Public support grows with shuttle retirement

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Public support for shuttle grows with its retirement
A poll conducted just after space shuttle Atlantis by IBOPE Zogby International found overwhelming support for the program.

Among the questions asked:

NASA has just completed its last space shuttle mission. Do you agree or disagree with the decision to end space shuttle missions?

Agree 33%

Disagree 59%

Not sure 8%

Overall, do you believe the space shuttle was a worthwhile use of government resources?

Yes 74%

No 13%

Not sure 13%

How concerned are you that other nations might surpass the U.S. in their ability to explore space?

Very or somewhat concerned 60%

Not very or not at all concerned 38%

Not sure 3%

The company claims the poll of 2,297 people is accurate to within 2.1 percent. If so, nearly three-quarters of the public view the $200 billion shuttle program as a worthwhile investment. A similar poll by Pew earlier this year found a strong majority of Americans also felt the same way.


A winner in the public eye. (NASA)
It’s a fitting legacy for your program that when you’re done the public appreciates what you’ve accomplished.