Russians are confident that space program is important and still consider that Russia is a leader in space exploration.
MOSCOW, October 29, 2018. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the data of a study describing the Russian opinions on the current state of Russian space program.
An overwhelming majority of Russians support national space science (90%) and think that Russia should participate in space exploration.
Russians are confident that space exploration facilitates the development of science and technologies (53%), helps strengthen defense capabilities (46%) and develop cosmonautics and create new jobs (21%).
A majority (72%) says that Russia is a leader in space exploration today and its position is strengthening. Every fourth respondent has an opposing viewpoint on Russia’s position in this field (23%).
The respondents’ awareness of the Soyuz Rocket launch failure on October 11th is high: 83% of respondents say they have heard about it, including 34% of those who are well aware. Sixteen percent of respondents have heard about the launch failure for the first time during the survey.
Two-thirds of Russians (68%) believe that launch failures are usual and inevitable in astronautics, whereas 23% say this proves the national space program’s failure.
Similarly, Russians are divided in their opinions on the impact of mallaunch on country’s image internationally: 62% are confident that Russia’s prestige did not suffer. They are opposed by 34% of respondents.
The VCIOM-Sputnik survey was conducted on October 20, 2018. The survey involved 1,600 Russians aged 18 and over. The survey was telephone-based and was carried out using stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of landline and mobile phone numbers operating in Russia. The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes in question wording and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Russia was the leading country space exploration. Which of the following statements concerning the current Russia’s status in space exploration is closer to yours? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||
Russia maintains its standing | 38 |
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Russia has lost its standing | 23 |
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Russia has strengthened its standing | 34 |
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Don’t know | 5 |
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In your opinion, should Russia (or should not) participate in space exploration? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||
Yes, Russia should participate in space exploration | 90 |
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Russia does not need space exploration | 6 |
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Don’t know | 4 |
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In your opinion, why is it important for Russia to explore space? Up to 2 answers are possible (closed-ended question, not more than two answers, % of total respondents) | |
| Total respondents |
To ensure defense capacity | 46 |
To develop science and technologies | 53 |
To maintain its international prestige | 14 |
To compete with the US, EU, China on equal terms | 16 |
To participate in Moon and Mars missions with other countries | 9 |
To develop cosmonautics; to create new jobs | 21 |
To develop space tourism | 3 |
To search for new worlds and to establish contacts with extraterrestrial civilizations | 8 |
Don’t know | 3 |
Over the recent year, Russia has had a number of space rocket failures including a failure of a manned space flight. Do you personally know/have you heard/do you hear for the first time about the Soyuz rocket failure on October 11th which was caused by engine malfunction and triggered an emergency landing in Kazakhstan? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||
I am well aware of that | 34 |
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I heard something but I do not know any details | 49 |
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This is the first time I hear about that | 16 |
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Don’t know | 1 |
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Some people think that unsuccessful launches prove the national space program’s failure and are indicative of a crisis in the industry. Others consider that in an issue like space flights temporary failures are inevitable and common. What is your opinion about that? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||
It is likely to be indicative of the national space program’s failure and a crisis in the industry | 26 |
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It is likely to be common; temporary failures are commonplace in cosmonautics | 68 |
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Don’t know | 6 |
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In your opinion, can Russia’s unsuccessful launches affect Russia’s international image? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||
Rather yes | 34 |
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Rather no | 62 |
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Don’t know | 4 |
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Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory!