1 Universities Space Research Association AAS January 7, 2008 Early Science Workshop 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

2 Universities Space Research Association AAS January 7, 2008 Early Science Workshop 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.

3 Universities Space Research Association AAS January 7, 2008 Early Science Workshop 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

4 Universities Space Research Association AAS January 7, 2008 Early Science Workshop M100 by HST after COSTAR Effectively ended public criticism of NASA re. Hubble Public Affairs Role in Early Science - Scientific value - low - Value for HST - high

5 Universities Space Research Association AAS January 7, 2008 Early Science Workshop 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

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

7 Universities Space Research Association AAS January 7, 2008 Early Science Workshop 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