Americans still positive about space program

AI Thread Summary
Two-thirds of Americans support the continuation of the space shuttle program despite past accidents, and nearly 75% view the space program as a worthwhile investment. Some skepticism exists, with individuals questioning the authenticity of moon landings, influenced by popular media like the film "Capricorn One." The discussion highlights a divide in public perception, with some advocating for unmanned missions over manned space exploration due to efficiency and safety concerns. Additionally, interest in private space ventures like the X-Prize has reportedly increased following shuttle failures. Overall, the sentiment remains largely positive towards space exploration initiatives.
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.
 
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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.
 
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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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