5 years ago 06/14/2019 - 06/16/2019

Sample Size 1020

Method

Margin of Error 3

Quick Facts
> Neil Armstrong has 83% name ID, Buzz Aldrin 68%, Elon Musk 57%.

> Only 23% are familiar with the Space Force, and 31% approve of it.

Key Takeaways
> How NASA’s budget is presented makes a big difference in how much support it receives.

> Americans hold very favorable opinions of NASA and the benefits of space exploration, but few consider themselves even reasonably informed on the topic.
Detailed Breakdown
> Neil Armstrong has 83% name ID, Buzz Aldrin 68%, Elon Musk 57%/

> NASA has generally high favorable ratings. 78% overall favorability, 80% believe space exploration promotes scientific discovery, 77% say it inspires young people, & 73% saying it helps monitor natural disasters.

> 71% agree space exploration is necessary, but only 56% say they are at all familiar with either astronomy or space exploration, and only 5% consider themselves well informed on the topic. 21% consider themselves to be ‘very interested’ in space exploration.

> 75% have watched a lunar eclipse, 68% have watched shooting stars, 65% have watched a space shuttle launch, and 52% have watched a meteor shower.

> How NASA’s budget is presented makes a big difference in how it is supported. When put in absolute terms ($21.5 billion), 27% say it is too much and 20% say it is too little. When described as .5% of the federal budget, or $70 per American, 41% say the budget is too little vs. 31% who say it is too high.

> 31% say NASA’s budget should be increased “to make sure it continues to lead in space” vs. 14% who say it should be reduced to “make way for private companies."

> Only 23% are familiar with the Space Force, and 31% approve of it.