Perception of Space Technology in Indian Society

Paper number

IAC-08.E5.I.10

Author

Mr. Sagar Madgi, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, India

Coauthor

Mr. Rahul Suresh, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, India

Coauthor

Mr. Shivram Ramanathan, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, India

Coauthor

Ms. Srividya S. Raghavan, India

Year

2008

Abstract

Since the dawn of space age, space technology has produced wonders. People’s expectations from space technology are very diverse. India represents a country with varied strata of people from different backgrounds. The socio-economic, geographical and educational background of people would play a very important role in their understanding and expectations from space technology. Government would want to meet its strategic ends and development through space technology, environmentalists would push for sustainable development, urban kids would want science fiction to be transformed into reality etc. A large section of uneducated people would not even know that space-technology exists!

To make Indian space program more inclusive and effective, it is very important to dispel the ignorance that exists among the people. It is also very important to make people aware about the benefits of space technology. The “perception of space programs” amongst people with wide-ranging age-groups, professions, social backgrounds, economic backgrounds etc will be analyzed in this paper. The sample space for the survey has been sensibly chosen so that it spans over a wide range of the Indian society and would more or less represent the national perception.

Specific emphasis has been laid on analysis of “perception of space programs” amongst students (from kindergarten to doctoral level) and agricultural community. Specific solutions for educating and addressing the needs of various groups of people(from the rural farmers to the professionals/businessmen) will also be addressed in the paper. It would help the national space agencies and other governmental/non-governmental organizations in reassessing their priorities and addressing the needs of a large section of the society.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E5.I.10.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E5.I.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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