The European Space Policy Institute’s public attitudes survey found that 75% of respondents consider space activities important to society. Released October 20, 2026, its preliminary findings cover 15,500 participants in 24 countries, with fieldwork conducted by Ipsos bva and support from the European Space Agency.
Exploration received a positive response from 78%, and 63% associated space investment with economic growth. Asked about achievements over the next 20 years, respondents emphasized sustained human exploration, environmental and other Earth applications, and scientific discovery.
For the period after the International Space Station, 75% favored a continuing European human-exploration role; 48% favored a European-led station. These figures describe preferences, not an approved station project.
The one-page release provides no country-level results, questionnaire, or detailed weighting information, so it cannot establish separate Canadian or national European preferences. ESPI plans to publish its full analysis by the end of 2026.
