session 2

Title

Space Expectations: How the Public Views Space Activities

type

oral

Description

Space activities have historically been based upon technological successes with science and exploration leading space activities toward major projects throughout the solar system. However, periodic disconnects have occurred as the public used to seeing major successes suddenly sees failures and begins to question the value and cost of space initiatives. An IAA-sponsored study (following on from its recent study on the Impact of Space Activities upon Society) is currently underway to determine the depth of understanding and backing of space activities by the general public (in particularly young people). This session will relate to this study and thus invites papers which review and describe society’s expectations from space programmes, ascertain how society could become more involved in space exploration, or indicate how space activities could maintain the interest and excitement of tomorrow’s youth and thus be supported (both financially and intellectually) by the public.

Date

2008-10-01

Time

09:30

Room

Boisdale 1

IPC members

• Chairman: Mrs. Julie Chesley, The Colorado College, United States;

• Chairman: Dr. David Raitt, The Netherlands;

• Rapporteur: Dr. Peter Swan, Space Elevator Development Corporation, United States;