Objectives of the service
Space Synapse enables audiences around the globe to share collaborative space awareness experiences. We deliver immersive exhibits to convey the power of the "Overview Effect". The Overview Effect refers to a cognitive shift that can occur when viewing the Earth from space and in space. Frank White, who coined the term in his book by the same name and is co-founder of the Overview Institute, is a consultant to the project. Our offering includes online and immersive products and services for the education markets and an international community of space enthusiasts and participatory users.
The Earth Rider vision is to establish an inspiring programme of space education and space awareness services that brings the experience of space exploration closer to the general public and to schoolchildren in particular. Earth Rider will create an immersive experience for the wider public by re-creating key aspects of the Overview Effect.
This experience will generate awareness and interest in space exploration and the benefits of space technology, inspiring children to take up studies in Science Technology Education Arts and Mathematics "STEAM" subjects.
The objective of this feasibility study is to demonstrate the sustainability of the series of services (set out below):
- Immersive, interactive experience delivered via innovative multimedia delivery devices that will be investigated in the Earth Rider Feasibility Study.
- An online brand development and online merchandising platform;
- A series of planetarium shows that build on our immersive and online experiences
- Bespoke educational content designed to complement the immersive, online and planetarium experiences (initially for inclusion in the UK and the Northern Ireland school curricula).
Users and their needs
The potential users of the Earth Rides services include:
- Planetariums and Science Centres
- Teachers, curriculum developers and school children
- Intergenerational audiences and space enthusiasts
- The general public, who desire an immersive, interactive experience of space exploration
- A multi-generational audience that would not otherwise be attracted to planetariums
- An Internet audience that could be enthused about space exploration
- Schoolchildren in the UK and Northern Ireland considering undertaking science or engineering as a career, and looking for a new approach to engaging with their curriculum.
Service/ system concept
Earth Rider provides to the users the following services:
1. Immersive, interactive experience delivered via innovative multimedia delivery devices that will be investigated in the Earth Rider feasibility Study through cooperation with the following scientific teams:
- ICARUS
- NIGHPOD
- OVERVIEW INSTITUTE
2. An online brand development and online merchandising platform investigated in cooperation with Culture Label and our in-house IT specialist.
3. A series of planetarium shows that build on our immersive and online experiences
4. Bespoke educational content designed to complement the immersive, online and planetarium experiences (initially for inclusion in the UK and the Northern Ireland school curricula) working with the UK and Irish ESERO offices, NISO and teacher CPD and UK Space.
Space Added Value
The Earth Rider multi media content is built from the following space assets:
- Human Spaceflight experience and "the Overview Effect" ( working with ESA Human Spaceflight Office and the Overview Institute)
- Earth Observation and climate change awareness (working with astronaut narratives, EO expertise and the ICARUS programme)
- Microgravity research - working with ISS on the ICARUS and NightPod Projects
These elements bring an integrated high-impact service with the simultaneous release of high quality content across multiple channels.
Current Status
The feasibility study has been successfully completed with a final presentation of the Results in London on the 11th of April.
After extensive study of the potential market and evaluation of available technical and human resources, the Study has concluded that the proposed Earth Rider services are technically, economically, and financially feasible. There is ample evidence of a growing interest among planetariums, schools, and the general public for the space-focused awareness and educational products that Consortium proposes to develop and bring to market.
The Study has further concluded that implementing Earth Rider will stimulate the interest among young people in the UK, Europe, and beyond in STE (A) M subjects. The services will also increase awareness of ESA’s effective use of space assets to improve life on Earth.
The next step after the conclusion of this feasibility Study is the preparation of a Demonstration Project during which a pre-operational stage of the services will be put in place. The demonstration Project is due to start in the second half of 2014 lasting 2 years, and with the further commercialisation of the services by its conclusion.
Prime Contractor(s)
Subcontractor(s)
