Majority Say Shuttle Program Was Worth Cost

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – With just a few days left in the U.S. space shuttle program, almost 60 percent of Americans said it's essential that the U.S. continue to be a world leader in space exploration, according to a new Pew Research Center poll.

And while the U.S. public is currently fighting over how much money to cut out of the federal government, a majority of those polled said the shuttle program was a good investment for the government.

The shuttle program has run for nearly 30 years and is scheduled to fly a final flight to the International Space Station starting Friday with the final launch of space shuttle Atlantis.

The poll split along party lines with almost two out of three Republicans saying the nation should continue playing an international leadership role in space. A smaller majority of independents, 57 percent, and Democrats, 54 percent, said space exploration is crucial.

In addition, by a 66-28 percent margin, college grads think the shuttle program has been a good investment. Also, families making more than $75,000 said the shuttle was a good investment by a nearly 2 to 1 margin.