Building Foundations for International Collaboration through Educational Outreach Initiatives
- Paper number
IAC-17,E5,5,11,x39200
- Year
2017
- Abstract
As human space exploration continues on its journey to Mars, collaboration is a key factor for enabling the success of large-scale goals. The Hispanic Employee Resource Group (HERG) of NASA Johnson Space Center has focused on establishing relationships with emerging space players through educational outreach initiatives. As a grassroots approach, the HERG supported outreach in Mexico due to cultural connections, close geographical proximity, and opportunities to synergize with the newly-created Mexican Space Agency (AEM) and growing private aerospace sector. Relationships emerged between NASA, AEM, and the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT) with educational and public outreach as a common goal for both the United States and Mexico. Additionally, these efforts aligned with JSC’s strategic goals to empower the next generation of innovators and explorers and champion the development of space exploration capabilities. The established partnerships have led to the implementation of several collaborative projects, including: the NASA Hispanic Engagement Campaign for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics; Espacio a Tierra, a weekly webcast on the activities happening aboard the International Space Station; and support of CONACYT’s National Week of Science and Technology in Mexico City. The authors will share accomplished events, challenges, and lessons learned that could serve as a model to build foundations for international collaborations in the space realm, ignite research and innovation, and propel human space exploration of Mars and destinations beyond.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)