The goal for the documentary is to expand people’s world view to encourage them to see that space is a key component to achieving a more peaceable planet. NASA is at the forefront of that movement and it is necessary in order to achieve it. Every country that works together on the ISS has been at war with each other at one point in time, but space has brought the countries together (with USSR even during the cold war), which is the first step to understanding each other culturally which leads towards steps to having peace.
These may only be “baby steps,” but they are steps in the right direction, and any step in the right direction is progress. The documentary will show that the STS-129 launch #NASATweetup event brought people in from all over the planet, who came together for a common reason, befriending each other quickly and sharing memorable moments in time that none will ever forget, thereby forging positive memories while dispelling preconceived notions and bashing down barriers.
Supporting Points using 29+ interviews, voice over narration, video, stills and graphics:
- The complexity of Nasa and how it takes thousands of people all over the globe to work together to have success, and the passion and dedication the workers have.
- Funding Nasa, the ISS, and the space program is a necessity to advancement of humanity. Illustrate how many life saving devices, such as artificial valves, along with other things commonly used on earth today have been made/discovered by research done for the space program. Stress how cutting budget for space programs will not only cripple Nasa but will also have a ripple effect to Joe American who may not think the space program directly effects him. Compare NASA’s budget to other organizations and through the use of optical/graphics, show how tiny Nasa’s budget really is. Attempt to educate Joe American about how “billions of dollars” really isn’t as much as it may sound.
- Awaken people to what NASA is really about and how there is something in the space program of interest to every personality type, so the person who isn't necessarily into shuttles may be interested in the hubble, mars rovers, supernovas, dark matter, black holes, distant galaxies, planetology, cosmology, astronomy, search for life, etc.
- Dispel what the media attempted to do by calling attendees of the #NASAtweetup a bunch of geeks and nerds in a snide way, by showing people that the "geeks and nerds" of yesterday sent people to and walked on the moon, etc.
- Address the #NASAtweetup as a positive experience for both the attendees as well as for NASA. Explore NASA advertising through social media and how it is important for NASA to reach out to users of technology to spread its mission because many people go through their lives never taking a moment to think about NASA or the space program.
- In America’s history, the USA has been at “war” with Japan, former USSR and even with Canada (War of 1812, the Trent affair of 1861) but now all 4 countries are working together peacefully in space, helping one another and bridging the cultural gaps between the nations. Express that one possible way to make strides for a more peaceful planet may be to work for peace *off* of our planet, where we are no longer defined by our countries but rather universally defined as mankind.
Christy Blackburn 