The Columbus Logbook - Bringing Space To The Youth By Means Of A Student Journalists Competition In Cooperation With Regional Newspapers In Germany
- Paper number
IAC-07-E5.2.06
- Author
Mr. Mathias Spude, EADS Astrium, Germany
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Europe is via its European Space Agency ESA partner of the International Space Station ISS. One of ESA’s core contributions to the ISS is the space laboratory Columbus. Columbus was developed, manufactured and tested in Bremen by Europe’s leading Space company, Astrium, as industrial prime contractor to ESA. Columbus was originally scheduled for launch to the ISS by a US shuttle in late 2006. Already four years before launch the preparations concerning communication and PR related to Columbus were started in late 2002. As Europe launches only every twenty years a space laboratory to space it was a challenge to produce additionally to the classical communication instruments a very special communication activity.
The objectives of this special Astrium communications activity were manifold and included attraction of the youth, positioning as prime contractor for the Columbus Space laboratory, recognition of the enormous engineering skills, all this considering the Columbus lifetime of some 15 years. Due to the strong German role in Columbus financing 40
The paper presents the entire scenario of the student journalist competition. The objectives are shown, the target groups are identified, the messages are elaborated, the competition is shown, as well as the cooperation mode with the regional newspapers. An analysis of the scenario change due to the shifted launch date is included. The paper looks at the implementation and elaborates the lessons learnt. An assessment indicates the potential of this scenario for other space PR purposes.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E5.2.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.