Space Priorities Survey - The Planetary Society

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CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAMPAIGN

Every day of the next eight years could see our shared vision of the future slip further away or we may see the dawn of a new era of space exploration–
we must act together to protect our future in space.

THE 2008 SPACE PRIORITIES SURVEY RESULTS --
YOUR MESSAGE TO THE NEXT U.S. PRESIDENT

Thank you for participating in our survey and for your support of space exploration ... your input and that of all your fellow Society members is essential if we are to be truly effective.

Keep watching your postal and e-mail boxes for the next steps in this vital campaign to protect our future in space!

SPACE PRIORITIES SURVEY RESULTS

1. What should the driving goal of future space exploration be?R SAIL

41%    Building a permanent, human-occupied base on the Moon.
48%    Sending human expeditions to Mars.
17%    Using only robots to explore our solar system.

2. If you could advise the next president about the U.S. space program, what would you say?R SAIL

8%    Build the shuttle replacement, but do not commit to future human exploration beyond the Space Station.
60%    Seek international cooperation for lunar landings and Mars exploration.
35%    Build a U.S. lunar base as a stepping-stone to Mars.

3. Scientists have warned that the world will soon lose its space-based ability to monitor climate. Should NASA step up its Earth Observing Program to meet this challenge?R SAIL

74% Yes. Global warming and other Earth issues are paramount. Government space programs must find ways to fund this research.
23% No. Limited space funds are better spent exploring beyond Earth.

4. Do you have any specific questions you would like us to put to the presidential candidates?

The following are just a few of the many questions you had for the candidates...

Why is our government so chronically short sighted about the great relevance of space exploration to the future of mankind??

Will you put our money where your mouth is?

The last six Presidents talked the talk but did not walk the walk. Is there a way to speed up VSE such that Mars will not be a distant goal for the unspecified future but something readily integrated with the Moon exploration?

What will be the space legacy of your presidency?

How will you engage the public in making space-related decisions?

How do you prioritize development of asteroid/comet detection/deflection systems?

Do you support a mission to Europa to look for possible life?

Would you commit the U.S. to provide world leadership in international cooperation in space?

How will you promote private investment for space development?

How will address the need to utilize good science input in all decision-making?

Note: The total percentage may not equal 100% as more than one response could be chosen.

Comments on this survey? Email us or contact us by phone 626-793-5100.