Space Needs Selling

The majority of Americans think that space agency NASA is 'marketed' poorly or very poorly according to research by consultants Dittmar Associates. However, more than two-thirds support the space exploration program and more think NASA's budget should be increased (42%) than decreased (29%).

The in-depth study looked at public perceptions of NASA and particularly the Space Exploration Program, and found 69% supporting Space Exploration and only 26% opposed. Respondents were told the percentage of the US budget allocated to NASA each year (which is less than 1%) before being asked their views on this.

A respectable proportion - 42% of Americans - believe that NASA is either 'very relevant' or 'relevant' to their day-to-day lives. 61% indicated that the recent success of the Mars Rovers has had a positive effect on their attitudes - but this does not necessarily carry over to human space flight.

The study also invited participants to offer their own ideas, thoughts, and suggestions about how to better promote the space program and make it more relevant to them personally. An abridged summary including some of these results is available for free download. The complete report, which provides a detailed demographic breakdown of responses and delves more deeply into the perceptions and suggestions expressed, will be available for sale from November 10.

Dittmar Associates is a Certified Small Woman-Owned Business and consulting group located 30 miles south of Houston, Texas, combining of business and engineering experience. Its web site is at www.dittmar-associates.com . NASA's web site, one of the WWW's top destinations for 10 years plus, is at www.nasa.gov

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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