Space Advocacy: Internal Networking and Public Education.
- Paper number
IAC-05-E1.4.05
- Author
Mrs. Yvonne Penney, Canadian Aeronautics & Space Institute (CASI), Canada
- Year
2005
- Abstract
The role and responsibility of space advocacy groups is to share ideas and information. These ideas and information are usually discussed either within a group or amongst a collection of groups who share either the same interest in space or have diverging interests in space and its related fields. Before we begin inspiring the Public we ourselves must be inspired and educated and knowledgeable on space. We must know its history as well as the current developments and recent news. However being educated and knowledgeable is not all that is needed we need to be enthusiastic we also have a deep believe in space. When we, as advocates, can not only talk about the science and technology of space but also share its beauty as shown in Hubble’s photo gallery: then we begin to inspire. Science Fiction writers from Jules Verne to the latest book have and always will feed the fires of our imaginations. Some of us have always had the heart of an astronaut and these stories take us to the places we imagined. This information sharing can be achieved through regular 'club' or 'society' meetings, public events such as free lectures, workshops and summits, and in employing the media effectively. It can also be done by volunteering to work on high-profile projects like the Ansari X Prize. It then becomes easier to learn the facts and pass the information and excitement along to the public. Ultimately, without the support of the public, space programs may never have launched. Despite the many challenges faced by space advocates, I remain committed to inform not only my colleagues, but also the public, and to get the public excited about space, science and exploration. It will help to ensure the future of aerospace. Per ardua Ad Astra Yvonne Penney penneys@allstream.net
- Abstract document