Newsgroups: bit.listserv.seds-l
Date:         Fri, 20 Nov 1992 16:21:26 EST
From:         kamorse@ATHENA.MIT.EDU

Kathleen Morse (kamorse)
Mac Gregor House
450 Memorial Dr.
Cambridge, MA 02193
     Today SEDS stands as a national organization uniting those who have goals
to be apart of future projects involving the exploration and development of
space.  In past years, SEDS has grown nationally and then internationally due to
strenghthening support.  Yet, SEDS can grow further.
     SEDS's goal in the next five years should be to increase efforts now being
placed on space exploration and discoveries.  To accomplish this goal, greater
support is needed.  In turn, this will require sharing SEDS information with the
public, peaking the interest of young minds, and creating greater unity between
the chapters of SEDS.
     The public can serve as a valuable resource if SEDS draws in their support
by sharing with them the ideas that facinate us.  Discussions in the past have
revealed that many in the public do not realize how space reasearch touches
their everyday lives.  For instance, the space shuttle acts as a tool providing
a zero gravity enviornment.  It is in such an eviornment that chemical compounds
may be studied and developed.  Afterwards, some of these compounds are
incorporated into effective medical treatments.  Many do not understand the
 power
of communication that orbiting satellites provide.  Through talks with SEDS
 famous
advisors and others directly involved with the space program, SEDS can paint
,into the publice's mind, the endless number of questions to be answered through
space exploration.  If sucessful, SEDS may acquire donations to further this
cause.
     In previous years, SEDS has provided highschools with members who, through
talks, share their interest in space development.  To go one step beyond
conversation, SEDS should sponsor science fairs.  To do so. indivisual chapters
could supply materials neccessary to model different aspects involving space
exploration.  Some of theses models may include rockets, solar panels, and
telescopes.  The tools for this science fair would be sold by SEDS to interested
highshool students.  The reward for the best engineered model could range from
receieving a certificate to attending a SEDS conference.  Such a science fair
would add funds to the SEDS account and draw these future college students
towards the direction of a space related feilds.  Also, holding the interest of
this teenaged audience is important to insure future membership for SEDS.  After
a few years of practice, science fairs could be a great source of funds and of
intelligent, imaginative thinkers.
     Through impressive projects like the SEDS satellite, it is unquestionable
that support within the SEDS chapters is strong. Yet I believe it would be
advantageous to strenghten support between chapters.  One way to do this, would
be to assign parts of a payload to be developed at individual chapters.
Afterward, these parts could be sent to MIT headquarters for finally assembly.
This method would allow larger scale payloads to be developed in less time.  But
most important, these payloads would represent unity between all members and all
chapters.  The SEDS Nova is an excellent way of keeping in touch with
individual chapters.  Yet, more technical articles may help reflect the
 different
feilds members are involved with.
     Throughout my years of learning, stemming from the nights of viewing the
night sky with curiosity, to the days of studying space travel, my greatest
interest has always been held in the areas involving space exploration.  I feel
being apart of the SEDS' national board would allow me to present ideas on how
can expand, providing  SEDS with a stronger voice.  Reasources, including some
family members directly involved with space development, may provide me with a
different angle on recent information which I would share. Lastly, my cheif goal
would be to help implement the future aspirations of SEDS.
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU