Keith’s update: Jared Isaacman just posted these thoughts about Space Academy on Twitter. Keith’s earlier note: According to the State Department’s press release: “The Space Catalyst Partnership (SCP), the Department of State’s flagship initiative to deepen civil and commercial space cooperation between the United States and Artemis Accords signatory countries, was launched today in Lima, Peru. The SCP aims to create opportunities for foreign governments, industry, space agencies, and research organizations to benefit from the vibrant U.S. space ecosystem through commercial partnerships and scientific collaboration, while ensuring outer space is used safely, peacefully, and transparently to the benefit of mankind.”
NASA already has have an opportunity to extend NASA softpower where it can do wonders. Artemis Accords is one recent example. With regard to Peru and South America, NASA’s existing reach into South America is organic and already pervasive. From 2017: “Understanding NASA’s Global Reach“
“What I am wondering … is whether people wearing the NASA logo in Chile connect that logo only to the Chilean mine rescuers or whether they connect it to the exploration of space. Chile does have a space agency albeit a small one. A cubesat has been built and is scheduled for launch. Astrobiologists have been visiting the ultra-dry alien-like expanse of the Atacama for many years. Astronomers have been scanning the skies from Parnal for decades. Soon there will be people looking for habitable worlds circling the nearest star system to our own. Chile is not only poised on the edge of South America it is also poised on the cutting edge of the exploration of the universe.”
Maybe someone at NASA can find a way to make Artemis Accords, Space Catalyst Partnerships, and Space Academy in a synergistic fashion to promote our nation’s science and exploration ethic to a global audience? Just a thought.
