How NASA averted the 2060 apocalypse | Michelle Thaller | Big Think

TL;DR

NASA's mission goes beyond data collection and scientific discoveries; public involvement and communication are crucial for its success and impact.

Transcript

Well, I am one of the directors of science [at NASA], and my specialty is communications. There's the idea that a mission ends when you return the data, when you make the discoveries, when the scientists publish their papers. To me, the mission doesn’t end until you have some sort of public involvement, until you have some sort of public buy-in. I ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎟️ Public involvement and communication are integral to the success of NASA's mission.
• 👾 NASA operates a vast number of science missions, studying various phenomena on Earth and in space.
• 😌 The value of blue sky research lies in its potential to lead to significant discoveries with practical applications.
• 👨‍🔬 NASA's research has had direct implications in areas such as climate change and ozone depletion.
• 👯 NASA's efficient operation and brilliant people contribute to its success.
• 🎟️ Public support and understanding are crucial for securing resources for future missions.
• 💙 Blue sky research plays a vital role in preventing potential catastrophes and ensuring a better future for future generations.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is public involvement in scientific missions important?

Public involvement is essential because it ensures that the mission's impact reaches a wider audience. It helps build support, understanding, and interest in scientific endeavors, leading to more resources for future missions.

Q: What is the significance of NASA's communication team?

NASA's communication team plays a crucial role in effectively conveying the mission's objectives, discoveries, and implications to the public. They ensure that the mission's value is understood and appreciated by a wider audience.

Q: How many science missions does NASA currently run?

NASA currently runs 108 science missions, utilizing spacecraft, balloons, sounding rockets, and even collaborations on Earth, like studying climate change with the Sami reindeer herders.

Q: What is the value of blue sky research?

Blue sky research, carried out by NASA and other organizations, is crucial because it often leads to unexpected discoveries and breakthroughs. These discoveries can have significant real-world implications, like preventing environmental disasters or advancing technology.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• NASA's mission extends beyond collecting data and making discoveries; public involvement is a crucial part of the process.

• Communication teams are as important as scientists and engineers in a mission, and NASA runs various science missions on Earth and in space.

• NASA's research has significant real-world implications, such as discovering the ozone depletion and taking action to prevent a potential catastrophe.