Fostering Interest in Space for 100 Years

Based on Century-Scale Space Engagement.

The grand ambition of sending a human-made object to another star system not only demands technological innovation but also requires the robustness of an organization that can thrive over an entire century. Breakthrough Starshot, an 80-year space project aiming to launch nanocrafts to our nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, offers a unique opportunity to explore these concepts. By drawing valuable lessons from organizations that have withstood the test of time, while engaging large populations and demographics, Breakthrough Starshot can develop a century-scale organization to support its goals.

Playing the really, really long game.

Only about a half a percent (0.5%) of all companies have what it takes to last 100 years. Researching centaurian organizations shows a clear structure to help guide us along. Longevity and public engagement are two features that set apart companies like Nintendo, Coca-Cola, and Disney. These hybrid technology and media companies have mastered the art of evolving with the times, exploring new technological frontiers, and engaging the public emotionally through various media channels.

Nintendo, a company that has thrived for over 130 years, exemplifies this principle. Originally a producer of hanafuda playing cards, it seized opportunities to evolve and diversify its portfolio. In the late 1950s, Nintendo collaborated with Disney to put popular characters on their cards, a move that boosted their popularity and marked a significant shift for the company. This bold pivot demonstrated Nintendo's adaptability, a trait necessary for any organization with long-term ambitions like Breakthrough Starshot.

Established in 1892, The Coca-Cola Company epitomizes the effectiveness of innovative marketing strategies. Known for creating the world's first coupon in 1888, Coca-Cola transformed from a small-scale drink business into a nationwide phenomenon in the United States. Their innovative marketing continues today, with successful campaigns like "Share A Coke" and significant investments in global event sponsorships. As a result, Coca-Cola's brand value is projected to exceed $266 billion USD in 2022, highlighting the enduring impact of their pioneering marketing techniques.

Interestedness in space throughout history

Interstellar missions are more than a technological ventures—they represent humanity's innate curiosity and longing to explore the cosmos. So clearly, having a deep understanding of how human beings have engaged with the night sky throughout history will be integral to success.

Human's relationship with the night sky has evolved significantly over thousands of years. From early societies that developed timekeeping and calendrical systems based on the movements of celestial bodies to the modern age where space travel is within our reach, our "interestedness" in space is influenced by environmental, cultural, and technological trends.

Cultivating this "interestedness" is the key to generating sustained public engagement, a feat that becomes daunting due to a multitude of challenges. Among these hurdles, one issue stands out - light pollution, a consequence of civilization's electrification. In Europe and North America, skyglow has been increasing by 6.5% and 10.4% per year. This prevalent "problem" obscures our nightly view of the universe, inevitably disconnecting us from the captivating expanse of space and its celestial bodies.

Creating a Centaurian Organization

The most successful century-scale organizations understand the power of diverse media channels to effectively communicate their mission, highlight their progress, and celebrate their milestones. Channels come in many forms with the most engaging ones including cinema, television, mobile, and augmented reality. Each medium caters to different audiences and provides a unique way of storytelling, allowing these organizations to reach a wider audience and foster deeper connections.

One common thread that weaves through these diverse channels is the use of a powerful narrative that resonates deeply with the human spirit. This narrative often encapsulates the essence of human resilience, our propensity for innovation, and our innate desire to explore. Such a narrative transforms what might initially be perceived as a complex, technical space mission into an engaging and inspiring journey of mankind.

Leveraging the power of narrative, deeply tied to our inherent interest in space exploration, is crucial for maintaining public interest in a century-long mission like Breakthrough Starshot. Yet, success demands a trifecta of business acumen, technological innovation, and societal engagement.

Business acumen guides strategic decisions, ensures longevity, and facilitates adaptability. Technological innovation fuels the mission itself, driving advancements and creative applications needed to traverse vast interstellar distances. Societal engagement, fostered through compelling narratives, cultivates a shared sense of ownership and excitement.

By balancing these factors, we can create resilient, century-scale organizations that champion the collective human desire for discovery, turning missions to Alpha Centauri—and potentially beyond—into a story of ambition, courage, and ingenuity.