Space advocacy

Space advocacy is supporting or advocating for space exploration, space colonization and private spaceflight. There are many different individuals and organizations dedicated to space advocacy. They are usually active in educating the public^[1] on space related subjects, lobbying governments^[2][3] for increased funding in space-related activities or supporting private space activities. They also recruit members, fund projects, and provide information for their membership and interested visitors. They are sub-divided into three categories depending on their primary work: practice, advocacy, and theory.

History

The idea that space flight was possible and necessary was introduced to the world by groups of revolutionary thinkers, primarily members of the Russian,^[4] American, British, and German^[5][6] science communities. Starting in the 1930s, these groups began to share their individual plans for a future in space to their respective governments and the public.^[7]

Influential books and other media began to emerge which included works containing illustrations by Chesley Bonestell (based on Wernher von Braun's designs) such as The Conquest of Space (1949) and magazine articles including the "Man Will Conquer Space Soon!" series of article in Colliers magazine between 1952 and 1954. Television shows included Walt Disney's Man in Space and Man and the Moon in 1955, and Mars and Beyond in 1957.

Space movement

The space movement seeks the betterment of humanity and a greater future for everyone. According to Mark Hopkins from the National Space Society, each space organization has a different priority and short-term objective, but all organizations share the ultimate goal of building space settlements.^[8] Most of the leading non-profit space organizations joined together to form the Space Exploration Alliance. The Alliance was formed to "advocate for the exploration and development of outer space" to members of Congress. The Alliance organizes the annual Legislative Blitz to lobby members of Congress for space exploration, and every space enthusiast is encouraged to participate in the Legislative Blitz by calling, emailing, or personally visiting their Congressperson's office.^[9]

List of organizations

Actively involved

Organizations that are directly involved in space exploration, having their own active projects.

Lobbying

Organizations that focus mainly on lobbying government agencies and businesses to step up their efforts.

Educating and publicizing

Organisations involved in educating the public, to boost their understanding and enthusiasm about space.

Theorizing

Organisations that focus on advocating a theory for space exploration or colonization.

See also

References