Engaging Opponents of Space Science and Exploration - Lessons Learned from the March For Science

摘要

Space exploration efforts are entangled with public science comprehension and support. By examining the outcomes of large science-driven public outreach events, the global aerospace community may efficiently and effectively reshape public support for exploration and infrastructure development. During the global March For Science in April, 2017, supporters of science around the world publicly demonstrated their concern over the endangerment of scientific funding and science education, adequate dissemination of research results, and the adoption of legislation and policies contrary to research recommendations. To relieve these concerns, the March For Science must have engendered positive relationships with communities and organizations that have not been largely supportive of science and directly impede science facilitated decision making. The global aerospace community faces similar value challenges from overlapping demographics. This paper addresses the outcomes of the March For Science and projects these findings into an overview of the necessary steps to bridge deep cultural and value divides and engage non-traditional supporters of space exploration. A special focus on the United States, India, and Australia will provide contrasting situations for analysis and extrapolation to other international developments.*