EUROPEANS ATTITUDES TO SPACE ACTIVITIES

Special Eurobarometer 403 EUROPEANS ATTITUDES TO SPACE ACTIVITIES SUMMARY Fieldwork: May June 2013 Publication: January 2014 This survey has been requested by the European Commission, Directorate-General Enterprise and Industry and co-ordinated by Directorate-General for Communication. http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/index_en.htm This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission. The interpretations and opinions contained in it are solely those of the authors. Special Eurobarometer 403 / Wave EB79.4 TNS Opinion & Social

Special Eurobarometer 403 Europeans attitudes to space activities Conducted by TNS Opinion & Social at the request of Directorate-General Enterprise and Industry Survey co-ordinated by Directorate-General Communication (DG COMM Strategy, Corporate Communication Actions and Eurobarometer Unit)

Europeans attitudes to space activities INTRODUCTION... 2 MAIN FINDINGS... 5 I. EUROPEANS PRIORITIES IN 20 YEARS TIME... 7 1. Main EU priorities in 20 years time... 7 2. Areas where space activities are expected to play an important role in 20 years time... 8 II. EFFECTS OF SPACE ACTIVITIES ON SOCIETAL ASPECTS... 9 1. Space derived activities and health improvement... 9 2. Space derived activities and the environment... 10 2.1. Climate change understanding... 10 2.2. Meteorology... 11 2.3. Protection of the environment and agricultural activities... 11 3. Space derived activities and travel and outdoor activities... 13 4. Space derived activities and education... 15 5. Space derived activities and transport... 16 5.1. Use of automated vehicles guided by satellite based navigation systems... 16 5.2. Prospects of suborbital flights... 16 6. Space derived activities and employment... 18 7. Space derived activities and security... 19 III. EUROPEANS AND SPACE THREATS... 20 1. Concerns about threats from asteroids and comets hitting Earth... 20 2. Concerns about threats from space pollution and on disruptions of space based services... 21 3. Role of space technologies in reducing those threats... 21 IV. EUROPEANS AND SPACE EXPLORATION... 22 1. Role of the EU in space exploration... 22 2. Europe as a partner in an international mission to Mars... 24 CONCLUSIONS... 25 1

Europeans attitudes to space activities INTRODUCTION Space technologies and space-based services are an important part of the daily lives of European citizens in a wide range of areas, including transport, agriculture, weather forecasting and security, to name just a few. They have also an important role in the implementation of a range of European Union policies, from environmental management, through transport and navigation, to co-ordinating responses to natural disasters. The importance of space activities to the European Union is highlighted in the European Commission s Communication "Towards a space strategy for the European Union that benefits its citizens" 1 issued in 2011. The EU s space strategy has a range of key objectives: to promote technological and scientific progress; to stimulate industrial innovation and competitiveness; to contribute to economic growth and create jobs; to ensure that European citizens fully benefit from European space applications; and to strengthen Europe s role in space at an international level. On 28 February 2013, the Commission also issued a Communication on "EU Space Industrial Policy: Releasing the Potential for Growth in the Space Sector" 2 proposing actions to increase skills levels in industry, to support research and innovation, to ensure the EU's independence in space, to make finance and investment more readily available, and to reshape the EU's legislative framework to make it a driver for the industry's competitiveness. The two flagship EU space programmes currently under way are Galileo, a global navigation satellite system, and Copernicus, the Earth observation programme formerly known as Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES). The EU is also supporting space research as part of the seventh framework programme and its successor Horizon 2020. This survey builds on the research discussed in the 2012 Flash Eurobarometer 355 on Space Activities 3 that aimed to gain insight into Europeans' awareness and expectations of space-based services and their opinion of the role that the EU should have in developing space activities and space exploration. The survey has also a prospective dimension since it asked respondents to think 20 years ahead when considering several issues and a range of space activities, and the impact they may have on society. 1 Communication from the Commission COM(2011) 152 final, see http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policiespace/files/policy/comm_pdf_com_2011_0152_f_communication_en.pdf For further information on EU Space policy please see: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/space 2 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/lexuriserv/lexuriserv.do?uri=com:2013:0108:fin:en:pdf 3 http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl_355_en.pdf 2

Europeans attitudes to space activities The main objectives of this survey are to: Explore the opinions of Europeans about the role space-based services and technologies will have in improving their daily lives in 20 years time; Assess the perceptions of Europeans of how space-based services and technologies can assist in addressing societal challenges; Appraise how concerned Europeans are about space threats; Consider Europeans expectations about the future of space exploration. The European Commission s Directorate-General Enterprise and Industry commissioned this survey to measure the attitudes of the European public towards space activities in the European Union and in Croatia. This Eurobarometer was carried out by TNS Opinion & Social between 25 May and 9 June 2013. Some 27,680 Europeans aged 15 or over were interviewed face-to-face in the 27 Member States of the EU and Croatia by the interviewers of the TNS Opinion & Social network (the interviewers asked the questions in the respondents' home). The methodology used is that of the Standard Eurobarometer of the Directorate-General Communication of the European Commission ( Strategy, Corporate Communication Actions and Eurobarometer Unit). A technical note concerning the interviews conducted by the institutes of the TNS Opinion & Social network is annexed to this report. It specifies the method used for these interviews as well as the confidence intervals 4. The general analysis and the socio-demographic analyses are based on the average results in the 27 Member States and Croatia. This average is weighted so that it reflects the actual population of each Member State. The report covers the 28 EU Member States. However, because the fieldwork took place before the official date of Croatia's accession to the European Union on 1 July 2013, results are presented for the EU 27 and Croatia. 4 The results tables are included in the annex. It should be noted that the total of the percentages in the tables of this report may exceed 100% when the respondent was able to provide several answers to the same question. 3

Europeans attitudes to space activities Note: In this report, countries are referred to by their official abbreviation. The abbreviations used in this report correspond to: ABBREVIATIONS BE Belgium LV Latvia CZ Czech Republic LU Luxembourg BG Bulgaria HU Hungary DK Denmark MT Malta DE Germany NL The Netherlands EE Estonia AT Austria EL Greece PL Poland ES Spain PT Portugal FR France RO Romania IE Ireland SI Slovenia IT Italy SK Slovakia CY Republic of Cyprus* FI Finland LT Lithuania SE Sweden UK The United Kingdom HR Croatia EU27 European Union 27 Member States EU15 NMS12 EURO AREA BE, IT, FR, DE, LU, NL, DK, UK, IE, PT, ES, EL, AT, SE, FI** BG, CZ, EE, CY, LT, LV, MT, HU, PL, RO, SI, SK*** BE, FR, IT, LU, DE, AT, ES, PT, IE, NL, FI, EL, EE, SI, CY, MT, SK * Cyprus as a whole is one of the 27 European Union Member States. However, the acquis communautaire has been suspended in the part of the country which is not controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus. For practical reasons, only the interviews carried out in the part of the country controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus are included in the CY category and in the EU27 average. ** EU15 refers to the 15 countries forming the European Union before the enlargements of 2004 and 2007 *** The NMS12 are the 12 new Member States which joined the European Union during the 2004 and 2007 enlargements * * * * * We wish to thank all the people interviewed throughout Europe who took the time to participate in this survey. Without their active participation, this survey would not have been possible. 4

Europeans attitudes to space activities MAIN FINDINGS Expected priorities of Europeans in 20 years time Europeans think that employment (47%) and health (42%) should be the main priorities of the EU in 20 years time, while energy (37%) and the environment (33%) are the areas where Europeans are most likely to foresee space activities playing an important role in 20 years time. When comparing the results of the two questions it appears that the environment and security are the two domains where similar numbers of respondents think both that this should be a priority for the EU in 20 years time and that space derived technologies and services will play a role in it. Impact of space activities on societal aspects Almost six out of ten Europeans think that investing in human space exploration can lead to medical progress (57%). More than seven out of ten Europeans think space activities can have a positive impact on environmental protection and more efficient agricultural activities (72%), predicting weather factors (74%) and understanding climate change (73%). Almost six out of ten Europeans (58%) and a majority of respondents in all Member States except in Slovakia where respondents are divided think that space activities contribute to job creation in the EU. More than half of Europeans would be interested in using information derived from observing the Earth from space to help plan travel and outdoor activities (55%). Almost three-quarters of Europeans think that including subjects linked to space activities in educational materials would encourage students to choose careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (73%), and that teaching subjects linked to space activities at school can help children to better imagine the society of the future (71%). Almost half of all Europeans (48%), a relative majority, would be ready to use automated vehicles guided by satellite systems in 20 years time. Future sub-orbital flights are expected by Europeans to be most useful for travelling faster between two points (34%) and for transporting urgent or valuable goods to distant destinations (30%). More than one-third of Europeans (37%) say that the future combination of observations from satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles will improve security in the EU, while 25% think this will be a threat to privacy, and 20% think that both of these statements are true. 5

Europeans attitudes to space activities Europeans and space threats Three Europeans out of ten (30%) are concerned about large asteroids and comets hitting Earth, and 35% are concerned about the disruption of space-based services caused by collisions with other satellites or space debris. More than six Europeans out of ten (62%) agree that space technologies have a role to play in avoiding threats like asteroids, comets, and space debris collisions. Europeans and space exploration There is no clear consensus among Europeans about how important it is for the EU to invest further in space exploration: 47% say it is important, while 46% say it is not important. Europeans who think that further investment in space exploration is important highlight the following reasons: to develop and test new technologies (63%) and to make unexpected scientific discoveries (53%). These represent 29% and 24% of all the respondents respectively. Europeans who do not think that further investment in space exploration is important are most likely to say this because they think there are other more pressing issues (72%). This represents a third of all the respondents (33%). This result might be linked to the current overall socio-economic context. 6

Europeans attitudes to space activities I. EUROPEANS PRIORITIES IN 20 YEARS TIME In this survey what Europeans expected to be the main priorities of the EU should be in 20 years time and their expectations of the impacts that space activities will have on society at the same future point were investigated. 1. MAIN EU PRIORITIES IN 20 YEARS TIME When asked to consider what the mainn priorities of the EU should be in 20 years time, respondents said that employment (47%) and health (42%) should be the t top priorities 5. At least threee in ten Europeans mention the economy (34%), the environment (32%) and education (31%), while 28% mention energy. (MAX.4 ANSWERS) There is a broad variation in opinions about what should be the main priorities of the EU in 20 years time in different countries. In eleven countries employment is the most mentioned priority: Spain (68%), Portugal (60%), France (59%), Greece, Italy (both 54%), Slovakia ( 53%), Ireland (50%), Czech Republic (49%), Poland (47%), Belgium (46%) and Austria (44%).( Health should be the main priority according to respondents in nine countries: Cyprus (73%), Romania (70%), Malta (60%), Bulgariaa (56%), LuxembourL rg (50%), the UK (47%), Slovenia ( 44%), the Netherlands (42%) and Estonia (39%). Education levels provide interesting variation. The longer respondents remained in education, the more likely they are to say that the environment and energy should be the main priorities of the EU in 20 years time. For example, 24% of those who completed their education aged 15 or younger mentionn the environment compared to 39% of those with the highest education levels.. 5 Respondents were given the opportunity to givee a maximum of four answers to this question 7

Europeans attitudes to space activities 2. AREAS WHERE SPACE ACTIVITIES ARE EXPECTED TO PLAYY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN 20 YEARS TIME Respondents weree asked in which areass they expect space activities a to o play an important role in 20 years time. Energy is the most mentioned area (37%),, followed by the environment (33%) and communic ation (31%) 6. (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) In 17 EU countries, and in Croatia, energy is the area where respondents are most likely to think that space technologies and space-based services will have an important role. In fact, at least half of all respondents in Denmark (56%), Finland, Sweden (both 53% %), Cyprus, the Netherlands (both 51%) and Luxembourg (50%) are convinced of this. This compares to 22% of respondents in Portugal. There are again some clear patterns inn the answers provided based onn education levels. The higher the respondents education level, the more likely they are to see a role for space technologies and services in the areas of the environment, energy, transport and communications. For example 26% of those who completed education prior to age 16 mention energy, compared to 43% of those who completed their education aged 20+. When comparing the resultss of the two questions it appears that thee environment and security are the two domains where similar numbers of respondents think both that t this should be a priority for the EU in 20 years time and that space derivedd technologies and servicess will play a role in it. 6 Respondents could give several answer to this question 8

Europeans attitudes to space activities II. EFFECTS OF SPACE ACTIVITIES ON SOCIETAL ASPECTS The survey explores also Europeans opinions about the expected impact space activities might have on society in a range of areas based on the results r of the Eurobarometer Flash Survey conducted in 2012 7 assessing priority areas of European space activities. 1. SPACE-DERIVED ACTIVITIESS AND HEALTH IMPROVEMENTT The majority of respondents thinkk that investing in human space exploration can lead to medical progress (57%), with 15% saying this could definitely happen. A relative majority of respondents inn all but one country - Finland (36%) - think that nvesting in human space exploration can lead to medical progress, although the proportions do vary to some degree. Looking at socio-demographics results, there are some interesting variations for the education level. The longer respondentss remained in education, the more likely they are to think this investment can probably or definitely lead to medical progress. 47% of those with the lowest educationn levels think this way, compared to 63% of those who completed education aged 20+. In addition, respondents who think it is important that thee EU invests further in space exploration 8 are also more likely to think investing in human space exploration can lead to progress in medicine than those who think it is not important for the EU to t make further investment in this domain (75% vs. 41%). 7 EB Flash survey n 355, Space activities, http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl_355_en.pdf, Fieldwork: F July 2012. Respondents could give two answerss from the following list: health h improvement, climate change understanding, prevention and management of man-made risks, energy management (oil, gas, and electricity), ecology and food production, education, transport and mobility. 8 QF16 How importantt is it for you that t the EU invests further in space exploration? 9

Europeans attitudes to space activities 2. SPACE-DERIVED ACTIVITIESS AND THE ENVIRONMENT 2.1. Climate change understanding Almost three-quarters of responden nts (73%) think that additional investment in observing the Earth from space cann improve understanding of the consequences of climate change. A majority of respondentss in all countries think further investment in observing the Earth from space can improve understanding of the consequences of climate change. Respondents in Sweden are the most likely to think this way (84%), followed f by those in the Netherlands and Denmark (both 82%). There are interesting variations looking at variables: educational, occupational and age - The longer respondents remained in education, the more likely they are to say that further investment in observing the Earth from space can improve understanding of the consequences of climate change. Just over six in ten of those with the lowestt education levels think this wayy (61%) compared to 82% of those who completed their education aged 20+. - - Managers (82%) are also moree likely to think this way thann other occupation groups, particularly house persons (64%) and retired persons (66%). Respondents aged 55+ are lesss likely than younger age groupss to think this t way (68% vs. 76% of those aged 25-54 and 78% of thosee aged 15-24). 10

Europeans attitudes to space activities 2.2. Meteorology Almost three-quarters of respondents think space technologies and services can be used to predict weather factors such as winds, sunshine and water availability (74%), with a quarter (25%) saying this is definitely thee case. At least l six out of ten respondents in all countries think that that space technologies and space- water based services can be used to t predict weather factors such as a winds, sunshine and availability. 2.3. Protection of the environment and agricultura al activities At least seven out of ten respondents (72%) think that space technologies and services can contribute to better environmental protection and more efficient agriculture, with 23% saying this could definitely be the case. c Oncee again at least six out of ten respondents in each country think that space technologiess and space-based servicess can contribute to better environmental protection and more efficient agriculture. 11

Europeans attitudes to space activities There are interesting patterns when looking at gender, age, educational, and occupational variables: - Men are more likely than women to say that space technologies and services can be used for weather prediction (76% vs. 70%) and for improving environmental protection and the efficiency of agricultural activities (75% vs. 68%). - Respondents aged 55+ are less likely to say space technologies and space-based services can contribute in these two areas. - The longer respondents remained in education, the more likely they are to think space technologies and space-based services can contribute to weather prediction and to improving environmental protection and the efficiency of agricultural activities. - For both questions, managers (81% and 80%), white-collar workers (78% and 75%) and the self-employed (77% for both questions) are the most likely to think that space activities can contribute to weather prediction and to improve environmental protection and the efficiency of agricultural activities. 12

Europeans attitudes to space activities 3. SPACE-DERIVED ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES As an introduction to the question respondents were read the following contextual background In 20 years time, Earth observation from space and other technologies should help to create maps that indicate the probability of threats such as air pollution, water quality or contagious diseases and then asked whereas they would be interested or not in using such information. More than half of all respondents would be interested in using information derived from Earth observation to help plan travel and outdoor activities (55%). 13

Europeans attitudes to space activities At least half of the respondents in all but four countries say they would be interested in using information derived from Earth observation to help plan travel and outdoor activities. The exceptions are respondents in Portugal, Greece (both 46%), Germany (48%) and Malta (49%), although there were relative majorities in all these countries except Greece. Socio-demographic patterns regarding age, education and occupation variables emerge: - The older the respondents, the less likely they are to be interested: 69% of 15-24 year olds say they would be interested, compared to 43% of those aged 55+. - The longer respondents remained in education, the more likely they are to be interested in using this information to plan travel and outdoor activities with 39% of those with the lowest education levels saying they would be interested, compared to 62% of those who completed their education aged 20+. - Managers (64%) and white-collar workers (65%) are also more likely to be interested than other occupation groups. 14

Europeans attitudes to space activities 4. SPACE-DERIVED ACTIVITIESS AND EDUCATION More than 7 out of 10 Europeans think thatt includingg subjectss linked to space activities would benefit education. Almost three-quarters of respondentss think that including subjectss linked to space activities in educational materials wouldd encourage students to choose careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (73%). Just over seven out of ten respondents think that teaching subjects linked to space activities at school can helpp children to t better imagine the society of the future f (71%), with 22% sayingg this couldd definitely be the case. National results show a little level of variation. In all countries, at least six out of ten respondents think that including subjects linked to space activities would benefit education. Looking at socio-demographics results, there are some interesting variations with respect to education level. The longer respondentss remainedd in education, the more likely they are to think includingg subjects linked to space activities in educational materials would encourage more students to choose careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. More than three-quarters (77%) of those with the highest education levels think this way, compared to 67% of those whoo completed their education aged 15 or younger. 15

Europeans attitudes to space activities 5. SPACE-DERIVED ACTIVITIESS AND TRANSPORT 5.1. Use of automated vehicless guided by satellite-based navigation systems Almost half of all Europeans (48%), a relative majority, would be ready to use automated vehicles guided by satellite systems in 202 years time, with 16% saying they would definitely be ready to do this. National results show a high level of variation. More than two-thirds of respondents in the Netherlands (69%) would be ready to use automatedd vehicles guided by satellite- based navigation systems in 20 years time, as would 65% in Denmark. However, in 16 countries fewer than half would be ready to do this. This iss particularly the case among respondents in Cyprus, Bulgaria (both 38%) and Romania (39%). Socio-demographic variables linked to age and education reveal the following patterns: - Respondents aged 55+ are thee least likely to be ready r to use these kinds of vehicles (35%), particularly compared to those aged 15-39 (58%-60%). - The higher the education level, the more likely a respondent is to be ready to use automated vehicles guided by satellite-based navigation systems in 20 years time. 5.2. Prospects of suborbital flights Respondents weree asked the reasons why sub-orbital spacee flights (flights goingg to the edge of space altitude of about 1000 kilometres) might be b useful inn the future. Just over one-third (34%) said to travel faster between two points,, while 30% said to transport urgent and valuable goods to distant destinations. 16

Europeans attitudes to space activities About one in five respondents (21%) tourism opportunities 9. say these flights would be useful to develop new (ROTATE MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) There are interesting variations variables: looking at gender, age and educational - - Men are more likely than women to mention travelling faster from one point to another (39% vs. 29%), and developing new tourism opportunities (24% vs. 18%). Respondents aged 55+ are less likely than those in younger age groups to mention any of the three options. For instance, 27% mention travelling faster from one point to another, compared to 41% of thosee aged 15-24. - The longer respondents remained in education, the more likely they are to mention travelling faster between two points: 26% of thosee with the lowest education levels mention this reason, compared to 38% of those with the highest education levels. 9 Respondents were able to give several answers to this question 17

Europeans attitudes to space activities 6. SPACE DERIVED ACTIVITIES AND EMPLOYMENT Almost six out of ten Europeans (58%) think that space activities contribute to job creation in the EU, with 14% saying this is definitely the t case, while only 9% think that investing in space activities definitively does not contribute to job creation. At least half the respondents in 23 countries thinkk that investing in space activities definitely or probably contributes to job creation inn the EU, and in three of the remaining four countries a relative majority think this way. The exception is Slovakia, where opinion is evenly divided (46% positive and 46% negative). Socio-demographic analysis shows similar patterns to many previous questions with respect to gender, age, education, and occupation variables: - Men are more likely than t women to say that investing in space to job creation (62% vs. 54%). activities can lead - The younger the respondents, the more likely they are a to thinkk this way: 64% of those aged 15-24 say investing in space activities contributes to job creation, compared to 53% of those t aged 55+. - The longer respondents remained in education, the more likely they are to say investing in space activities contributes to job creation. Fewer than half (47%) of those with the lowestt educationn levels think this way, compared to 67% of those who completed their education aged 20+. - Managers (67%), white-collar workers (64%) and the self-employed (63%) are also more likely to think this wayy than other occupation groups. 18

Europeans attitudes to space activities 7. SPACE DERIVED ACTIVITIES AND SECURITY Respondents weree asked which of twoo statements best described their view on using observations from satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles andd the monitoring communications to manage border control and fight organised crime in the EU. The most common answer is that the use of this technology will improve security within the EU (37%), while a quarter (25%) say that usee of this technology will be a threat to privacy. One in five (20%) agree with both statements. Respondents in 21 countries are most likely to say that the use off these technologies will improve security in the EU. This is particularly the case of respondents in Denmark (55%) and Poland (52%), followedd by those in the UK, Sweden and Finland (all 48%). Luxembourg (34%) and Greece (32%) are the only countries where respondents are mostt likely to say that use of these technologies will be a threat to privacy. 19

Europeans attitudes to space activities III. EUROPEANS AND SPACEE THREATS The survey focused also on Europeans level of concern about threatss from space, such as large asteroidss and comments hitting Earth, and about the potential disruption of space-based services caused by the collisions with other satellites or space debris (space debris is pieces of rockets and of satellites). The role thatt space technologies have in mitigating these threats was also explored. 1. CONCERNS ABOUT THREATS FROM ASTEROIDS AND A COMETS HITTING EARTH Three Europeans out of 10 are concerned about large asteroids and comets hitting Earth, of whom just under a quarter (23%) are fairly concerned about this possibility, and 7% are very concerned.. The map below shows that the t level off concern about large comets and asteroidss hitting Earth varies considerably between Member States. Eastern and southern European countries are more likely to be concerned about thiss possibility than those in the western and northern areas of the EU. 20

Europeans attitudes to space activities 2. CONCERNS ABOUT THREATS FROM SPACE POLLUTION AND ON DISRUPTIONS OF SPACE-BAS SED SERVICES Over one-third of respondents (35%) indicate that they t are concerned about potential disruption to space-based services causedd by collisions with other satellites or space debris. Respondents in eastern and southern areas of the European E Union are most likely to be concerned about potential disruption to space-bass sed services as a result of collisions between satellites or with space debris. At least half of all respondents in Italy and Lithuania (both 52%) indicate that they aree concerned about this possibility, followed by those in Poland (48%) and Hungary (46%).. 3. ROLE OF SPACE TECHNOLOGIES IN REDUCING THOSE T THREATS More than six out of ten Europeans think that space technologies can help reducee threats like asteroids, comet impacts and spacee debris. Most Europeans agree that there iss a role for space technologiess in reducing the threat from asteroids or comets hitting Earth, or from space debris (62%). Only a quarter (25%) does not think these technologies have a role in these areas. The majority of respondents in all but one country Malta - think that there t is an important role for space technologies in reducing the threatt from asteroids, comet impacts or space debris. Respondents in Sweden are the most likely to think this way (73%), followed by those in Bulgaria (71%), thee Czech Republic (70%) and Poland (69%). 21

Europeans attitudes to space activities IV. EUROPEANS AND SPACEE EXPLORATION The survey looked also at the views of Europeans in relationn to furtherr EU investment in space exploration, and whether Europee should be a partner in an international manned mission to Mars. 1. ROLE OF THE EU IN SPACE EXPLORATION There is no clear consensus amongst Europeans about how important it is for the EU to invest further in i space exploration: 47% say it is important, while 46% say it is not important. There is a wide range of opinions across countries in the EU. In ten countries at least half of all respondents think that further investment byy the EU inn space exploration is important: Bulgaria (67%), Finland ( 65%), the Czech Republic (63%), Belgium (59%), Poland (57%), Slovenia (57%), Italy (56%), Estonia (53%), the Netherlands (51%) and Hungary (50%). At the other end of the scale 32% of respondents in Portugal and 35% in Spain and Maltaa think this way. Socio-demographic analysis reveals that: - Men are more likely than t women to say that it is important for the EU to invest further in space exploration (53% vs. 42% ). - The younger the respondents, the more likely they are a to say important. For example 42% off those aged 55+ think further area is important, compared to 54% of those aged 15-24. this investment is investment in this - The longer respondents remained in education, the more likely they are to think it is important for the EU to invest further in space exploration. Just over one-third of those with the lowest education levels think this way w (36%), compared to 53% of those who completed their education aged 20+. 22

Europeans attitudes to space activities Respondents who think it is important t for the EU to invest further in space exploration were asked the reasons for their opinion. More than half think t it important in order to develop and test new technologies (63%) and to make unexpected scientific discoveries (53%). At least four inn ten think this investment will contribute to economic development (44%). (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) Base: Respondents who think that it is important for the EU to invest further in space exploration (n= =12,640) Respondents who consideredd that it is not important for the EU to invest further in i space exploration were also asked for their reasons. A large majority (72%) say that there are more pressing issues that require investment. Thiss represents a third of all the respondents (33%). This result mightt be linked to the current overall socio-economic context. (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) Base: Respondents who think that t it is NOT important for the EU to invest further inn space exploration (n=12,332) 23

Europeans attitudes to space activities 2. EUROPE AS A PARTNER IN AN INTERNATIONAL MISSION TO MARS Over one third of respondents (35%) think it is important for Europeans to explore Mars in 20 years as part of an international mission. There are however divergent views across countries on thee importance of Europeans exploring Mars as part of an international mission. At least half of all respondents in Bulgaria (60%), Poland (51%), Italy and Greece (50%) think this is important, compared to 19% in Germany and 23% in Sweden. Socio-demographic analysis shows that: - Men are more likely than t women to think it is important for Europeans to explore Mars in 20 years as part of an international mission (39% vs. 31%). - The younger the respondents, the more likely they are a to thinkk this is important: 46% of those aged 15-24 think this way, compared too 28% of those aged 55+. - Almost four in ten (38%) of those with the highest educationn levels think this way, compared to 24% of those who completed their education aged 15 or younger. Respondents who think it important for r the EU to invest further in space exploration 10 are also much more likely to think it is important for Europeans to explore Mars as part of an international mission, compared to those who think thiss further investmentt is not important (63% vs. 10%). 10 QF16 How important is it for you that the EU invests furtherr in space exploration? 24

Europeans attitudes to space activities CONCLUSIONS This survey shows that Europeans are generally positive about the role space technologies and space-derived services have today and will have on future society and in helping face societal challenges. Energy (37%), the environment (33%) and communication (31%) are the areas where Europeans are most likely to foresee space activities playing an important role in 20 years time. Many Europeans clearly see the benefits that space activities can offer. There are also similarities in national results which illustrate the consensus among European citizens on several space issues. Indeed, for most of the questions results are rather similar from one EU Member State to another, and the EU average usually reflects opinion in all countries. It is worth saying that in many cases Eurobarometer surveys show more differences of opinions between countries compared to this survey. A clear majority of respondents in all Member States except in Slovakia where respondents are evenly divided think that investing in space activities will contribute to job creation in the EU. More than seven out of ten Europeans think space activities can have a positive impact on environmental protection and more efficient agricultural activities, and understanding climate change. As another example, at least six out of ten respondents in all countries think that space technologies and services can be used to predict weather factors such as winds, sunshine and water availability. Additionally, at least six out of ten respondents in each country think that including subjects linked to space activities in educational materials would encourage more students to choose careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. There are more variations between opinions in different countries about threats from space and about space exploration. There is no clear consensus among Europeans about the importance of the EU investing further in space exploration: 47% say it is important, while 46% say it is not important. It is however worth noting that for those who do not think further investment in space exploration is important, it is most likely to be a matter of priorities. The current poor economic and social climate in the EU may be the main reason why Europeans are divided on this, as the vast majority of those who think it is not important to invest further say that this is because there are other pressing issues. There are some consistent socio-demographic patterns in the opinions of Europeans about space-derived technologies and services. Education seems to be one of the main socio-demographic drivers of the results of the survey. Respondents with higher education levels are generally much more positive about the role and impact of space activities. Men are also generally more positive about the role and impact of space activities, as are younger respondents. 25

ANNEXES

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Europeans attitudes to space activities SPECIAL EUROBAROMETER 403 Space derived activities TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Between the 24 May and 9 June 2013, TNS opinion & social, a consortium created between TNS plc and TNS opinion, carried out the wave 79.4 of the EUROBAROMETER survey, on request of the EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Directorate-General for Communication, Strategy, Corporate Communication Actions and Eurobarometer Unit. The Special EUROBAROMETER 403 survey is part of wave 79.4 and covers the population of the respective nationalities of the European Union Member States, resident in each of the Member States and aged 15 years and over. The Special EUROBAROMETER 403 survey has also been conducted in Croatia where the survey covers the national population of citizens and the population of citizens of all the European Union Member States that are residents in this country and have a sufficient command of the national languages to answer the questionnaire. The basic sample design applied in all states is a multi-stage, random (probability) one. In each country, a number of sampling points was drawn with probability proportional to population size (for a total coverage of the country) and to population density. In order to do so, the sampling points were drawn systematically from each of the "administrative regional units", after stratification by individual unit and type of area. They thus represent the whole territory of the countries surveyed according to the EUROSTAT NUTS II (or equivalent) and according to the distribution of the resident population of the respective nationalities in terms of metropolitan, urban and rural areas. In each of the selected sampling points, a starting address was drawn, at random. Further addresses (every Nth address) were selected by standard "random route" procedures, from the initial address. In each household, the respondent was drawn, at random (following the "closest birthday rule"). All interviews were conducted face-to-face in people's homes and in the appropriate national language. As far as the data capture is concerned, CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interview) was used in those countries where this technique was available. For each country a comparison between the sample and the universe was carried out. The Universe description was derived from Eurostat population data or from national statistics offices. For all countries surveyed, a national weighting procedure, using marginal and intercellular weighting, was carried out based on this Universe description. In all countries, gender, age, region and size of locality were introduced in the iteration procedure. For international weighting (i.e. EU averages), TNS Opinion & Social applies the official population figures as provided by EUROSTAT or national statistic offices. The total population figures for input in this post-weighting procedure are listed below. TS1

Europeans attitudes to space activities Readers are reminded that survey results are estimations, the accuracy of which, everything being equal, rests upon the sample size and upon the observed percentage. With samples of about 1,000 interviews, the real percentages vary within the following confidence limits: Statistical Margins due to the sampling process (at the 95% level of confidence) various sample sizes are in rows various observed results are in columns 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 95% 90% 85% 80% 75% 70% 65% 60% 55% 50% N=50 6,0 8,3 9,9 11,1 12,0 12,7 13,2 13,6 13,8 13,9 N=50 N=500 1,9 2,6 3,1 3,5 3,8 4,0 4,2 4,3 4,4 4,4 N=500 N=1000 1,4 1,9 2,2 2,5 2,7 2,8 3,0 3,0 3,1 3,1 N=1000 N=1500 1,1 1,5 1,8 2,0 2,2 2,3 2,4 2,5 2,5 2,5 N=1500 N=2000 1,0 1,3 1,6 1,8 1,9 2,0 2,1 2,1 2,2 2,2 N=2000 N=3000 0,8 1,1 1,3 1,4 1,5 1,6 1,7 1,8 1,8 1,8 N=3000 N=4000 0,7 0,9 1,1 1,2 1,3 1,4 1,5 1,5 1,5 1,5 N=4000 N=5000 0,6 0,8 1,0 1,1 1,2 1,3 1,3 1,4 1,4 1,4 N=5000 N=6000 0,6 0,8 0,9 1,0 1,1 1,2 1,2 1,2 1,3 1,3 N=6000 N=7000 0,5 0,7 0,8 0,9 1,0 1,1 1,1 1,1 1,2 1,2 N=7000 N=7500 0,5 0,7 0,8 0,9 1,0 1,0 1,1 1,1 1,1 1,1 N=7500 N=8000 0,5 0,7 0,8 0,9 0,9 1,0 1,0 1,1 1,1 1,1 N=8000 N=9000 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9 0,9 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,0 N=9000 N=10000 0,4 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,8 0,9 0,9 1,0 1,0 1,0 N=10000 N=11000 0,4 0,6 0,7 0,7 0,8 0,9 0,9 0,9 0,9 0,9 N=11000 N=12000 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,8 0,9 0,9 0,9 0,9 N=12000 N=13000 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,7 0,8 0,8 0,8 0,9 0,9 N=13000 N=14000 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,7 0,8 0,8 0,8 0,8 0,8 N=14000 N=15000 0,3 0,5 0,6 0,6 0,7 0,7 0,8 0,8 0,8 0,8 N=15000 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 95% 90% 85% 80% 75% 70% 65% 60% 55% 50% TS2

Europeans attitudes to space activities ABBR. COUNTRIES INSTITUTES N INTERVIEWS FIELDWORK DATES POPULATION 15+ BE Belgium TNS Dimarso 1.006 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 8.939.546 BG Bulgaria TNS BBSS 1.025 25/05/2013 02/06/2013 6.537.510 CZ Czech Rep. TNS Aisa 1.026 24/05/2013 06/06/2013 9.012.443 DK Denmark TNS Gallup DK 1.010 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 4.561.264 DE Germany TNS Infratest 1.505 24/05/2013 09/06/2013 64.336.389 EE Estonia Emor 1.008 24/05/2013 09/06/2013 945.733 IE Ireland IMS Millward Brown 1.001 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 3.522.000 EL Greece TNS ICAP 1.002 25/05/2013 08/06/2013 8.693.566 ES Spain TNS Demoscopia 1.008 24/05/2013 09/06/2013 39.127.930 FR France TNS Sofres 1.053 24/05/2013 08/06/2013 47.756.439 IT Italy TNS Italia 1.025 25/05/2013 07/06/2013 51.862.391 CY Rep. of Cyprus Synovate 506 24/05/2013 09/06/2013 660.400 LV Latvia TNS Latvia 1.018 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 1.447.866 LT Lithuania TNS LT 1.023 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 2.829.740 LU Luxembourg TNS ILReS 502 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 434.878 HU Hungary TNS Hoffmann Kft 1.033 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 8.320.614 MT Malta MISCO 500 24/05/2013 09/06/2013 335.476 NL Netherlands TNS NIPO 1.013 24/05/2013 09/06/2013 13.371.980 AT Austria Österreichisches Gallup-Institut 1.034 24/05/2013 09/06/2013 7.009.827 PL Poland TNS OBOP 1.000 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 32.413.735 PT Portugal TNS EUROTESTE 1.007 28/05/2013 09/06/2013 8.080.915 RO Romania TNS CSOP 1.053 25/05/2013 04/06/2013 18.246.731 SI Slovenia RM PLUS 1.005 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 1.759.701 SK Slovakia TNS Slovakia 1.000 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 4.549.955 FI Finland TNS Gallup Oy 1.003 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 4.440.004 SE Sweden TNS GALLUP 1.000 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 7.791.240 UK United Kingdom TNS UK 1.314 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 51.848.010 TOTAL EU27 26.680 24/05/2013 09/06/2013 408.836.283 HR Croatia Puls 1.000 25/05/2013 09/06/2013 3.749.400 TOTAL EU28 27.680 24/05/2013 09/06/2013 412.585.683 TS3