2023 Report: A Year of Looking at Earth from a Space Perspective
An initiative of the European Space Agency for the European Youth Capital Lublin 2023
In 2023 we explored Earth observation from every possible angle!
About the project
Direction Earth/Space aimed to ignite young people's enthusiasm for the fascinating world of satellite data and demonstrate the transformative impact these have on various aspects of our lives. This initiative, organized by the European Space Agency in collaboration with the European Youth Capital — Lublin 2023, sought to inspire the next generation of Earth observation professionals. Science Now Studio developed and implemented the creative strategy for these year-long celebrations.
01
AR Exhibition
02
Creative Campus
03
Art & Science Show
04
Open Programme
05
Mapping
45
100+
312
966 755
1 023 100
events
creators involved
social media publications
audiences reached
social media impressions
01AR Exhibition
127 500
audiences
reached
28
AR experiences
97
EO images used
8
installations
2800
kg of steel
A city-wide exhibition spanning half a year, showcasing immersive EO data in seven Lublin locations
About the AR Exhibition
The exhibition featured striking Earth observation images on a grand scale. With information vividly conveyed in three languages and enhanced by playful augmented reality experiences, our aim was to highlight the various domains where EO is crucial. We wove these elements into a captivating narrative framework, bringing the story of EO to life.
02Creative
Campus
21
mentors and
experts
54
applications
26
participants
51
interviews
4
teams
14
days of design
sprints
3
venues
68 days
of hybrid creative
collaboration
A hybrid residency for young people to prototype cross-disciplinary solutions with EO data
About the Creative Campus
Following a competitive selection process, 26 talented individuals were welcomed to the Direction Earth/Space Creative Campus for an intensive three-month program. They experienced the power of EO first-hand, prototyping innovative solutions to complex environmental and social challenges across four distinct thematic areas.
Participants,
innovators,
friends
My greatest takeaways were Earth observation insights — the Creative Campus has introduced me to the topic.
I used to see the problem I was working with from my own perspective, but the Campus gave me another point of view. The problem we were tackling is too complex to try to solve it individually.
It really opened my mind on what working with other specialists looks like.
See the outcomes
Find out more
03Art & Science
Show
400+
audience members
4
performances
45+
creators engaged
8
institutional
partners involved
An interactive event combining visual narratives through stunning EO projections, theatre and live music
About the Art & Science Show
Exploring Earth from the unparalleled perspective of orbit, 'Welcome to Earth' captivated audiences with climate karaoke, nature rhythms and ocean contemplation. With projections of gorgeous AI-enhanced Earth observation videos, this event accompanied the Closing Gala of the European Youth Capital — Lublin 2023. Attendees were taken on a remarkable journey through our planet's unique wonders.
04Open
Programme
23
open events
(workshops, debates, discussions, lectures, events)
27
experts
9
speakers at the EO Industry Day
A series of 23 debates, lectures, workshops and talks bringing Earth observation closer to the public
About the Open Programme
The Open Programme expanded the Direction Earth/Space reach, engaging not just youth but also children and the wider public. Experts in space, science, art and design made Earth observation and satellite data's impacts accessible to all.
Find out more
05Mapping
500+
viewers
9
screenings
50+
Earth observation
images used
A narrated audiovisual projection on the face of an iconic Lublin landmark
About the Mapping
The narrative of the mapping is divided into four chapters, each unravelling the fascinating story of Earth observation through engaging audiovisual techniques. Starting from Earth and embarking out into the depths of uncharted space, our objective was to gain profound insights into our home planet. ESA astronaut, Sławosz Uznański, provided a concise introduction and offered insightful concluding thoughts to guide this journey.
Find out more
Last but not least
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a part in Direction Earth/Space, including our audiences and all participants who made this project so special. The diverse perspectives and expertise of our amazing team, along with the engagement and enthusiasm of our broader community, have been vital in capturing the essence of our world in all its complexity. Just as satellites in orbit provide us with a clearer view of Earth, your contributions and interactions have given us a deeper understanding and appreciation of the potential for Earth observation to change the world. Thank you for helping us look at our planet from a new perspective and for reminding us that, like the Earth viewed from space, our strength and beauty lie in our diversity.