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Creating
a Spacefaring Civilization
By Pat Dasch
NSS Executive Director
Space, NSS, and Education
The mission of the National Space Society is “to promote change in social,
technical, economic, and political conditions to advance the day when people
will live and work in space.” One of the major ways we work to fulfill
our mission is through public education which also aligns with our primary goal
to “Increase public understanding of how space exploration and development
result in scientific, technical, and economic benefits that improve the quality
of life on Earth.”
Earlier this year I co-chaired an international meeting in Seville, Spain, in
which representatives of government space agencies and aerospace companies from
around the world debated how to do a better job of communicating the benefits
of space to the public. We realized that we had a lot to learn or re-learn from
the enthusiasm of emerging space powers. At a follow-up meeting this October,
plans will be set in motion to initiate a broad international education effort
leveraging technical and communications expertise of established practitioners
with the refreshing approaches of new space players.
Also this October, I hope that many of you will participate in World Space Week
by reaching out to your local community. Talk to a class at a local school about
the exciting things we are doing in space, put up a display in a local public
library, rent a space movie and watch it with family and friends. And try your
hand at making space food. Astronauts tell us that their taste buds are subdued
in space and food tends to taste bland so they like to add sauces and seasonings.
See what you can cook up — become a galactic gourmet, cook up some planetary
pasta — and invite your family and friends to launch into an out-of-this
world feast at the dinner table!
And talking of having fun with space education, I’ve been delighted at
the expansion and success of the children’s program associated with our
International Space Development Conference over the past few years. Children
have limitless imaginations and see boundless possibilities ahead. It is essential
that we capture their interest and show them the future. I’m glad to have
this opportunity to congratulate all those who have made the children’s
program the success it has become.
ISDCs are the annual focus point for NSS activists. The conference offers an
opportunity to catch up with all the latest developments and new theories in
space exploration and development. In short, it is our major opportunity each
year to educate you, our ambassadors to the world, on emerging issues and new
discoveries on the space frontier. I hope that in future years more of you will
find an opportunity to attend an ISDC and share in the excitement that this
annual gathering offers to all true space enthusiasts. The 2002 ISDC will be
held in Denver, Colorado, 23-28 May. Save the date! But don’t wait for
next year to be a space advocate—become active NOW! The space we save will
be our own!
Ad Astra!