Having found itself with a bit of an image problem (not to mention budget cuts), NASA is hoping that embracing technology like video games might hold part of the answer for sparking public interest in the organization.
The field of space exploration is dominated by older scientists and NASA is a slow-moving government organization--not exactly a hotbed of hipness or a magnet for today's youth.
NASA has already supplied data to came companies like Virtual Heroes to help create space-themed games, and even plotted space in Second Life, but that's not enough, says Beth Beck,
NASA's Outreach Program Manager Space Operations:
NASA could certainly use an image overhaul. Say "space program" to a room full of people and you're more likely to hear complaints about how uselessly expensive it is, or laments over various accidents and malfunctions.
