Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

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[5] III - Observation
It is a fact that NASA is held up as a model of spectacular achievement in difficult
problem areas. It does not matter to the public that there is a wide difference between
NASA’s technology accomplishments and desired accomplishments in social areas and
that comparison of the two is illogical and uninformed. The reality of the situation is that
NASA is perceived by the public (and the Congress) as a ray of hope and a source of
potential leadership and help with problems that are deeply and emotionally felt. Arguing
that space problems and social problems are vastly different and that the latter are much
more difficult will have little effect on the public other than causing bitterness toward
NASA and the space program.
Recommendation
NASA should make a clear (but not defensive) statement to include:
a) An unequivocal determination to continue primary work in space exploration
and aeronautics.
b) A persuasive summary of NASA’s impact on science, technology, the nation’s
economy, and the quality of life in this country.
c) What NASA is doing today to help solve social and civil problems of national
importance. This is actually quite impressive when properly presented.
d) An intention to develop new areas for NASA participation in solving civil systems
problems, with an outline of organizational and policy steps taken or to be taken.
IV - Observation
NASA does a poor job of bringing its scientific and general technology activities to
public attention.
Recommendation
A special public relations effort should be mounted in connection with NASA’s work
for public welfare and social progress. Enough material for successful exploitation exists
at present and more should be available later. Recent speeches by NASA officials have
been less than inspirational on the subject of NASA and its relationship to the needs of
the nation. We must appreciate and counter the fact that the space program, although
exciting and challenging to the imagination, is unfortunately remote from the daily concerns
of the common man.
[6] V - Observation
As far as the public is concerned, NASA has expertly demonstrated the “what” and the
“how” of space exploration, but has not been as articulate or successfully communicative
with the “why” of space exploration. Similarly, there is inadequate understanding of the
impact that NASA has had and is causing in technology, the economy, and the quality of
life, although some perceptive observers have recently begun to understand this question
in its truly dramatic sense.
Recommendation
SPACE AS AN INVESTMENT IN ECONOMIC GROWTH
A comprehensive study of the national impact of space exploration and technology,
far broader than anything yet attempted, would be extremely valuable. In Chapter IX,