Exploration as a Central Motivating Theme in Space Education and Outreach

Paper number

IAC-06-E1.5.03

Author

Dr. John Farrow, International Space University (ISU), France

Coauthor

Mr. Walter Peeters, International Space University (ISU), France

Year

2006

Abstract

After some 20 years of existence, the goals and activities of the International Space University (ISU) are now fairly well known throughout the space community in general. This is especially true among those with special interests in space education and outreach, mainly as a result of presentations by our members at IAC Congresses and other international gatherings (COPUOS, Space Generation Forum, etc). From its inception, the ISU Founders’ credo gave special emphasis to space exploration within the very broad interdisciplinary range of subjects that we address, recognizing the inspiration that the subject offers within both the space sector and among the wider community.

In this paper we will share our experiences of how robotic and human exploration of the solar system attracts and challenges students in our programs in a variety of ways. We will look first at the wide range of exploration-related topics that have been addressed, mainly within ISU’s own courses but also in some other institutions with which we are associated.  Major team projects as well as smaller team assignments will be reviewed with special attention being given to some recent examples in areas such as Moon-Mars missions, exploration of the inner solar system, in-situ resource utilization, and terraforming. We will also describe how exploration proves to be a rich source of subject matter in other parts of our programs such as in individual assignments and internships, as well as in outreach activities undertaken by members of our community. 

Finally we will briefly review the scope and success of recent symposia organized by ISU. Each year we select an important topical issue as the theme for an international conference that takes place at our central campus in Strasbourg attended by all of our Masters students alongside many participants from agencies, industry and academia.  It is a measure of the continuing interest, indeed the resurgence of interest, in space exploration that this has topic has featured, partly or wholly, in three of our last four annual symposia and will again be the central theme for our next one in December 2006 when the focus will be on The Moon.

Abstract document

IAC-06-E1.5.03.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-E1.5.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.