Increase scientific literacy — Use R&D labels on all products

We benefit daily from R&D, long-term studies and seemingly excessive spending

The reality is that we need to think about staying and engaging beyond Earth. Such activities will not occur in our lifetime, but future generations may depend on the seeds planted now. Space exploration takes time and resources. It doesn’t happen overnight. The Artemis mission is one of many of those “small steps” that need to be taken.

Here is a news flash. Similar baby steps in R&D took many years to produce the cell phone in your hand, the blood pressure medicine in your cupboard, and the GPS system that got you to your nephew’s birthday party at the amusement park. I see this all the time in my profession. These days people just pull out the weather app on their phone. There is very little thought given to how this application prediction is made, what it comes from, and so on. In fact, there are years of research and development in weather models, satellites, radar, and computer models built into that little icon you see. There are numerous National Weather Service and private meteorologists behind the forecasts, warnings, watches, advisories and outlooks. I promise you this. There is no “weather fairy” in these apps.

“STEM R&D matters, but people often notice the TV regardless of what went into making it,” I previously wrote in Forbes.com. “Actually, basic research on electrons, neurons, viruses, and artificial intelligence led to many of the things we enjoy,” I continued. When I heard PSA radio, it hit me. Perhaps we should be using R&D labeling on all products in the same way we put ingredient and nutrient labeling on our food products. “What would that accomplish, Dr. Shepherd?”

Many of us have cell phones. However, we never stop to think about all the science, technology, engineering and math that went into developing it. We just put out our social media posts and take selfies. In fact, there is quite a bit of STEM R&D in your cell phone, including digitization, electromagnetic waves, circuits, transmission infrastructure, and other basic physics at the atomic level. It could be instructive to put a label on the phone case with these STEM contributions to show how years of R&D spending and effort brought you this phone.

Some of you reading this may be boarding a plane headed to a vacation spot. If the airline ticket information includes a label that describes the aeronautical research, radar engineering, weather forecasting and lift physics that allow you to reach your destination safely.

What about those of you taking medication for a heart condition? There were years of research, clinical trials and other trials that took us from disease to drug discovery. We don’t see these. Maybe you should. What if a label or leaflet was distributed with the medicine at the local pharmacy. It could provide details of the drug’s R&D history and associated costs, and how all of this was necessary for your well-being.

Now let’s get back to the Artemis mission and the kitchen table issues that PSA says are being overlooked. Here are a handful of things that translate directly to our “here and now” society.

Translational and Medical Research

“Most Americans don’t go a week – maybe even a day – without encountering something that owes at least part of its origin to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).” he wrote Linda Brinson at HowStuffWorks.com. “This applies to home practice, the doctor’s office and the hospital,” he continued. Although not exhaustive, Brinson lists the following medical advances as associated with NASA and the space program:

• Digital breast biopsy imaging systems
• Fetal monitoring transmitters
• Laser angioplasty
• Cooling suits
• Wheelchairs with voice control
• LED systems for brain cancer surgery
• Molds for artificial legs and arms
• Programmable pacemakers
• Tools that support cataract surgery

I focus on medical advances because the PSA challenged the value of Artemis while people still suffer from disease.

If you want a list of the technologies and advances of NASA and this space program, do a quick search on NASA’s benefits to society. You’ll find all things related to cordless tools, blankets, cell phones, eyewear, aviation safety, air and water purification, memory foam, cameras and more.

The next generation of scientists and engineers

The jobs of today and the future will be heavily anchored in STEM, yet many of our students at the K-8 grade level are falling behind in these subjects. The target demographic of the radio station that aired the PSA is my demographic. As an African-American scientist, I am acutely aware of the gaps in STEM and in our community. I am also aware of the findings that inspiration and guidance are important. Artemis was piloted by Victor Glover, who happens to be Black. What an inspiration to all kids, but especially to some kid in Southwest Atlanta who may aspire to be a pilot or engineer one day.

Studies show that missions like Artemis Space inspire students to want to explore STEM careers. They may never go into space, but the work of coders, technicians, engineers, or scientists is done every day for things like fixing our cars, setting up our computers, or making sure our MRI machine is working properly. We cannot be short-sighted when it comes to the daily impact of STEM. Yes, the beautiful pictures of the Moon were amazing, but the inspiration is much more valuable.

Economic Development

Many governments, companies, and organizations throughout the United States and the world participate in missions like Artemis. “NASA prime contractors Aerojet Rocketdyne, Axiom Space, Bechtel, Blue Origin, Boeing, Amentum, Jacobs, Lockheed Martin, Maxar Space Systems, Northrop Grumman and SpaceX currently have more than 2,700 suppliers in 47 states that contribute to the lunar spacecraft at Kennedy Space, the NASA System) rocket, Gateway space station, human landing systems and spacesuits and mobility systems adapted for the Moon,” according to NASA website. You may not realize it, but a bold or fuel system used on the mission may have been developed by your cousin’s company. Your aunt may have driven a truck carrying a part from a contractor to the launch system. The economic growth of these large missions goes beyond what you see. Supply chain and human capital run deep.

I understand that. People struggle. I don’t sit on some elitist or scholarly throne. I come from a humble community. Honestly, some of my friends and family may have the same perspective as the radio PSA, and I wouldn’t blame them. My scientific and ivory tribe has not properly delivered the value proposition and return on investment of missions like Artemis. Unfortunately, the low-hanging fruit in traditional and social media tends to be “pretty pictures” and “exciting videos.”

Even during my days as a NASA scientist, I used to cringe at videos of astronauts eating floating bananas or tumbling in zero gravity. As a research meteorologist, I also used to push back when people asked me if I did weather forecasts for space shuttle launches. No, I did high-level research and development on major geospatial systems. My point here is that people’s perception of space programs as wasteful is often self-inflicted. There are many “so-whats” that touch our lives and kitchen table matters every day. How will people know if it gets lost in translation or frankly, not translated at all?