Solar system ambassador program

Voyager 1. Surveyor 7. Surveyor 6. Surveyor 5. Surveyor 4. Skip to main content. About JPL. Events and Tours. Written by Elyssia Widjaja Aug. He cited the Internet as an example: initially developed as a national defense project, its ultimate effects have been almost unbelievably far-reaching-- into private life, schools, and businesses. Unlike many government-funded programs, DeGeorge commented, the space program has provided phenomenal returns on the investment. The current administration has cut funding for NASA programs.

For example, a project to send a probe to Pluto the only planet in our system that has not been the goal of an exploratory mission has been postponed. Many people are trying to move space research more into the private sector. Currently, a private organization called the Mars Society is sending a population of mice into orbit around the planet as the beginning of a long-term colonization research project.

Many kinds of research can be done more easily in space. Development of alternative fuel sources is a particularly relevant area of research. Genesis, now in orbit around the sun, is collecting high-energy particles that make up solar wind. As the probe parachutes toward earth, it will be snatched from the air by a helicopter. Research on solar wind could lead to the development of a solar sail, which could enormously reduce the fuel costs of space travel.

Development of alternative energy sources would, of course, have major impacts on all levels of society. In , the current Solar System Ambassadors program business model was developed in partnership with the following offices…. Volunteers are also provided risk accident insurance in case of injury while conducting an event.

This risk accident insurance policy takes the place of state-mandated workers compensation insurance, a requirement for volunteers as well as employees. Applicants are selected based on a rigorous set of criteria that include: education, interest, demonstrated ability, community involvement, established connections, geographic diversity, and proposed events. Once selected, Ambassadors participate in required trainings, including Orientation, Ethics and their choice of mission-specific topics.

Within their first year of service, they conduct and report four community events. Once SSAs successfully complete their first year of service, they are eligible to renew their participation every two years, as long as all parties agree that the terms of the terms of the agreement are fulfilled. On the telecons, mission scientists, engineers and EPO personnel review the material with the volunteers and answer questions.

Effectiveness and Impact: Over the past 16 years, a total of people have served as Solar System Ambassadors. Since , the Solar System Ambassadors have held over 25, events and directly interacted with over 8. Click to enlarge. From May 30, onward, Solar System Ambassadors have submitted plans for events, a number which is certain to increase.

When Solar System Ambassadors join the program, they are encouraged to select the audiences they are most comfortable working with. It makes a more valid point to the teaching of astronomy and the complete utilization of our two planetariums in our school district.

I consider my volunteer efforts to be a form of "payback" for those who help start the "spark" in myself and helped put me on a path to a career in the space sciences. Often they want more material for their children.