 |
 The SDF's second activity is the formation of a network of individuals and groups related to space development.
So far, space development in Japan has been conducted mainly by graduates of departments related to space aeronautics. It is true that these are the people who have built the space-related technologies that Japan is proud of, but considering the problems described above, it is vital that Japan's space community include specialists from other fields as well. We need to make a collective effort that includes people in various fields, such as art, economics, law, politics, education, engineering, science, medicine and pharmacology.
We are building this nation-wide network through symposiums, workshops and websites. The members have been actively communicating with one another, discussing issues related to space development, exchanging information on space technologies, holding study sessions, and providing advice to high-school students on their future studies. These activities allow us to share the results of our social-scientific analyses with many people, and to obtain technical knowledge and information.
The third category is an extensive public-relations program targeting people who are not very interested in space development.
It is essential for the future of Japan's space program to secure funding from non-governmental sources. To this end, we must involve many private corporations in space development. Furthermore, in order to win the support of the general public, it is vital that we involve more people of various backgrounds in the space program. These new participants should help develop a clear vision for the space program that will place the good of the country at its centre.
There are many people who regard space development as something difficult, and think that it has little to do with their everyday lives. People involved in the space program should make a greater effort to acquaint the public with their work, and to deliver these important messages: the fruits of space development are already all around us; space development will enable us to live a safe, comfortable and interesting life long into the future; we can all be involved in space development in various ways; so let's think about it together!
The SDF has been engaged in public relations through various forums and websites. And we also have been discussing what the effective way of public relations by JAXA is with many people throughout our network; for example disclosure, promotional events, Web utilization and educational programs. JAXA has already started programs such as the Cosmic College, the Tanegashima Space Canter Space School, the dispatching of students to IAF meetings, and satellite design contests. Many diverse ideas have been suggested for uniting these programs into one package.
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
3/4 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
