Nearly six in 10 Americans believe it is essential for the United States to lead the exploration of space, according to a new Pew Research Center poll.
The survey, conducted June 15-19, also found that 55 percent of Americans believe NASA’s long running shuttle program has been a good investment. NASA’s 135th and final shuttle mission is scheduled to lift off Friday. The 12-day flight will mark the end of the near 13-year assembly and outfitting of the International Space Station.
The poll, made public by Pew on Tuesday, was conducted by telephone, both land line and cell phone. In all 1,502 adults were questioned during the survey period. The sample was weighted to the March 2010 U. S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey. The results reflect a 3.5 percent margin of error.
Nearly 75 percent of those surveyed believe space exploration has a positive impact on the nation’s science and technical achievement, producing benefits of at least some value to all Americans.
Nearly 70 percent say U. S. leadership contributes to national pride and patriotism.
On the larger issue of U. S. leadership, the split was 58 percent/38 percent in favor. Positive support was found among all levels of income and education.
Republicans were most supportive of U. S. leadership, 67 percent, followed by Independents, 57 percent, and Democrats, 54 percent.
Shuttle Atlantis rolls to the Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building in preparation for launching. Photo Credit/NASA Photo
On the question of the shuttle program’s value, the level of support has fallen some from the days of the earliest missions. A similar poll conducted in August 1981 revealed support among 66 percent of those surveyed.
http://people-press.org/2011/07/05/majority-sees-u-s-leadership-in-space-as-essential/1/