Most Americans see value in space program

Nine of 10 Americans see value in the U.S. space program, according to results of a survey commissioned by the Coalition for Space Exploration — a coalition of individuals, organizations and businesses who advocate for the aggressive exploration of space.

“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,” said Dean Acosta, chairman of the Coalition’s public affairs team.

The survey measured the public’s perceived value of the U.S. space program, and then re-measured it after presenting respondents with basic facts regarding the program’s national economic impact and technological spin-offs.

The initial response to the survey showed that respondents had three broad opinions:
• 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%)

According to the coalition, the support for the U.S. space program ranged from 88% to 96% when respondents were told the following about the program:
• The aerospace industry employs 500,000 people across the nation.
• Aerospace industry sales in 2008 increased over the previous year to more than $204 billion and account for nearly 2% of the U.S. gross domestic product.
• In 2007, the U.S. aerospace industry had a foreign trade surplus of $61 billion – the largest trade surplus of any manufacturing sector.

“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,” Acosta said. “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.”

Consumer product spin-offs developed from technology used for space exploration include GPS systems, direct-to-home TV, satellite radio, airbags, radial tires, smoke detectors and key healthcare surgical devices.

The study also revealed that Americans lack a true understanding of the amount of the federal budget allotted to NASA. When told NASA currently receives less than 1 percent of the federal budget, 63 percent were “surprised” to learn the funding was that low.