Two-thirds of Americans support U.S. moon and Mars missions
- The CBS News/YouGov survey conducted with 2,404 U.S. adults indicates a strong public support for returning to the moon and exploring Mars.
- Younger Americans show a particularly high interest in these missions, likely influenced by their eagerness to witness space exploration.
- The findings reveal a significant public sentiment that values the space program for contributing to national pride and potential technological advancements.
In a CBS News/YouGov survey conducted from June 18 to June 23, 2025, a significant majority of Americans expressed support for the U.S. resuming its lunar exploration and eventually embarking on a mission to Mars. This nationally representative sample included 2,404 adults, whose opinions reflect a strong interest in space exploration, especially among younger generations. Notably, individuals not old enough to remember the first moon landing in 1969 showed heightened enthusiasm for potential future explorations. The first moon landing remains a prominent event in American history, with a vast majority considering it a worthy endeavor. Even decades later, the moon landing resonates with the public, as evidenced by past surveys conducted during the 40th and 50th anniversaries of the event. Approximately three-quarters of Americans still believe that the moon landing was a significant milestone in space exploration. They attribute a sense of national pride to such achievements, which contribute to a shared identity among the populace. Furthermore, Americans perceive the space program as a source of technological advancement. Though not everyone believes its contributions are critical to daily life, many agree that it positively impacts technology development, fostering innovations that benefit a broad segment of society. Such sentiments cross ideological and political boundaries, indicating a shared enthusiasm for exploring the cosmos despite varying opinions on governmental policies. This survey's findings highlight a convergence of views across different demographics, suggesting that space exploration holds a unique space in American culture. The support for missions to both the moon and Mars aligns with a growing interest in space initiatives and perhaps reflects society's longing for discovery and achievement in the face of modern challenges. As space technology continues to advance, these perceptions are likely to shape future conversations about national priorities and exploration.