Achieving Profound Public Engagement - The Ultimate Source of Exploration Vision Sustainability

Abstract

*It is widely recognized that a critical challenge facing the Vision for Space Exploration is sustainability. The President's Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy determined that sustainability results from value, affordability, and credibility. This paper proposes a specific approach to implement the Commission's determinations regarding sustainability based on value, its most critical component. The approach, is defined as Vision ownership by all Americans based on its value, both demonstrated and explained. It is asserted that public engagement, if aggressively implemented, will enable Vision sustainability. The Vision presents both a need for, and an opportunity to, build on robotic exploration's successful Academy-based value framework to shape a value framework for NASA space exploration in general, including that conducted by humans. A model for public engagement is proposed consisting of pragmatic, emotional, and rational engagement within which to build this framework. Significant aspects of implementing the model are discussed, including building the model into the way NASA does business and strengthening NASA's value portfolio. It is concluded that a commitment to improve our demonstrated value to the Nation puts us on strategic high ground. It makes clear that we explore space to benefit people here on Earth. It makes clear that space belongs to everyone, not just scientists and engineers. Public engagement, if done effectively, will weave space exploration into the fabric of society.