Using Web 2.0 tools to support lunar exploration
- Paper number
IAC-08.A3.2.INT20
- Author
Mr. Trond D. Krøvel, Astrium GmbH, Germany
- Coauthor
Ms. Anna Grinberg, International Space University (ISU), Canada
- Coauthor
Mr. Matthew Killick, Lunar Explorers Society, Canada
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The Lunar Explorers Society (Lunex), established in 2000, is a group of enthusiasts dedicated to support and participate in the ongoing and future lunar exploration effort. The primary objectives of Lunex are:
- To raise awareness of what could be achieved by returning to the Moon through educational and outreach activities. We want to reach as many people as possible, world-wide, to explain our cause and its benefits to humanity.
- To promote international cooperation between scientists working on Lunar missions by providing a neutral platform for their discussions.
To meet our objectives, Lunex has established a website based on an open source content management system, a tool which gives the website a high degree of flexibility and large expansion potential. The website itself allows for members to log in to access members only content, and it also allows the user, based on their role in Lunex, to add and edit existing content. Interaction between members has been made very easy through a dedicated forum on the website. News and information is easily spread through a news section and the conference and calendar tools. All news articles published on the Lunex website is also available in a RSS feed.
The next big step is to start sending out a newsletter containing a summary of recent news, upcoming lunar conferences and events, and links to other relevant information. Additionally Lunex is actively using Web 2.0 tools to create interest around what is happening in lunar exploration and to reach new members.
Furthermore, 2007 was on of the most active years for Lunex so far in its history. We participated actively in several major international conferences and workshops treating lunar exploration, we have successfully organized conference sessions, brainstorming sessions and working groups at these events and the discussions seeded at some of these events continue today.
All these tools and activities combined gives Lunex a great possibility to reach out to people not normally involved in lunar exploration activities, youth, students and professionals alike. By being present in the Web 2.0 sphere professionally and at all times, Lunex is able to reach out to a large group of people that normally would not be involved in lunar exploration.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.A3.2.INT20.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.