Released: July 5, 2011 Majority Sees U.S. Leadership in Space as
Essential Shuttle Program Viewed as Good Investment On the eve
of the final mission of the U.S. space shuttle program, most
Americans say the United States must be at the forefront of
future space exploration. Fifty years after the first American
manned space flight, nearly six-in-ten (58%) say it is essential
that the United States continue to be a world leader in space
exploration; about four-in-ten say this is not essential (38%).
Looking back on the shuttle program, a majority (55%) say it has
been a good investment for the country. However, this is lower
than it was in the 1980s; throughout the early years of the
shuttle program, six-in-ten or more said the program was a good
investment. Majorities in nearly all demographic groups say it
is essential that the U.S. continue to be at the vanguard of
space exploration. And partisan groups largely agree that
American leadership is vital, although this view is more
prevalent among Republicans. T