BUILDING AND MAINTAINING THE CONSTITUENCY FOR LONG-TERM SPACE EXPLORATION

摘要

The exploration of space is a long-term endeavor that will require strong public support to weather societal and political changes over the period of its implementation. In August 2006, George Mason University's Center for Aerospace Policy Research organized a Workshop to address this issue. The sustainability of space exploration was investigated from a variety of perspectives by experts from the space sector as well as from the market research and public relations fields. Two Working Groups addressed the same overall topic. The first ("Veterans") was made up of individuals who have spent their careers in the space field or other relevant professions. The second came from the ranks of the "Space Generation," students and young professionals under the age of 35. The current paper summarizes the results of the Workshop. It presents market research data along with conclusions regarding the need for an active strategic communications effort to enhance public support for space exploration, especially among the younger age groups. The report also presents specific ideas from the Space Generation for engaging their peers.