To Boldly Go, or Not
A Public Hearing Case Study
Author(s)
Abstract
This fictional public forum case study is centered on the 2004 decision by President George W. Bush to set NASA’s primary goal as a return to the Moon, followed by a mission to Mars. The members on the expert panel and audience are fictitious but the views they express on the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) are representative of those articulated by actual advocacy groups, scientists, engineers, space enthusiasts, and lay persons. The case is not simply about public policy, but touches upon the relative merits and deficiencies of manned space exploration and robotic space exploration, the consumer products and industries derived from the space program, the scientific rationale for a return to the Moon, as well as what worthwhile space missions may be terminated as a result of the VSE.
Objectives
- Recognize that government agencies are run by people who have differing interests and views.
- Realize that many citizens expect scientific programs funded by public tax dollars to return material benefits.
- Be able to draw historical parallels to present situations.
- Have an appreciation for carefully analyzing proposed large-scale science projects and programs for non-scientific motives.
- Learn the reasons for and against a space mission to the Moon.
Keywords
Manned space exploration; space program; Vision for Space Exploration; VSE; Moon-to-Mars; NASA; George W. BushTopical Areas
Policy issues, Social issuesEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
Public Hearing, Dilemma/Decision, Role-PlayLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Science (General) | Aerospace Engineering |
Date Posted
07/03/08Teaching Notes
Case teaching notes are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.
Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.
Answer Key
Answer keys for the cases in our collection are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.