NASA Advisory Council Recommendation 

NASA Press and Outreach Programs 

2011-03-02 (SC-02) 

Recommendation: 

NASA's ongoing program of scientific challenges and exciting science missions (those launched in 


the coming year, in development, and planned over the rest ofthe decade) will provide outstanding 


results and new discoveries. The NASA Advisory Council encourages NASA's press and outreach 


programs to strengthen their focus on science missions and stands ready to help formulate, facilitate, 


and champion these activities. 


Major Reasons for the Recommendation: 


NASA's science programs provide numerous opportunities for carrying the excitement ofthe U.S. 


space program to the public throughout the next decade and beyond. 


Consequences of No Action on the Recommendation: 


Missed opportunities to inspire the next generation of space explorers and inform the public about the 


results ofNASA's science programs. 


NASA Response: 


NASA concurs with this recommendation. NASA's Office ofCommunications will continue to 


complement the Science Mission Directorate's (SMD) education and outreach work and enhance 


proven communications strategies that have resulted in unprecedented, positive news coverage and 


external recognition ofNASA's science activities. NASA will capitalize on these successes and look 


for new opportunities to inform and inspire more diverse audiences about science endeavors. 


A range of communications tools currently enables us to bring science to the public worldwide. 


Examples include the use ofEmmy award-winning NASA TV daily broadcasts to over 30 million 


viewers of science missions, findings, discoveries, and educational programs. The Agency's 


www.nasa.gov, one ofthe general public's most visited Web sites, receives millions ofvisits per 


week -- with the majority viewing science-related pages. NASA plans to expand multimedia 


opportunities with movie and documentary companies, cable and talk shows, musical artists, 


publishing companies, and many other commercial entities to inspire them to utilize NASA science 


content and mission themes. We also will continue to cultivate strategic partnerships with museums 


and alliances with world-renowned commercial companies such as LEGO, Disney, and Google. 


We have a focused and strategic process in the world of social media. Twitter, Facebook, and other 


sites are populated daily with science images and content. Announcements of findings and 


discoveries are immediately shared with millions. NASA has been openly recognized as a 


Government leader and innovator in this new and rapidly expanding communication venue that 


reaches an audience oftens ofmillions. 


Enclosure 
2 

We will continue to pursue new communication technologies, computer and mobile applications, and 

high-definition imagery, with emphasis on greater transparency in science activities, to further 

increase engagement opportunities. These capabilities will enable NASA to introduce a broader 

community to the benefits ofspace research and development and their contributions to national 

priorities and the Nation's economic growth. 

Science activities will be a key focus ofthe Office ofCommunications. NASA is committed to meet 

and exceed expectations -- with welcome support from NAC members -- to further engage and 

inspire the public, to the greatest extent possible, in the vast NASA science portfolio.