A Pew Research Center survey, conducted from May 30 to June 4, 2023, among 10,329 U.S. adults, delivers a comprehensive view of current public attitudes toward NASA’s mission and the evolving role of private space companies.
NASA’s Top Priorities According to Americans
“Monitoring asteroids and other objects that could potentially strike Earth” ranks as the foremost priority for NASA, endorsed by 60 percent of respondents. In close second, 50 percent regard “monitoring critical aspects of Earth’s climate system” as equally vital. Fewer than half consider other areas such as basic scientific research (40 percent), development of adaptable technologies (35 percent), human health research (around 30 percent), resource exploration (less than one-third), or the search for life on other planets as top priorities. Notably, only 12 percent prioritize sending astronauts to the Moon, and 11 percent to Mars.
These findings mirror the 2018 survey, which also saw high levels of support for asteroid tracking and climate monitoring, and comparatively low rankings for crewed lunar and Martian missions.
Public Views on NASA’s Role Versus Private Sector
Despite the expanding presence of companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, the survey reveals that 65 percent of Americans believe NASA must remain actively involved in space exploration. Just 32 percent feel that private companies alone can sustain progress in space. The public generally views private firms positively in terms of developing safe spacecraft and contributing to space missions, though their performance in addressing space debris receives more neutral or uncertain responses.
Trust, Awareness, and Demographic Perspectives
NASA holds a favorable reputation across party lines, with approximately three-quarters of Americans expressing positive views. Familiarity with NASA significantly influences priority views: those who have heard or read a lot about the agency are substantially more likely to label various NASA missions—including basic research and health studies—as top priorities. Gender and partisanship introduce nuanced differences: men show slightly higher support for scientific research than women, while Democrats are considerably more inclined than Republicans to value climate system monitoring. both parties largely agree on the importance of asteroid tracking.
Public Expectations for the Future of Space
Looking ahead to the next 50 years, 55 percent anticipate that space tourism will become routine by 2073, yet only about one-third express personal interest in orbiting Earth. More speculative outcomes such as the discovery of intelligent extraterrestrial life (40 percent) or the establishment of colonies on other planets (about 33 percent) are viewed as less likely. Concerns remain grounded in practicalities—with space debris anticipated by many to become a significant issue.
Synthesis and Implications
Americans clearly prioritize Earth-centric and safety-oriented missions—specifically asteroid defense and climate monitoring—over exploratory human spaceflight. While public support for NASA endures resolutely amidst the rise of private ventures, citizen engagement remains keenly influenced by how familiar individuals are with the agency’s work. For policymakers and NASA communicators, framing missions in terms of tangible societal benefits and scientific relevance may offer the best alignment with public sentiment.
