The Era of Transparency is coming to NASA. That’s the moniker by which people hope the 21st century is eventually remembered. Seemingly within moments of taking office, President Barack Obama released an executive memorandum, stating that his administration would be “committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness… [which] will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency.”
Obama’s reasoning is simple: Government should be transparent. Government should be participatory. Government should be collaborative.
On the heels of this, another memo encouraged “steps to make information public. Do not wait for specific requests. All agencies should use modern technology to inform citizens about what is known and done by their Government.” Perhaps because they are the least likely to be afraid of that modern technology, favorable signs show NASA piloting the way.
Comparatively speaking, the American space program has been more open than any of its counterparts in other nations – some of whom even concealed fatalities for decades or refuse to make budget details public. This is not to say that they don’t have the requisite spin army, or relational disconnects, given 50 years of operation. All large entities, public or private, are bound to develop generation gaps that can hinder communication or even foster secrecy-buildup.
Recently however, a step forward – as well as a relief for those who pin their hopes on the agency upholding its reputation to lead, not lag – is the sanction of Web 2.0 tools. The term at first glance indicates a new ‘version,’ though it refers less to technical updates than changes in the ways the Web is utilized by its surfers.
Whether creating wikis, embracing the blogosphere or twittering, advocates say it’s not only about the tools themselves – it’s what those tools enable. Many hope they will result in more adaptive and flexible agency culture. Most startling, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (Maryland) plans to introduce a SPACEBOOK social network, a FaceBook-inspired pool of employee profiles, highlighting both personal and professional interests.
Promoting transparency transcends mere “novelty,” since the technology can help achieve mission goals, enhance communication and encourage the sharing of ideas – hurdles over which NASA has stumbled in recent years, as administrative behavior indicates many middle managers can become mired in bureaucratic process rather than eventual project outcome.
Habits won’t change easily or overnight, but early signs are hopeful. The NASA Advisory Council (NAC) gathers quarterly to examine space agency topics and direction. When the NAC met this past February 5th for their session, it took four days for their materials to be disclosed – an unprecedented move for a directorial body known for its past slowness and reluctance to release data, even in the face of direct requests.
32 megabytes worth of Space Ops, Aeronautics and Biomedical Powerpoint presentations are online for all, including possible Shuttle plans through 2015, which have yet to be decided. But that’s fine; if they haven’t decided yet, we should know. When they do decide, we should know that too. True to NASA’s motto, “For The Benefit Of All” – it’s our transparent, collaborative human investment.
Written and guest posted by Heather Archuletta of Pillow Astronaut.
References:
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/oer/nac/NACPresentations/feb-2009.htm
http://fcw.com/Articles/2009/02/09/Web-2.0-adoption-taking-a-while.aspx
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/FreedomofInformationAct/
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