| ID | 120641 |
| Title Proper | Can the demos make a difference? prospects for participatory democracy in shaping the future course of US space exploration |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Kaminski, Amy Paige |
| Publication | 2012. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | US space exploration policy deliberations tend not to include citizens who lack direct, vested financial interests in the space enterprise. Could expanding the circle of US space policy development players to involve citizens more aptly serve space exploration and the interests of American democratic society in the 21st century? I evaluate the merits and feasibility of citizen participation, drawing upon democratic theory and scholarship analyzing public participation in techno-scientific matters, previous experiences of public involvement in space exploration policy formation, and reflections on my professional experiences in space policy development. I argue that public engagement will enrich the debate surrounding the US future in space and may point toward a program American citizens will support as a meaningful future in the cosmos. I suggest three guiding principles and outline four mechanisms that, if embraced by US space policy makers, could foster meaningful public participation in informing the US space exploration agenda. |
| `In' analytical Note | Space Policy Vol. 28, No.4; Nov 2012: p.225-233 |
| Journal Source | Space Policy Vol. 28, No.4; Nov 2012: p.225-233 |
| Key Words | US Space Exploration Policy ; United States ; Financial Interest ; US Space Policy ; American Democratic Society ; Democratic Theory |