The complex fabric of public opinion on space

Survey questions can be useful tools in gauging public interest. An histori cal analysis of U.S. public opinion on space-related issues presents some v aluable results. Space-related poll questions closely track major events in the history of the U.S. space program. Funding questions are consistently asked, although program-related questions are becoming increasingly popular . Support for space funding has remained remarkably stable at approximately 80% since 1965, with only one significant dip in support in the early 1970 s. However, responses on funding questions are extremely sensitive to quest ion wording and should be used cautiously. Around 75% of the American publi c generally approve of the job that NASA is doing. Human space flight wins out over robotic space programs when put head-to-head, although support for a human Mars mission is on the decline. Despite dramatic increases in comm ercial space activities, in general opinion polls fail to reflect this incr easingly dominant sector of the space economy. (C) 2000 S. Roy. Published b y Elsevier Science Ltd.