The Author starts by outlining an optimistic future scenario, in which the world is at peace, shared ethic values and multilateralism prevail, and international cooperation and globalization bring equity and prosperity also to the developing countries. The consequences of such a world scenario for the space sector, in particular for the development of all aspects of civil space and for the expansion of space infrastructure, are explored. In this positive economic and political climate, international cooperation is strengthened and the merit of space-based solutions is recognized. The key idea is that we can learn from this hopeful scenario, trying to invert the cause-effect relation. The space world should aim at developing the civil space infrastructure to deal with the principal societal problems - like health, education, food shortage, climate change -, and to support trade and commerce worldwide. Space infrastructure could become lever and motor of Peace and Progress. Some important international initiatives for the integration of Earth Observation and Navigation space systems, together with several other bilateral and multilateral enterprises based on shared values and rules, are already positive signals of such potentiality.
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