Masterclass remote sensing

The MasterClass « Earth Resources Remote Sensing and Extra-terrestrial Resources Exploration and Utilization, » hosted by the Académie Spatiale d’Ile de France trough Université Paris Cité, took place from February 17-21, 2025, at the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris.

The international participants gain insights into cutting-edge technologies in Earth resource monitoring with remote sensing and geodesy, as well as the exploration and utilization of extraterrestrial resources.

Esteemed lecturers from leading research laboratories (Polytechnique Montreal, Centre d’Étude de la Biosphère, German Research Center for Geoscience Potsdam, Université Luxembourg, Université Paris Saclay, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris), large and small companies (Total Energy, Blue Origin, Ispace, MinersAI), and space agencies and international organizations (European Space Agency, European Commission, Centre National d’Études Spatiales) have shared expertise on remote sensing, AI applications, policy frameworks, and space mining and lunar resource prospection.

The program includes 18 lectures, one industrial site visit, and case studies to provide hands-on experience. Lunches with the lecturers and a social event in Saint-Germain-des-Prés have offered networking opportunities.

Retrospective

Monday 17 February

Remote sensing & Agriculture

On the first day, we explored how remote sensing and geodesy contribute to water and agricultural resource management, two key areas in today’s climate and food security challenges.

  • Water Resource Monitoring with Space Geodesy – Kristel Chanard (IPGP, IGN)
  • Agriculture Water Monitoring with Remote Sensing – Michel Le Page (CESBIO, IRD)
  • Agriculture and Vegetation Remote Sensing – Stéphane Jacquemoud (Université Paris Cité – IPGP)
  • Remote Sensing and EU Common Agriculture Policy – Philippe Loudjani (European Commission)

The role of space-based data in sustainable resource management continues to grow. Seeing these technologies applied to agriculture and water security makes the link between Earth Observation and public policy even clearer.

Tuesday 18 February

AI & Minerals – Advancing European Capabilities

As part of ANR (National Research Agency) and France 2030’s strategy, Tuesday’s discussions demonstrated how AI and remote sensing are becoming key assets for Europe’s resource management and sustainability goals.

  • Hyperspectral Remote Sensing for Mineral Exploration – Saieid Asadzadeh (GFZ Potsdam)
  • AI, Data, and Business in Mineral Exploration – Thomas-Louis de Lophem (MinersAI)
  • Lunar Resource Exploration – John Walker (Ispace)
  • Earth Observation & AI for Low-Carbon Energies – Anthony Credoz (TotalEnergies)

By leveraging European AI capabilities in Earth Observation, we are strengthening our ability to map, analyze, and secure critical resources.

Wednesday 19 February

From Earth to Space Resource Utilization

Wednesday, we explored resource prospecting beyond Earth, focusing on industrial applications and potential concrete challenges in space mining.

  • Morning Visit to the Cité des Sciences – Immersing in the latest space tech innovations
  • Prospecting for Resources on the Moon – Jesse Tarnas (Blue Origin)
  • Resource Extraction & Processing in Space – Alexander Imbault (Blue Origin)

What stood out? The expertise developed in terrestrial remote sensing and mineral processing is shaping the way future lunar industries will function.

A few photos of the « Cité des Sciences« 

Thursday 20 February

Policy, Regulation & Scientific Governance

Who owns space resources? Who regulates extraction and use? Yesterday’s discussions underscored how France and Europe would have advantages from taking a leadership role in defining these rules.

  • Extraterrestrial Resource Law – Philippe Achilleas (Université Paris-Saclay)
  • Workshop on Space Regulation & Policy – Philippe Achilleas (Université Paris-Saclay)
  • Workshop on Scientific Frameworks for Space Resources – Corentin Feray (IPGP, IGN)
  • Extra-Terrestrial Resource Exploration & Utilization at ESA – Melchiorre Conti (ESA)

Europe may see a growing need to develop clear, enforceable frameworks for space resource governance to ensure strategic autonomy and ethical exploration.

The day ended with a networking cocktail in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, allowing students and lecturers to connect in a more relaxed setting.

Friday 21 February

The Future of Space Resources & European Leadership

The final day of the MasterClass focused on the technological and economic viability of future lunar and asteroid resource utilization.

  • Lunar Resource Utilization: CNES & Space Agencies Views – Pierre Bousquet (CNES)
  • Techno-Economic Analysis of Asteroid Mining – Andreas Hein (Université du Luxembourg)
  • Lunar Resources & Structural Engineering – Pooneh Maghoul (Polytechnique Montréal)
  • Geophysical Instrumentation for Lunar Resources Exploration – Philippe Lognonné (IPGP)

What’s next? Europe has the expertise, industrial capacity, and scientific leadership to drive the development of sustainable space industries. The challenge now is to ask ourselve how do we translate this into long-term strategy and investment?

After five days of discussions, hands-on learning, and networking, the Académie Spatiale d’Île-de-France MasterClass on Remote Sensing of Terrestrial and Extra-Terrestrial Resources has come to an end. This event brought together experts, researchers, and students to explore the future of Earth Observation, AI applications, space mining, and policy frameworks.

A huge thank you to all speakers cited above, to the organizers (Philippe Lognonné and Delphine Urbah as well as Nitaya Singsengsouvanh in support), and participants!