Description
The media (and the public) have a huge appetite for space and astronomy stories, and often call on astronomers with tried and tested communication skills to explain astronomical events and phenomena, the significance of new missions, results from solar system exploration, and (increasingly) space launches, commercial spaceflight firsts, re-entry events, fuel dumps, debris impacts on Earth, and so on. Those of us asked to comment have a valuable platform to explain not just the significance of the story in question, but also to discuss the wider implications and risks of increasing activity in Earth orbit and around the Moon.
However, as with the environment, climate science, vaccines, etc., there are a vocal minority who object to any mention of the risks of a “business as usual” approach, who react strongly to arguments that we should consider the consequences of our actions when rolling out new technologies or expanding operations in previously quiet environments. The same is true of spaceflight, so talking about the risks to our environment of rapid growth in activity in LEO, the potential for Kessler syndrome, or the effects of dumping large numbers of satellites into the atmosphere risks pushback from that vocal minority.
In this contribution I will explore the nature of engaging with the media on space sustainability issues. I will illustrate the way media organisations arrange interviews, how you can often bring in a sustainability angle to the discussion, and illustrate some real examples of the consequences for your inbox.
