Sharing the Adventure with the Public : The Value and Excitement of 'Grand Questions' of Space Science and Exploration: Summary of a Workshop

On November 8-10, 2010, the National Research Council's Space Studies Board (SSB) held a public workshop on how NASA and its associated science and exploration communities communicate with the public about major NASA activities and programs. The concept and planning of the workshop developed over a period of two years. In conjunction with the SSB, the workshop planning committee identified five "Grand Questions" in space science and exploration around which the event was organized. As outlined in the summary, the workshop concluded with sessions on communicating space research and exploration to the public. Table of ContentsFront MatterWorkshop OverviewKeynote Address: No Guts . . . No Glory - Why NASA Needs to Relish the Risk to Stay RelevantSession 1: Answering Grand QuestionsSession 2: Understanding the Universe: How Did It Begin and How Is It Evolving?Session 3: Are We Alone?Session 4: Understanding the Solar System: How Did It Begin and How Is It Evolving?Session 5: The Earth: Will It Remain a Hospitable Home for Humanity in the Future?Session 6: What Could the Future Hold for Humans in Space?Session 7: Inspiring Public Interest in Space Research and Exploration: Communications Challenges and OpportunitiesSession 8: Communication Pathways to the Public: Reading, Watching, InteractingSummary and Concluding RemarksAppendixesAppendix A: Statement of TaskAppendix B: Workshop AgendaAppendix C: Biographies of Speakers, Moderators, Planning Committee, Rapporteur, and Reviewers