What can satellites teach us about the state of the planet — and the future of planetary governance? In this episode of Voice of Commons, host Giulia Foscari speaks with Simonetta Cheli –⁠ Director of Earth Observation at the European Space Agency (ESA), Head of ESA-ESRIN in Frascati and Advisor of Voice of Commons –⁠ about the power of satellites to monitor Earth’s systems and generate anticipatory intelligence. We explore the Copernicus programme, Digital Twins of the Earth, and the essential climate variables that shape global policy –⁠ from melting ice to rising seas. Along the way, we confront the growing challenges of orbital debris, data governance, and the urgent need to treat both Outer Space and Data as Commons. 

So buckle up. We’re heading from orbit to ocean, pixels to policy, in search of new ways to govern –⁠ and protect –⁠ our shared home: Spaceship Earth!

We take the opportunity to thank the European Space Agency for offering Patronage to UNLESS’ project: Voice of Commons!

Simonetta Cheli is a leading expert in Earth Observation and Space policy, serving as Director of Earth Observation Programmes at the European Space Agency (ESA) and Head of ESA-ESRIN in Frascati, Italy. She is a member of the ESA Executive Board and is accountable for formulating the ESA strategy for the Earth Observation (EO) sector, managing the development of EO satellites, in-orbit Mission operations, ground segment data distribution and archiving, science applications and projects, while overseeing a team of 900+ staff across six ESA sites. She actively engages with worldwide stakeholders, managing major partnership programmes like Copernicus and meteorological programmes with the European Commission and EUMETSAT. Simonetta is a Member of the Voice of Commons Advisory Council. Simonetta Cheli was born at 319 parts per million carbon dioxide in the Atmosphere. 

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