Posted on Apr 13, 2009 05:12:54 PM | Steven Gonzalez | 50 Comments
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My inspiration for getting into strategy development came from a Heinlein novel that a friend of mine recommended eight years ago. The story takes place on a thriving lunar society in the year 2076. What was so fascinating about the novel was not the technology but how humanity will change as it inhabits the stars. It is a great story and I would highly recommend! I mention this novel primarily because of the power it had to focus my career and set me on a new path. If we could use a similar media to inspire tomorrow's explorers, what would it look like? Maybe a graphic novel? Graphic novels have been exponentially growing in popularity with a diverse segment of the population. Not only have they grown to take up a whole row in any Barnes and Noble book store, but they are now the source of a growing number of motion pictures. It is a great graphical way to tell a story and engages a whole new generation.
What if we used a graphic novel format to tell the story of the future Human Exploration missions? Could it be used to inspire a whole new generation or at least inform them of the fact that we are going to the moon and onto Mars? With that as a background, I would like to offer you the opportunity to shape the path of future explorers. There is some momentum building on this idea of a graphic novel for space and here is your chance to help steer the storyline for novel. Let me know what you think about the below nine ideas and/or what additional story lines you would recommend.
1. Journey/tale showing various challenges and achievements of three children that all vow to go to the Moon after an inspirational event. They don't all succeed and life changing events push them to grow in unexpected directions. They all follow different story arcs that occasionally intersect and they are eventually caught up in a global emergency that that takes them to the Moon and beyond.
2. Rescue story demonstrating the ingenuity and spirit of a small lunar outpost crew after the unexpected impact of an asteroid. Using materials salvaged from the outpost they journey to a lava tube below the lunar surface where they set up a temporary base until a vehicle can arrive from Earth.
3. Retrospective of a wealthy entrepreneur that made a fortune in commercial space. From a humble beginning in the rural Midwest, the hero works with NASA as it begins to explore the Moon, asteroids and eventually Mars.
4. Global "Gold Rush" to the Moon after a fusion energy breakthrough make lunar helium 3 very valuable. In competition with "official" missions sponsored by countries are some very shady enterprises that will do whatever it takes to get there first.
5. Explorers on the Moon find evidence of previous visitors. The relics on the Moon point to an ancient base in Antarctica.
6. Inadvertent stowaway on a lunar resupply ship. Child's experiences on lunar base until the next vehicle goes back to Earth.
7. Dateline Moonbase: Journalists embedded at lunar base report on technical, physical and emotional challenges of living and working in space.
8. First return to the moon; living in the habitat facing challenges with teammates, environment, communication, danger, adversity. Faced with unexpected conflicts, danger, health or injuries.
9. Following a diverse group of tweens in any town America that become interested in space travel. One is chosen later to travel to the moon and another to document the adventure.Sharing the Vision,
Steven González, Deputy, Advanced Planning Office
Tags : Inspiration, Next Generation
50 comments so far ( Post your own )
- 50
On Nov 24, 2009 02:27:12 AM
Devi Daksina Putra
wrote:
since I was a kid, I always dream to be able to explore the universe, as human technology is currently not possible to explore the universe, instead I read novels about human exploration in the future, as in Heinlein's novel. If only I lived in the period in which men are able to explore outer space, it would be fun :)
web template download- 49 On Nov 24, 2009 05:07:24 AM Carl wrote:
I plum for no 6
6. Inadvertent stowaway on a lunar resupply ship. Child's experiences on lunar base until the next vehicle goes back to Earth.
Band Hire- 48 On Nov 22, 2009 04:28:30 PM Mitch wrote:
I think the graphic novel would appeal mostly to a younger demographic possibly exposing an younger generation to this exciting field.
Traxxas Slash- 47 On Nov 23, 2009 05:49:52 AM Sceletium wrote:
Interesting post and comments, I look forward to reading more.
- 46 On Nov 20, 2009 11:54:52 AM Lawrence Martin wrote:
The space is the only topic which I love to read and share. I loved your article. Please keep on sharing such type of articles.
Home Teeth whitening | Colon Cleansing Male Enhancement- 45 On Nov 21, 2009 08:12:19 PM Travel Insurance wrote:
Very Insightful post, The focus on human strength, courage and innovation in survival situations may provide extra resilience in the times we face ahead.
Travel Insurance- 44 On Nov 21, 2009 10:50:10 PM glarson wrote:
Great idea! My favorite is no.6 I believe children would learn allot from reading experiences like this. It would be very helpful for them to build a strong sense of self. great stuff.
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get your ex back- 43 On Nov 20, 2009 06:02:35 PM sammy wrote:
very interesting read am starting to get more interested in this field enjoyed it thanks
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It Career- 41 On Nov 19, 2009 06:27:35 PM Jodie wrote:
Gotta love anything about space. There are so many different ways to get people interested especially when you are trying to appeal to children. If Hollywood could base more around space and REAL space related topics, that would be great AND educational. Imagine that, educational entertainment.
New Media & Social Media Community and Jobs- 40 On Nov 18, 2009 05:15:24 AM Carl wrote:
I like the no 2 story line:
2. Rescue story demonstrating the ingenuity and spirit of a small lunar outpost crew after the unexpected impact of an asteroid. Using materials salvaged from the outpost they journey to a lava tube below the lunar surface where they set up a temporary base until a vehicle can arrive from Earth.
I still love watching the old 'Space 1999' series. They were great stories about the moon.
Golf Clubs- 39 On Nov 18, 2009 05:19:46 AM barry wrote:
great blog am definately going to order this book.
Thanks
fuel card- 38 On Nov 13, 2009 04:44:27 AM Gareth wrote:
Fantastic novel. The concept of what humanity will become over coming millennium has always fascinated me. What's will become of our immature race and will we have both the intelligence and discipline to survive. It remains to be seen. Will our population be cleansed of our current mentality or will mature. If only we could take a peek into the future!
Colon Cleanse Detox Cleanse- 37 On Nov 05, 2009 06:07:43 PM Mattew wrote:
This is a great post, Always excited to know about outer space and moon. I guess its the mystery of the unknown. This was a very educational post I really enjoyed it. I'm too busy training people how to lose weight fast and I really wish I would have gotten more involved in astronomy.
Matt- 36 On Nov 05, 2009 06:00:23 AM Avril Lavigne wrote:
The moon, sun, earth are my favorite topics. I really love to share informations about this post. Thanks for sharing this post. I loved it.
It Career- 35 On Nov 04, 2009 12:38:24 AM guest wrote:
Thank for great information.Renewable Energy
- 34 On Nov 03, 2009 05:08:32 PM Katie wrote:
Thanks so much for this post. I do believe that we need a "near future" space exploration story in popular entertainment to begin to get people excited about space exploration again. Mostly I've been thinking about television, but a graphic novel would be a good stepping off point. It could even be published online, a la Girl Genius.
I think number 4 would make a great, traditionally "edgy" graphic novel, but for appeal beyond the typical graphic novel fan I say #2. It is a simple plot, but if your characters are compelling, that is all you need. With that story, I would also recommend a device that worked well for this summer's "Defying Gravity"--while the crew is dealing with their crisis on the moon, you could intersperse scenes of their lives on Earth from before the mission.- 33 On Oct 30, 2009 08:33:38 PM guest wrote:
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- 32 On Oct 31, 2009 07:14:03 PM James Bradley wrote:
That's truly an incredible vision. I was inspired when I read this.
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That interest.Thaicityhotels
- 30 On Oct 23, 2009 12:57:35 AM Tanu Sharma wrote:
NASA blogs are always awesome like this one!! Whenever I have visited them, I have always got some interesting information....
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- 29 On Oct 23, 2009 01:51:13 AM Robert Steve wrote:
Very informative post..I like the wau you have used a novel to describe what you want to say exactly..
Stretch Marks Removal|Stretch Marks|Stretch Marks- 28 On Oct 23, 2009 12:12:34 AM guest wrote:
It seems that Heinlein novel contains great stuff.I really want to read this novel because as written here that story takes place on a thriving lunar society.I want to know what they assumed about 2076 year.
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Acai Juice- 27 On Oct 22, 2009 05:52:42 AM Lance Klusener wrote:
Wow What a novel this is! I like to read about space and specially about the solar system. Can you send me a copy of this novel?
Cellulite|Cellulite |Cellulite Removal- 26 On Oct 19, 2009 04:38:42 PM Sam phillips wrote:
This is exceptional, tho certainly not unusual for you! thanks so much.
i agree if you could show a potential for the development in humanity through united scientific endeavours, even if the circumstances in the novel are adverse (a cheesy ending is not necessary), then you could inspire a whole new generation of pioneers. Cialis- 25 On Oct 22, 2009 05:08:22 AM colon cleanse wrote:
The Moon has been the subject of many works of art and literature and the inspiration for countless others. It is a motif in the visual arts, the performing arts, poetry, prose and music. A 5000-year-old rock carving at Knowth, Ireland may represent the Moon, which would be the earliest depiction discovered.[85] In many prehistoric and ancient cultures, the Moon was thought to be a deity or other supernatural phenomenon, and astrological views of the Moon continue to be propagated today.
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Colon Cleansing- 24 On Oct 18, 2009 05:10:45 AM Stephen Conner wrote:
I think that it i important to tell all about the Moon.The best idea.I think children would learna lot from it.
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Thailand travel- 23 On Oct 22, 2009 05:54:16 AM Lance Klusener wrote:
I love to talk about space and specially about solar system. Any ways I liked your article. Thanks for posting this.
Cellulite|Cellulite |Cellulite Removal- 22 On Oct 15, 2009 01:20:07 AM Electric fly killers wrote:
That's really nice post, Always excited to know about outer space, lunar.. I am specially get motivation from sun, the source of entire energy of earth... We do suryanamaskar (kind of yoga) to prey and get motivation / energy we require.. I think It's great source of all energy
Martin- 21 On Oct 16, 2009 06:23:19 AM Robbie Williams wrote:
The space is the only topic which I love to read and share. I loved your article. Please keep on sharing such type of articles.
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Red Wine- 20 On Oct 07, 2009 01:33:45 PM guest wrote:
Thank you for sharing! I love this space and outerspace talk!
tsn- 19 On Oct 07, 2009 01:32:33 PM Dan Wilde wrote:
Thank you for sharing, I absolutely love talking about the moon and outerspace.
married dating- 18 On Oct 05, 2009 09:15:48 AM mark wrote:
Moon is very important part of our galaxy and young children should know about it
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Patio furniture- 17 On Sep 26, 2009 02:26:41 AM Mike Crabe wrote:
I think that it i important to tell all about the Moon. I like it.
Mike - the external hdd consultant.- 16 On Sep 25, 2009 02:16:51 PM Kelly Pesters wrote:
These are all really great ideas to do with children. It's important we teach them about the moon and space so they may understand it.
acai berry- 15 On Sep 21, 2009 01:26:17 AM guest wrote:
Fantastic idea.I think children would learna lot from it.it would be very helpful for them to build them self strong mentally.auto insurance quotes
- 14 On Sep 21, 2009 12:48:09 AM james wrote:
Great storylines, each and every one ! My favourite would be nr5, rings bells of other great story' s that had great impact like 2001 and Stargate. I'll get back with some ideas of my own.
auto insurance quotes- 13 On Sep 06, 2009 01:58:53 PM jamie wrote:
I just love to talk about the moon and outer space. I guess its the mystery of the unknown. This was a very educational post I really enjoyed it. I work in a golfshop and I really which I would have gotten more involved in astronomy.
- 12 On Sep 03, 2009 11:11:34 AM Johnston wrote:
Thank you for sharing, I like the sound of number 5! Lots of suspense and at the end we get to find an ancient base...! Definiately number 5.
Maybe a story that involves a group of explorers finding a wooden shed on the moon? They could use it to protect themselves from the wind?- 11 On Aug 26, 2009 05:43:16 AM julia wrote:
I like the "Inadvertent stowaway on a lunar resupply ship" idea. It could illustrate that many of the social problems we experience on Earth can be cast aside when the things that truly matter are at stake. Using a castaway would allow you to easily illustrate the differences between the earth-based society and the moon-based society from the perspective of a person who would start off no more informed than the reader when first they pick up the book.
Thanks Acai Berry- 10 On Aug 25, 2009 06:42:54 PM Ryan wrote:
Sounds like a great concept for a graphic art novel. The moon has fascinated humans forever, make singles stare at it for hours during their date. It would be a fascinating story of a colony on the moon.
- 9 On Aug 20, 2009 01:36:46 AM jerome wrote:
Fantastic idea.I think children would learna lot from it.it would be very helpful for them to build them self strong mentally.
4396508- 8 On Aug 23, 2009 04:47:14 PM hilman wrote:
wow . fantastic idea
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kenali dan kunjungi obyek wisata di pandeglang- 7 On Aug 13, 2009 07:30:27 AM Moss wrote:
I think that Heinlin's novels had the impact they did because they often illustrated the social and political effects of breaking through the frontier of space.
If you could show a potential for the development in humanity through united scientific endeavours, even if the circumstances in the novel are adverse (a cheesy ending is not necessary), then you could inspire a whole new generation of pioneers.
I like the "Inadvertent stowaway on a lunar resupply ship" idea. It could illustrate that many of the social problems we experience on Earth can be cast aside when the things that truly matter are at stake. Using a castaway would allow you to easily illustrate the differences between the earth-based society and the moon-based society from the perspective of a person who would start off no more informed than the reader when first they pick up the book.
-Moss-
electric blankets- 6 On Aug 07, 2009 11:40:44 PM Holden wrote:
It is really quite hard to respond to this masterful book except by engaging with its political content; and yet we need to make the effort to see past the ideological to the formal and thematic if we are fully to appreciate the splendour of Heinlein's achievement here.Resveratrol
- 5 On Jul 31, 2009 04:57:09 PM Stacy wrote:
Very Insightful post, The focus on human strength, courage and innovation in survival situations may provide extra resilience in the times we face ahead.
Acai- 4 On Jun 20, 2009 03:25:06 AM Leeuw wrote:
Great storylines, each and every one ! My favourite would be nr5, rings bells of other great story' s that had great impact like 2001 and Stargate. I'll get back with some ideas of my own.
- 3 On Apr 18, 2009 07:59:28 PM Somone wrote:
Fantastic idea. My 10 year old son has recently taken to Raymond Feist's Magician graphic novel and will re-read it with its imagery. Graphic novels are very inspirational learning tools. The focus on human strength, courage and innovation in survival situations may provide extra resilience in the times we face ahead.
- 2 On Apr 17, 2009 07:49:58 PM Scott wrote:
Who is the target audience? Children? If so, then one of the child-oriented story lines would be best. Personally, I prefer number 2 because it highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness that have always marked NASA's operations (example: Apollo 13). These qualities will be absolutely necessary as we move toward unknown worlds such as Mars, using new hardware and software and management paradigms.
- 1 On Apr 14, 2009 02:54:01 PM Keith wrote:
Interesting story ideas. I might add:
- A character (or character) has difficulty adjusting to life back on Earth after being on the moon for an extended period of time.
- Possible cultural backlash from media outlets, bloggers, etc. similar to how some people react to other technological developments. Maybe Op/Ed pieces in newspapers about whether we should be diverting resources to the moon when so many issues on Earth still need to be addressed.
Keith - 49 On Nov 24, 2009 05:07:24 AM Carl wrote:
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