Space Exploration Perception—Current and Future Research Directions

Abstract

Space exploration evokes different connotations in different people. For some, it represents human progress and the eternal quest for answers to the most profound questions like “When did the Universe originate?” or “Are we alone in the Universe?”. For others, space exploration is yet another way to exhibit national domination, gain superiority and affluence. As with the development of many new technologies it is not possible to unequivocally determine whether it is good or bad, beneficial or detrimental. Space exploration has its indisputable scientific and pragmatic benefits. But it also can pose threats and lead to abuse or misuse of power or resources. It is therefore important to monitor how society perceives this domain, especially in the moments of its rapid development such as we witness nowadays. Currently both public and private space sectors are developing rapidly. New ambitious missions are being planned and implemented including commercial enterprises worldwide to join in. How people perceive space exploration influences both their own engagement in this subject (for example in terms of educational and vocational choices) but also affect policy makers and public funding strategies. In this article we present an outline of research areas in space exploration perception. We summarize key previous findings and propose an outline for future research directions.