The Symbiosis of the Space Sciences and Popularization Activities

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of the history and effectiveness of popular culture—fiction, motion pictures, television, etc.—on the public perception and acceptance of space travel, and a look at how the media is being used today to convey the goals of astronautics as well as educating the public and inspiring enthusiasm and support for space travel and astronautics, and whether or not the media is being used as effectively as it might be.