Space outreach and the web: The rise of Youtube and its use in engaging the public with space

The popularity of the Internet has allowed space outreach to be performed online, in addition to the traditional delivery methods of television, radio, public events (such as lectures and expert panels) and specialist space education centers. Space agencies initially used the Internet as a tool for distributing content originally created for television or other forms of traditional media, and, in the case of NASA TV, for simultaneous broadcast of television content via both satellite and the Internet. Television content consumption is a passive experience for the user, who has little input on channel content, is restricted by the number of channels they have access to, and cannot engage with either the content creators, or other viewers. In comparison, online content platforms, such as Youtube, allow the user to choose from a near-infinite number of 'channels', search for content of interest to them, and directly engage with content creators or other viewers. This creates an active participatory experience, and is more likely to result in positive engagement outcomes for the user. Thus, in recent years there has been a rise in the use of Youtube, by both space agencies and other space outreach actors, to deliver content with an active user experience. This paper aims to examine the current use of Youtube in space outreach, and employ science communication theory to determine strategies for effective space outreach content creation. Current best practices in the field of science communication advocate for dialogue and participatory modes of outreach to generate the most effective engagement outcomes. One potential method for increasing user participation in Youtube content creation is through a combination of live video streaming and the use of a live 'chatroom'. This provides a conduit for user interaction and feedback while the content is being created. This 'live feedback' model of content creation changes the content from a one-way to a two-way transfer of information, or, from a monologue to a conversation. This paper compares standard Youtube content creation methods to the 'live feedback' model of Youtube content creation, as employed by the Youtube show 'TMRO:Space', with which the author is involved, to understand how active participation can enhance audience engagement with space outreach content.