Universities Space Research Association Range of EPO Office

Universities Space Research Association Range of E&PO Office Responsibilities Public Affairs (Public Information, Public Relations, Press Relations) – Press releases and media productions regarding SOFIA achievements – Long-term relationships with media & journalists – Support for media science coverage (e. g. magazines, NOVA) – Support for SOFIA personnel in press & media interviews Education – Research flight experience for educators (eventually) – Summer workshops for college faculty & undergrads to encourage research – Production and dissemination of curricula & class activities; school visits Public Outreach – Public web pages & printed materials – Displays at public events (e. g. air shows); public talks – Informational contacts with local government bodies & representatives Science Community Outreach – SOFIA exhibits & PR materials at science conferences – Support for colloquia by SOFIA scientists & engineers – Role in definition and management of Early Science program 1 AAS January 7, 2008 Early Science Workshop

Universities Space Research Association SOFIA - A Unique National E&PO facility • SOFIA’s routine operations will be like a high-flying ground-based observatory -- but, in terms of its scientific promise SOFIA will be more like a space observatory -- calling for a substantial Public Affairs (press & media) function to inform the public that their investment has paid off. • SOFIA is the only major research observatory designed from the start, both physically and administratively, to bring journalists and educators into close and frequent contact with scientists in a research environment • SOFIA is uniquely capable of giving non-scientists who are educators – K-12 teachers, college faculty, museum docents, amateur astronomers -- familiarity with the processes of scientific research. 2 AAS January 7, 2008 Early Science Workshop

Universities Space Research Association Public Affairs / Press & Media Relations • Standard PR procedures for NASA-funded missions: – NASA issues all U. S. press releases and manages press conferences through launch and start of science operations (= Early Science stage for SOFIA) – During that phase, contractors / science center / instrument teams / academic partners play supporting roles • E. g. USRA & DSI E&PO will generate draft text, graphics, animations etc. for use in NASA press releases – After Early Science, NASA retains right of first acceptance & first refusal of press releases 3 AAS January 7, 2008 Early Science Workshop

Universities Space Research Association Public Affairs Role in Early Science M 100 by HST after COSTAR - Scientific value - low - Value for HST - high • Effectively ended public criticism of NASA re. Hubble 4 AAS January 7, 2008 Early Science Workshop

Universities Space Research Association Overlap between Public Affairs & Science Community Outreach • Production of “Early Science” press release materials needs to start as soon as Short Science, Basic Science, & ERO targets are chosen – This process can’t wait until after the observations are made ! • SOFIA E&PO will participate in definition of Early Science targets – Same role for E&PO as in analogous phases of Spitzer, Chandra missions 5 AAS January 7, 2008 Early Science Workshop

Universities Space Research Association Kuiper Airborne Observatory’s FOSTER program (Flight Opportunities for Science Teacher En. Richment) FOSTER It’s 3 AM onboard the. Director KAO. . . Flight Staff Mission Scientists Reporter Teachers 6 AAS January 7, 2008 Early Science Workshop

Universities Space Research Association Two of SOFIA’s planned education programs AAA = Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors Teams of formal & informal educators • Chosen from national applications, in parallel with GO cycle • Partnered by E&PO with consenting researcher teams • Trained for involvement in flight series w/ research partners • Supported by E&PO after flights to enhance local education EP = Earth Partners Individuals or teams of educators • Partnered by E&PO with SOFIA observers in their local areas • Not trained for flights • Could serve as prelude to AAA participation GOs awarded observing time will be offered a menu of E&PO options including the AAA and EP programs 7 AAS January 7, 2008 Early Science Workshop