspective on the field. This approach aims to enrich the understanding of our audience, equipping them with a deeper insight into the complexities of space exploration.

Out of Scope

While we strive to make space exploration accessible and understandable to our audience, we do not delve into technological jargon and intricate details. Our focus is on providing a broad understanding of space technologies and developments, rather than in-depth technical analysis.

Bias

This is a delicate subject. Many of the available sources, whether online, books, or other publications, are from Western countries. Other countries do not have the same tradition of publicising their achievements. Then there are barriers based on the spread of languages, despite the fact that a significant number of people speak them. Afterwards there’s the issue of geopolitical and commercial conflict between countries, which is obviously present in the space sector. Living and accessing the media in any region of the world exposes us all to more or less refined or coarse “propaganda”. With all of the limitations stated above, this site will make every effort to refer to sources of information that come from various realities while maintaining equidistance, objectivity, and impartiality.

Target Audience

spacestrategies.org targets space strategy professionals, including executives in private enterprises and policymakers in the public sector, as well as space enthusiasts.

In light of the intricate nature of the space domain, cultivating a thorough grasp of the industry is vital for mastering its various dimensions. This section unveils an innovative categorization and tagging framework that seeks to offer an holistic perspective of the space industry, inspired by age-old philosophical concepts and contemporary analytical methodologies.

Foundations of the Classification System

“Four Causes in Space©”

Our classification system, “Four Causes in Space©” draws inspiration from Aristotle’s theory of the four causes 🌐 , a philosophical framework that provides a holistic approach to understanding the nature and purpose of things. By adapting this classical concept to the modern space sector, we create a multifaceted lens with dimensions through which to view its various components and aspects:

1. Material Cause (Technologies) {what}: This represents the physical components and resources of the space sector. In our classification, it encompasses everything from raw materials and fuels to satellites, space stations, and interplanetary transport systems.
2. Formal Cause (Frameworks) {how}: This relates to the structures, patterns, and organizational principles that give form to the space sector. Our classification interprets this as the various frameworks, from engineering specifications and mission architectures to international treaties and global standards.
3. Efficient Cause (Stakeholders) {who}: This cause considers the agents or entities that bring about change or action in the space sector. Our system identifies stakeholders at various levels, from individual engineers and scientists to space agencies, private companies, and international organizations.
4. Final Cause (Purposes) {why}: This represents the ultimate goals or objectives of activities in the space sector. Our classification recognizes a range of purposes, from ensuring reliable component operation to advancing human presence in space and addressing global challenges.

By using these four causes as a foundation, we ensure that our classification system captures not just the physical aspects of the space sector, but also its organizational structures, key players, and driving motivations.

System Operator Tool

To provide additional context and depth to our classification, we’ve incorporated the levels of system operator tool 🌐 , a problem-solving and analytical TRIZ 🌐 tool often used in innovation and systems thinking. While we’ve adapted it to suit our needs, the core principle of examining a system at multiple levels remains intact:

1. Subsystem Level: This focuses on the individual components and smaller-scale elements of the space sector. It includes items such as materials, equipment, individual stakeholders, and specific technical standards.
2. System Level: This represents the primary operational units and organizations within the space sector. It encompasses elements like satellites, ground stations, space agencies, and project management frameworks.
3. Supersystem Level: This broadest level considers the overarching structures, global initiatives, and large-scale impacts of the space sector. It includes international space stations, interplanetary transport systems, global policies, and worldwide scientific communities.

“Four Causes in Space©” Meets Triz System Operator Tool

By crossing the adapted four causes (dimensions) with the three levels from the system operator tool, we’ve created a comprehensive matrix that captures the complexity of the space sector. This intersection allows for a nuanced understanding of how different aspects of the sector relate to one another across various scales.

Simplified Tagging System

While the full dimensions x levels matrix offers a detailed view of the sector, we recognize the need for a more streamlined approach for this website organization. Therefore, from the systems and supersystem levels we’ve developed a simplified tagging system that distills the essence of our classification:

This tagging system, while more concise, still reflects the core structure of our classification, allowing for efficient organization and retrieval of information.

Flexibility and Adaptability

It’s important to note that any classification system, including ours, is inherently shaped by the needs and perspectives of its creators and intended users. Our approach to classifying the space sector is not presented as a definitive or absolute system, but rather as a thoughtful and comprehensive framework that can adapt to evolving needs and understandings. The space sector is dynamic and ever-changing, and our classification system is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate new developments and shifting paradigms. We encourage users of this system to approach it with a critical mind, adapting and refining it as necessary to suit their specific needs and contexts.

Using LLM and Creativity in Research and Writing

In this site, I share well-researched insights into policies and strategies within the space sector. Advanced tools, including Large Language Models (LLMs), support my creative and analytical process, and I adhere to a rigorous, transparent approach to ensure clarity, originality, and integrity in my work.

Structured and Informed Inquiry

Crafting each article begins with a clear understanding of the topic. To shape focused questions for the LLM, I employ structured frameworks, including Barbara Minto's 🌐 Pyramid Principle, MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive), and the SCQA (Situation-Complication-Question-Answer) technique. Additionally, I leverage TRIZ methodologies and apply my own exclusive approach, “Four Causes in Space©”, which adapts Aristotle’s four causes—better thought of as four “reasons” (from the Greek aitia) or purposes—to analyze the unique intricacies of space policies and strategies.

Curated Responses and Personalized Content

Large Language Models (LLMs) operate through advanced neural networks and deep learning techniques, trained on vast datasets to recognize patterns in language and generate coherent responses. While the LLM provides synthesized insights based on this training, my role is to guide and refine these responses to align with the article’s specific objectives. Using structured outlines and my analytical frameworks, I select, adjust, and expand upon the model’s output, integrating my own insights and interpretations to ensure each piece maintains its focus, depth, and originality.

Commitment to Responsible, Transparent Use and Enriched Research

To refine my research, I draw also on sources identified using a tool I’ve developed, “The SpaceQuest© Map”. This map is a graph created by organizing section and subsection titles from my article outline (modified to optimize search engine queries) within a visual network, using the jsvis software. Each article concludes with this graphic, providing readers with a valuable resource for further research and exploration.

Additionally, when relevant to enhance the article or guide readers to sources that expand or validate a particular concept, I include hyperlinks to these sources. This approach ensures both a well-rounded foundation and transparent, quality-driven information for readers.

LLM and Dedication to Ethical, High-Quality Writing

LLMs are tools, and like any tool, their effectiveness depends on the skill and understanding of the user. I want to emphasize some key principles for successful LLM-powered use.

Knowledge is Key

LLMs can be incredibly helpful in generating ideas and exploring different perspectives, but they should be used to augment, not replace, your own knowledge. Focus on topics you’re already familiar with so you can critically evaluate the LLM’s output, identify inaccuracies, and ensure the information aligns with your expertise. An LLM can help you articulate your existing knowledge more effectively, but it shouldn’t be your primary source of information on unfamiliar subjects.

Clarity of Purpose

Before engaging with an LLM, clearly define your objectives. What kind of writing are you working on? Who is your target audience? What is the scope and desired depth of your piece? What style and tone are you aiming for? The more specific you are with your goals, the better you can guide the LLM towards generating relevant and useful outputs.

Treat LLMs as Your Team

Think of an LLM as a collaborative partner, a team member, or even a consultant. Just as you would provide clear instructions and context to a human collaborator, you need to do the same with an LLM. The more information you provide – background, context, examples, desired outcomes – the better the LLM can understand your needs and deliver valuable results. Don’t be afraid to be detailed and explicit in your prompts.

Transparency and Attribution

There’s no need to shy away from acknowledging the use of LLMs in your writing process. Just as you would credit the contributions of team members or consultants, it’s ethical and increasingly common to acknowledge the role of LLMs. Transparency builds trust with your audience and reflects a responsible approach to using this powerful technology.

The Art of Prompt Engineering

Mastering the art of crafting effective prompts is essential for unlocking the full potential of LLMs. Prompt engineering is about learning how to communicate effectively with the LLM, providing clear instructions, setting constraints, and guiding the model towards the desired output.

The Iterative Process

Don’t expect perfection on the first try. Brainstorming with LLMs is an iterative process. You’ll likely need to refine your prompts, experiment with different approaches, and engage in a back-and-forth dialogue with the LLM to achieve the best results. Embrace this iterative nature and view it as an opportunity to refine your ideas and explore new possibilities.

Unleash Your Creativity

Don’t be afraid to experiment and think outside the box when crafting your prompts. Even if a prompt doesn’t yield the exact results you were hoping for, it might spark unexpected insights or lead you down a new and fruitful path of inquiry. The combination of human creativity and LLM capabilities can lead to truly innovative and groundbreaking results.

Originality and Attribution in the Age of LLMs

Using an LLM doesn’t diminish the originality of your work. Just as researchers build upon the work of others, citing their sources and adding their own unique contributions, you can leverage LLMs to gather information, explore ideas, and refine your writing. Your original contribution lies in the way you curate, synthesize, and build upon the LLM-generated content, adding your own critical thinking, insights, and creative vision.

Software tools

Selecting the Software Platform

The next step was choosing the right software platform. While WordPress is a popular choice, I decided to go with Hugo 🌐 . Hugo is a static site generator that offers several advantages:

• Speed: Hugo generates pages when you create or update your content, not when the user requests the page. This makes it incredibly fast (I think you have noticed it, browsing spacestrategies.org), which is crucial for user experience and SEO (Search engine optimization).
• Security: Since Hugo generates static pages, there’s no server-side processing or database to hack.
• Flexibility: Hugo is highly customizable, allowing you to create a unique website that fits your needs.
• Ease of Use: Hugo’s content management is simple and intuitive, making it easy to add and update content.

Choosing the Hugo Theme

With the platform decided, the next step was to choose a Hugo theme as a foundation for the site’s custom theme. I chose FeelIt 🌐 for its clean design and flexibility. This theme provided a solid starting point, which I could then customize to fit the vision for spacestrategies.org.

Customization and Development

The creation of spacestrategies.org involved considerable customization work. I used the Linux Mint 🌐 operating system for all development tasks. Despite not being an experienced programmer, I managed to navigate through various languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Bash Scripting.

The availability of open-source software and data was invaluable during this process. The generosity of individuals sharing their skills made it possible to bring spacestrategies.org to life. This journey was a demonstration of what value the work of the open-source community has.

A few words about the founder of spacestrategies.org

Hello from Cesare.

I’m an independent researcher and former professional from the Italian Space Agency, with a wealth of experience in project management and strategic areas. I’ve always been fascinated by the demanding intellectual challenges of space missions and the technological leaps of our era. I’ve seen firsthand how different cultures approach the space domain, and I believe that sharing this knowledge is crucial for our collective future.

Short CV

In 1976, I earned a Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering from ‘La Sapienza’ University in Italy. I spent three years conducting microwave research at the university in Italy. For three years, I worked at Elettronica SpA in Italy, focusing on electronic countermeasure design. I then spent seven years at CNR in Italy as a Satellite Project Manager. For 31 years, I worked at the Italian Space Agency (ASI) in Italy, serving as a Project Manager, responsible for the Staff to various General Directors and Presidents, Chief of Strategy and Public Relations, and advisor in Space Security. I retired in 2019. At present, I serve as an independent researcher analyzing space projects through the lens of their strategic and political implications.