Why are there so many bandwagon NASA (Space Exploration) supporters?

Question

Why does it seem that there are so many people who ONLY show interest in the space program and it's expeditions when they are going to the moon or Mars? But when there are problems and delays they (including the media) completely abandon all interests in the program? I'm very passionate about space exploration and support it no matter what the circumstances. It just frustrates me to see these people who are only interested when there is a tragedy or NASA is about to take a “giant leap for mankind”.

Answer 1

Keep thinking like this, and observing people, and in 20 years you'll know the answer yourself. The young are blessed with innocence, because if they had reality blasted at them all at once, none would survive. OK, so I get cynical too.

By definition, the media appeal to the masses. If I were to discover the theory which unifies electromatnetism, gravitation, and quantum mechanics, they wouldn't care. But why should you care what they care?

If you're passionate about space exploration, that's a good clue that this is where you should be spending your attention and efforts. The masses don't care, but enough people care that you can probably get support for what you want to do. Eventually, people may recognize the value of what you've accomplished. Hopefully you'll still be alive when that happens.

For what it's worth, I care. My daughter cares. My wife cares. We stop short of 'no matter what'. I'd contribute money to help you research Jupiter and to send instruments to Jupiter. But I wouldn't contribute money to send you to Jupiter, knowing you wouldn't return alive.

The moon was more of a political trip than a scientific trip. Few of those who supported the first lunar landing could cite any scientific benefit. That's just one little example of the failure of public education.

Answer 2

To tell you the truth, the answer to your question has less to do with actual space exploration and more to do with human nature.

As humans, we like concrete attainable goals. Goals to a human are like benchmarks of progress and we can wrap our competitive brains around these concepts.

On the other hand, just 'going into space', we think 'been there, done that, so what else is new?' So then people lose interest like people flipping channels on TV.

It doesn't matter how noble the science is, the average person isn't interested in that, just the progress.

Answer 3

News is only good if it's controversial or bad usually, Or if it's news that is big, such as mars expedition etc. People tend to only get information from the media because most supporters who are into the big picture have reasearched all information instead of relying on the media.

Answer 4

I agree totally, it's like in the movie Apollo 13, that was even a mission to the moon but the media didn't even care until after the explosion because that was "exciting" (as if spaceflight of any type isn't "exciting" enough)

Answer 5

For the same reason the Queen of Spain paid for the Chrisopher Columbus voyage. Humankind has an instinct to explore. I hope we Never evolve away from that instinct.

Answer 6

You seem to be referring to human nature - people (and media who promote it) love tragedy and scandal, but also don't want to be left out if some momentous occasion is about to happen.

Answer 7

I agree completely. But everyone knows how the media is. They only report accidents, scams, controversial issues and so on; so don't be surprised what you're saying happens.

Answer 8

Because space is very very expensive and they need popular opinion to drain the resources of our planet in order for all those geniuses to earn huge livings.

Answer 9

The media is like this with all interesting issues, they're all messed up. They only report what gets good ratings. It does suck.

Answer 10

cause' space is big