Americans still positive about space program

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around public perceptions of the American space program, particularly in light of recent accidents involving the space shuttle. Participants explore opinions on the value of manned versus unmanned missions and the impact of media representation on public trust in space exploration.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that a significant portion of Americans support the continuation of the space shuttle program despite its accidents, viewing the space program as a worthwhile investment.
  • Others express skepticism about the authenticity of moon landings, citing personal beliefs influenced by media portrayals, such as the film "Capricorn One."
  • One participant suggests that including opposing views in media coverage can highlight the credibility of supporters of the space program.
  • Another participant mentions an increase in volunteer interest for X-Prize vehicles following shuttle failures, indicating a potential shift in public engagement with space exploration.
  • There is a viewpoint that unmanned missions are more effective and less risky compared to manned missions, with some participants advocating for a focus on robotic exploration over human spaceflight.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with some supporting the space shuttle program and others questioning its value. There is no consensus on the effectiveness of manned versus unmanned missions, and skepticism about the moon landings remains a point of contention.

Contextual Notes

Participants' views are influenced by personal beliefs, media representations, and differing priorities regarding space exploration. The discussion reflects a variety of assumptions about the safety and efficacy of manned versus unmanned missions.

Phobos
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http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/07/28/sprj.colu.space.poll.ap/index.html

Two-thirds of Americans say the space shuttle should continue to fly despite two disastrous accidents.

A higher number, nearly three-fourths, said they think the space program is a good investment.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Astronomy news on Phys.org
:frown:
oh, why did CNN have to include this idiocy?

"I think it's all bogus," said Claudette Davidson of Jonesboro, Georgia, who does accounting work for physicians. "I just do not believe they've gone to the moon." "I saw Capricorn One," she said, referring to a 1978 movie that featured O.J. Simpson and included a faked trip to Mars. "That did it for me."
 
Originally posted by Phobos
:frown: oh, why did CNN have to include this idiocy?

Something about Balanced Journalism, and you make a better argument if you can show that those who would oppose you, do so from a basis of (falsely) suspended trust/belief system(s).

Makes them look like the real kooks, not the Shuttle people.
 
Originally posted by Phobos
http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/space/07/28/sprj.colu.space.poll.ap/index.html




I recently read http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/technology/xprize_030611.html from Space.Com, that says the number of people volunteering to ride in X-Prize vehicles actually increased after the last Shuttle failure.

And
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/atlas5_pluto_030725.html says that NASA announced Thursday that the Pluto mission is a GO. I was releived to hear it, since we've never been there and know so little about it.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
That's a pretty interesting effect, bout the X-Prize. And I'm not surprised that the unmanned missions have been relatively unscathed. I know that there's a faction at NASA, esp. JPL, that feel that the manned part of NASA is a complete waste of resources. I'm inclined to agree because we can accomplish much more with probes than humans in near-space exploration.
 
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