Inspiring the youth through space exploration

1
Inspiring the youth through space exploration

• Space Generation Congress
• Explorers Wanted Out of the cradle into action
• Fukuoka, October 16, 2005
• piero.messina_at_esa.int

2
Utilitarian vs. Inspirational Space

• The importance of space-based applications is
  now established
• The Moon landing is possibly the single most
  inspiring event in XX century
• The drive to explore and push boundaries is part
  of human nature

3
What is space exploration about?

• Making new territories accessible to humankind
• Fostering knowledge and innovation
• Inspiring our society
• but also
• National prestige
• Exploitation of outer space resources
• Security.

4
A journey or a race?

• US Vision for Space Exploration (2004) and its
  NASA implementation plans (ESAS, 2005)
• ESAs Aurora Programme (2001)
• JAXAs Vision for 2025 (2005)
• Chinas achievements in Human Spaceflight
• Russias technology
• Interest by other Space Faring Nations (e.g.
  India)

5
Is all this sustainable?

• Exploration is by its very nature a long-term,
  multi-generation, multinational effort
• Will span over several governments, political
  leaderships, changes in society, economy and
  culture
• Sustainability is one of the key issues

6
Elements of Sustainability

• Robust planning
• Built-in resilience
• Secured and stable financial support
• International cooperation
• Deeply rooted political will
• Shift in societys perception
• but also
• well-rooted public support
• suitably qualified workforce

7
Education and Awareness

• Possibly one of the most powerful spin-off and
  positive externality from space exploration
• Make space exploration a win-win situation
• One of the most effective way to share the
  benefits of exploration throughout the citizens
  of the world
• but not yet fully appreciated!

8

• You already contribute to all that, so keep up
  the good work!
• Be creative!
• Be daring!
• Be different!
• ..but at the same time
• Be rigorous!
• Be credible!
• Be representative!

9
Conclusions

• You may play an important role in getting
  humankind out of the cradle
• Help make space exploration a sustainable,
  peaceful and global endeavour
• in short
• be the change you seek