NASA commissions SF novels to keep dream alive

[beer good]

Nasa hopes novel mission will take science fiction to new frontiers | Books | guardian.co.uk

Time travel and warp drives may, alas, be out of the picture in a new partnership between Nasa and Tor/Forge Books, which will see the science fiction publisher's authors teaming up with the space agency to release a range of "scientifically accurate and entertaining" novels.

Authors will be paired with scientists and engineers from Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Center at a two-day workshop in November, where the as-yet-unnamed writers will have access to Nasa data, facilities and experts, and will learn more about space exploration. Nasa and the publisher will then bring out a series of science-based novels – the "Nasa inspired works of fiction" line – which will be based on "concepts pertinent to current and future agency missions and operations".

"The space shuttle program may have ended, but the dream goes on!" said Tor. "The concept is to not only create scientifically accurate and exciting science fiction novels, but also to promote an interest in science awareness in general."

The pair hope the collaboration will raise awareness of science, technology, engineering and maths, and inspire more students to specialise in the subjects, as well as increasing knowledge of Nasa's own work. Science fiction, they said, is credited as a "significant inspiration" for many scientists' career choices.

"It is my hope that in working with Nasa in the creation of new stories of science and discovery we will inspire the next generation of explorers and inventors, because it all starts with the imagination – with stories and dreams of better things to come," said Tor founder Tom Doherty. "When I was a boy, books by Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein and their colleagues excited me, inspiring a lifelong fascination with space and the science and technology that would get us there. From Robert Fulton and his steamboat, through Alexander Graham Bell and Edison, to Silicon Valley and the advent of the internet, innovative Americans have built a future in which we lead the world."

"Ultimately this agreement will benefit taxpayers as we look for innovative ways to train students for the science challenges of the future," added Nona Cheeks, who directs Goddard's innovative partnerships initiatives.

 

[Peder]

My guess is that that is going to run into some heavy questioning in Congress.

 

[beer good]

US government agencies aren't allowed to spend a few thousand dollars on PR?

 

[Peder]

I don't think I've ever seen a Government project that ever cost only a few thusand dollars.

But that aside, I would expect the first question to be whether it is within the scope of NASA's mission statement, at all; followed up by a reminder that NASA (or any other USG agency) is not free to re-program funds to purposes not originally authorized. It can be called "misappropriation" and it is against the law. People and Senators are very finicky about money allocations, even though the huge amounts they spend might not look like it. There are always a lot of grasping hands looking for any loose dollars that can be found in someone else's budget.

But that is only conjecture. The fact that they are talking about it must mean that somebody feels they have the approvals to go ahead with it.
/eyebrows way up/

 

[sparkchaser]

It's probably in a bucket of money that has to be spent. Still, some dumbass congressperson is going to use it as example to forward their agenda. Like whatshisname tried to do with Neil Gaiman.

 

[sparkchaser]

A "two day workshop". Can't cost all that much. It probably costs NASA more to do that whole bring your kid to work day thing.

Am I the only one thinking that if anyone could make SciFi boring, it would be NASA?

 

[Peder]

Am I the only one thinking that if anyone could make SciFi boring, it would be NASA?

Well, I didn't want to sound negative, but the thought did cross my mind that this may be the most boring set of SciFi novels ever produced. :sad: