5 facts about Americans' views on space exploration, Pew Research Center

"Although they value the program and are proud of its achievements, Americans are reluctant to pay more for space exploration. Just 23% of Americans said the U.S. spends too little on space exploration, according the National Opinion Research Center's General Social Survey (GSS) conducted last year. About four-in-ten (42%) said the U.S. spends about the right amount, and 25% said the U.S. spends too much on space exploration. Americans were more likely to say the government is spending too little on areas such as education (70%) and health (57%)."

Keith's note: Hmmm ... this is going to be a problem if NASA wants to send astronauts on the #JourneyToMars given that a substantial increase in NASA's budget - sustained over a long period of time - will be required to make this happen. One would hope that NASA would be a little more honest and open on this matter - if for no other reason to describe the coming need for budget increases and then lay the ground work and build some public sentiment for budget increases.

- Recent Space Poll: The Public is Not Always in Synch With Space Advocates (2015), earlier post

- Poll Suggests Public Concern Over Direction In Space (2011), earlier post

- New Gallup Poll Reveals Americans Strongly Support Space Exploration, Believe it Inspires Younger Generation (2008), earlier post

- Washington Post Poll on Space Spending (2009), earlier post

- New Poll Shows Support For Space Funding Cuts (2010), earlier post

-New Poll: Moon Yes, Mars No (2004), earlier post