Americans have spoken – and they continue to value U.S. space exploration!

Despite the tough economic climate in the U.S., almost 90 percent of Americans see value in the U.S. space program. A recent survey conducted by the Coalition for Space Exploration proves that space is still very important to the American people.

• 88% value the space exploration program. When presented with basic information about the space program, the overall statistic increases to 96%.


• Value for the program is centered in three areas:
  
  • A source of technological innovation and advancement (77%)
  
  
  • Consumer product development based on technology used for space exploration (73%)
  
  
  • Inspiring students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math (69%)
  
  

"We are pleased to see that the public clearly backs a well-rounded U.S space exploration program. When combined with President Obama’s space policy that calls for the establishment of a robust and balanced civilian space program, it is vital that Washington leaders allow for and support appropriate funding for NASA," ~ Dean Acosta, Chairman of the Coalition’s Public Affairs Team

Other key findings from the survey

• NASA's Budget – 56% of respondents overestimate NASA's portion of the federal budget. Upon learning the true budget allotment (less than 1%), 63% were "surprised" to discover the funding was that low.


• Economic Impact – Nearly 80% of respondents place more value on the U.S. space program once they learned the following facts:
  
  • Aerospace industry employs about 500,000 people across the nation.
  
  
  • 2008 aerospace industry sales increased over the previous year to more than $204 billion.
  
  
  • Sales of U.S. aerospace products account for nearly 2% of the U.S. gross domestic product.
  
  
  • U.S. aerospace industry had a foreign trade surplus of $61 billion in 2007 – the largest trade surplus of any manufacturing sector.
  
  
• Spin-off Technology Benefits – 88% of respondents place more value on the U.S. space program upon learning of some of the many spin-off technology products, such as GPS systems, direct-to-home TV, satellite radio, firefighter masks, weather satellites, airbags, radial tires, cordless tools, smoke detectors, healthcare products including kidney and heart pumps and LASIK surgical devices. In fact, 93% said they use such spin-off technologies, with 72% of those using them "all the time."


• Global Leadership – After learning that America’s role as the world’s space leader is being challenged by other nations, 87% of respondents think America should strive to maintain its leadership position. Of that percentage, a solid majority (58%) thinks America "definitely should" strive to remain as the world’s leader in exploring space.

"These latest survey results demonstrate that the more familiar Americans are with the U.S. space program, the more likely they are to place a higher value on it. We are in agreement with the new administration whose space policy states that a revitalized NASA can help America contribute to our country’s economic growth and maintain its edge in innovation." ~ Dean Acosta, Chairman of the Coalition's Public Affairs Team

Methodology

The survey was conducted online Jan. 16-20, 2009, and included a pool of 1,018 adults. The sample was balanced for demographic and geographic proportions, based on U.S. Census figures, to accurately reflect the adult population in the country.

Respondents answered initial questions to establish a baseline for value and knowledge surrounding America's space exploration program. Then, they received basic information on space exploration and its impact on the economy and spin-off technology. Respondents were then re-surveyed with similar questions to determine a change in value perceptions.

The findings were consistent with prior polls and research performed by the Coalition – Americans place a strong sense of value on their space program.

"The Coalition continually seeks new and innovative ways to conduct its research. We’re excited that the findings remain consistent over time, validating that Americans maintain a strong sense of value in their space program." ~ Joan Underwood, Deputy Chairwoman of the Coalition’s Public Affairs Team

Click here for a summary of the survey results

To view previous Gallup Poll summaries, click here