Comic-Con 2016 Panel: "Star Trek & NASA Boldly Go" | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

NASA scientists discuss the intersection between science fiction and real-life space exploration, emphasizing the importance of hope, international cooperation, and the search for life in the universe.

Key Insights

• 👾 Science fiction and real-life space exploration have a symbiotic relationship, fueling each other's inspiration and technological advancements.
• 🌍 The James Webb Space Telescope is poised to deepen our understanding of exoplanets and potentially discover habitable worlds.
• 👾 International cooperation is crucial in conducting space missions and building the International Space Station.
• 👾 Protecting Earth from contamination and maintaining its health is essential for future space exploration.
• 👾 The public's support and engagement with NASA and pop culture play a vital role in shaping the future of space exploration.
• 🛟 The vastness of the universe makes the existence of intelligent life elsewhere highly probable.
• 🧑‍🚀 The challenges of microgravity and returning to Earth's gravity can be physically and mentally demanding for astronauts.
• 👩‍🚀 Embracing diversity and representation in space exploration, such as having a woman captain in Star Trek: Voyager, is important for inspiring future generations.

Transcript

PLEASE STATE THE NATURE OF YOUR INSPIRATIONAL EMERGENCY. [CHEERING] BECAUSE WE HAVE YOUR TREATMENT PROTOCOL THE STAR TREK NASA PANEL BUT FIRST A MESSAGE FROM THE CAPTAIN: [MUSIC] NASA WORKS BY SCIENCE. O-RINGS, BETTER WORK, AMOUNT OF ENERGY, THE THRUST TO LIFT AND FREE OURSELVES FROM GRAVITY, THE MATHEMATICS INVOLVED IN STUDYING AN ARC THERE BECAUS... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Do the panelists believe intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe?

While there is no certainty, all panelists agree that the vastness of the universe and the number of habitable planets make the possibility of intelligent life highly likely.

Q: How did it feel for Kjell to transition from microgravity to Earth's gravity upon returning from the ISS?

Kjell initially struggled with the effects of gravity, experiencing soreness and adjustment issues. However, after about 30 days, he felt back to normal.

Q: How can pop culture reinforce the connection between NASA and the public?

By expressing support for NASA through contacting political representatives and embracing their passion for pop culture, individuals can contribute to NASA's mission and inspire future explorers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• NASA works with science while science fiction is imaginative, but they both feed into each other's inspiration and fuel technological advancements.

• The James Webb Space Telescope will expand our knowledge of exoplanets, potentially leading to the discovery of habitable planets and signs of life.

• The International Space Station highlights the importance of international cooperation and the responsibility to protect and preserve Earth.