Social representations of space travel: Modeling the antecedents and outcomes
Asli D.A. Tasci, Alan Fyall, Xiaoxiao Fu
Abstract
Abstract Using Social Representations Theory, the current study modeled different information sources, “anchoring” of space travel, “objectification” of space travel and their influences on attitude towards, support for, and attractiveness of space travel using data from 474 respondents. PLS‐SEM revealed that negative anchors related to space travel influence negative attitude while the objectification of SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and Tesla influence the positive attitudes. Organizations with an interest in space tourism need to use scientific knowledge and scientists, documentary broadcasts, and serious news media for broadening their appeal, as more tangible scientific messages derive the higher response and impact.