Posted: Tue, Jan 13, 2004, 1:45 PM ET (1845 GMT)
A new poll shows that the American public is split evenly over supporting a new space program, although a majority would rather see money spent on domestic programs instead. The poll, conducted by Ipsos-Public Affairs for the Associated Press, found that 48 percent of those polled were in favor of a new US program to send humans to the Moon and Mars, with an equal share opposed. While nearly three-quarters thought that the US should continue to send humans into space, 57 percent thought that the exploration of the Moon and Mars should be carried out by robots rather than humans. In addition, 55 percent said that it would be better for the nation if the money spent on space research was used instead for health care and education.

Related Links:

•  AP article
•  Poll results