---
title: "Majority See U.S. Leadership in Space as Essential"
description: "A 58%-majority say it is essential that the U.S. continue to be a world leader in space exploration"
date: "2011-07-05"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2011/07/05/majority-see-u-s-leadership-in-space-as-essential/"
categories:
  - "Space"
---

# Majority See U.S. Leadership in Space as Essential

In a survey conducted just before the final space shuttle flight in July 2011, nearly six-in-ten (58%) said it was essential that the United States continue to be a world leader in space exploration; about four-in-ten said this is not essential (38%). Looking back on the shuttle program, a majority (55%) said it had been a good investment for the country. However, this is lower than it was in the 1980s; throughout the early years of the shuttle program, six-in-ten or more said the program was a good investment. More Republicans (67%) were supportive of the importance of U.S. leadership in space than Democrats (54%). A 57%-majority of independents considered U.S. leadership to be essential. And while about six-in-ten Republicans (63%) and independents (60%) said the program has been a good investment, Democrats were more muted in their appraisals (48% good investment). [Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/pubs/2047/poll-space-exploration-shuttle-program-final-mission?src=prc-number)