Americans appear mixed as to whether the U.S. is the world's leader in the space expiration, a recent poll found.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A majority of Americans believe the U.S. space program helps contribute a level of pride and patriotism to the country, a CBS News poll found.

About 73 percent said the country's space program contributes "a lot/some" to pride and patriotism, and 79 percent say it helps a great deal to promote scientific advances.

The poll comes as the country celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 program and man walking on the moon.

A majority of Americans also agree space exploration should be carried out and/or funded by NASA and private companies. About 70 percent say it should be a mix of both.

Where Americans differ, however, is where the U.S. stands in space exploration itself. About 46 percent say the country remains the world leader, while 43 percent believe the U.S. is starting to fall behind.

There remains almost an even split, too, as to whether the U.S. should be the world leader in space exploration: 48 percent say it should be while 43 percent say the country should be involved but not lead.

CBS News said the poll was conducted June 13-16 among a random sample of 1,201 adults nationwide. The margin of error is +/- 3 points.

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