In order for an international strategy for human exploration away from Earth to become a reality, not only must individual nations become more involved in space activities, but countries around the world must also promote sustained cooperative support for space exploration. It is difficult to achieve such support, especially since cooperation between countries involves certain risks. However, there can be great benefits to international space exploration for individual nations. If these benefits can be explained and exploited, nations may cooperate to encourage continued efforts in the area of the exploration of outer space (refer to section 3.4.1 for a further discussion on international cooperation).

There seem to be several benefits to international endeavors; however, how can we make nations aware of these benefits? One idea would be to sponsor at least one international governmental policy maker or designate to attend a program like the International Space University Summer Session Program, as a student. Attendance at this program would allow them to experience first-hand the benefits of international cooperation and competition.

Another important way in which nations could be made aware of the benefits of international space cooperation is by creating a focal point for education and a "reference desk" for countries interested in such a venture. We recommend that a process be established either within the United Nations Committee On the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), or within IHECG (refer to section 3.4.1). COPUOS or IHECG could establish a sub-committee that is focused on educational initiatives. Such a sub-committee would help to educate nations not only on the benefits of space exploration in general, but also on the benefits of international cooperation and the methods in which a cooperative effort could be established. In this way, countries around the world eventually would become more supportive of collaborative international space exploration ventures.

How the Strategy Relates to Increasing Support

The Step-by-step strategy is based on the concept of many focused missions, which build on each other's success. The missions aim to demonstrate and test new technologies, further scientific knowledge, generate interest and build confidence in the overall exploration program. This approach is extremely compatible with the requirements outlined in chapter 3.5.1 to generate public support. Focusing each mission on specific areas increases reliability and overall benefits. This information can then be distributed to the public to demonstrate that their taxes or company investments are well spent. The concept of regular missions supports the need for providing the public with plenty of new, interesting information, on a regular basis. This approach prevents boredom which can often be generated by long term, highly complex projects. Smaller, focused, and more frequent missions enable failures to be more easily accepted. Hopefully, numerous successes will outweigh the memories of failures.

Increased public interest will have a profound effect on national decisions. Governments take notice of public interest and make policy accordingly. Increased investment in space exploration is likely to follow. Shorter mission time-scales will also enable politicians and heads of corporations to justify investments, as results will be seen during their period of service and not ten years in the future. On a global scale, the strategy proposes an international consultative working group, consisting of experts from around the globe. This ad hoc group will provide a center point for the outreach program, and given its international nature, will be aimed at all countries around the world.

In the long-term, the strategy focuses on moving away from low-Earth orbit and out into the solar system. The myths and legends about extraterrestrial life on the red planet are ingrained in popular culture. This momentum, when coupled to the intrigue of possible answers on the origins of life and the formation of the solar system, makes Mars potentially one of the most powerful tools in an agency's public relations arsenal.

Strategically, from a public relations point of view, the search for life must always be a mission objective in addition to the other scientific goals driving a Mars exploration. An excellent example is NASA's plan to include a list of registered names on the next rover mission to Mars. Finding aliens is not their ultimate goal, but the underlying message is that someone or something will read that list and this captures the public's imagination. Recent evidence that Martian soil may contain traces of ancient or developing life has already been met with enthusiasm in the media. The discovery of any evidence of life might provide clues to solving the mystery of life on Earth. Fundamental questions have shaped the beliefs of almost every culture since the dawn of man. Future successful strategies will capitalize on these innate human fascinations to spawn support.

NEXT >