EUROPEANS ATTITUDES TO SPACE ACTIVITIES

Transcription

1 Special Eurobarometer 403 EUROPEANS ATTITUDES TO SPACE ACTIVITIES REPORT 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. 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 TNS Opinion & Social

2 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)

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 3 MAIN FINDINGS... 6 I. EUROPEANS PRIORITIES IN 20 YEARS TIME Main EU priorities in 20 years time Areas where space activities are expected TO play an important role in 20 years time II. EFFECTS OF SPACE ACTIVITIES ON SOCIETAL ASPECTS Space-derived activities and health improvement Space-derived activities and the environment Climate change understanding Meteorology Protection of the environment and agricultural activities Space-derived activities and travel and outdoor activities Space-derived activities and education The role of space activities in encouraging more students to choose scientific careers The role of space activities in helping children to better imagine the society of the future Space-derived activities and transport Use of automated vehicles guided by satellite-based navigation systems Prospects of suborbital flights Space derived activities and employment Space derived activities and security III. EUROPEANS AND SPACE THREATS Concerns about threats from asteroids and comets hitting Earth Concerns about threats from space pollution and on disruptions of space-based services Role of space technologies in reducing those threats

4 IV. EUROPEANS AND SPACE EXPLORATION Role of the EU in space exploration Europe as a partner in an international mission to Mars CONCLUSIONS

5 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 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 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 For further information on EU Space policy please see:

6 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 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. 4

7 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 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,, 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. 5

8 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. Health, employment and education are linked as priority EU policy areas in 20 years time Europeans who mention one of these as a priority are also more likely to mention the other two. Employment and the economy are also linked in the same way. 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. There are some clear patterns in the answers provided based on education levels. 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. Similarly, the higher 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. 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%) think that space activities contribute to job creation in the EU. A majority of respondents in all Member States except in Slovakia where respondents are divided think investing in space activities will 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%). 6

9 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. 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 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. 7

10 Europeans attitudes to space activities I. EUROPEANS PRIORITIES IN 20 YEARS TIME This first section of this report considers what Europeans expect the main priorities of the EU should be in 20 years time and investigates their expectations off the impacts that space activities will have on society at the same future point. 1. MAIN EU PRIORITIES IN 20 YEARS TIME - Employment and health should be the main priorities of the EU 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 top priorities 5. At least three in ten Europeans mention the economy (34%), the environmentt (32%) and education (31%), while 28% mention energy. At least one in five respondents mention food production quality and distribution (23%), security (21%) and human rights (20%), while 15% mention social rights and housing. Fewer than one in ten mention transport (8%), communication (6%) or leisure activities (2%). (MAX.4 ANSWERS) 5 Respondents were given the opportunity to givee a maximum of four answers to this question 8

11 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%). Hungary (24%) and Latvia (25%) are the countries where employment was least mentioned as probable priority of the EU in 20 years' time. Health should be the main priority according to respondents in nine countries: Cyprus (73%), Romania (70%), Malta (60%), Bulgaria (56%), Luxembourg (50%), the UK (47%), Slovenia (44%), the Netherlands (42%) and Estonia (39%). Although health is not the main priority, it is also mentioned by at least half of all respondents in Denmark (54%) and Greece (50%). However, health is least mentioned by respondents in Hungary (32%) and Germany, Latvia, Italy, Belgium and Croatia (all 34%). Respondents in Lithuania (45%) and Latvia (35%) are most likely to say that the economy should be one of the main priorities in 20 years time. However across the EU the economy is most likely to be mentioned by respondents in Greece (49%) and it is also mentioned by at least four in ten respondents in Hungary (42%), Cyprus (41%) and Croatia (40%). In contrast, 19% of respondents in Malta and Luxembourg mention the economy. Across the EU just under one-third of respondents mention the environment, but the proportion is much higher in Sweden (69%) and Denmark (60%) where this is the most mentioned option. In a sharp contrast, only 14% of respondents in Portugal and 19% in Spain mention the environment. Respondents in Spain and Germany are the most likely to mention education (both 42 %), while only 11% of respondents in Hungary and 14% in Poland do so. However, respondents in Hungary are the most likely to mention energy as a priority (48%), followed by those in Germany (43%) and Malta (42%). In both Hungary and Germany energy is also the most mentioned priority, while it is least mentioned by respondents in Spain (8%). Almost one in four respondents in Finland and the Czech Republic think that food production quality and distribution should be the main priority of the EU in 20 years time (both 38%). This compares with 13% in Malta and Italy and 14% in Spain. Respondents in Finland are also the most likely in the EU to mention security (41%), followed by those in Cyprus (33%) and the Netherlands (32%). At the other end of the scale 10% of respondents in Ireland, and 11% in Spain mention security. Human rights are most likely to be mentioned as a main priority by respondents in Sweden (46%), followed by those in Cyprus (33%). They are least likely to be mentioned by respondents in Latvia and Slovakia (both 13%). Respondents in the UK are the most likely to mention housing (28%), particularly compared to those in Bulgaria (3%). Nearly a quarter of respondents in Slovenia and Portugal mention social rights (both 24%), compared to 8% in the UK. 9

12 Transport is most likely to be mentioned as a main priority by respondents in Austria (14%), compared to 2% in Cyprus. Communication is mentioned by 13% respondents in Bulgaria, but by just 3% in Finland, France, Portugal and Spain. Overall fewer than 5% of respondents in any country mention leisure activities as a main priority. (MAX.4 ANSWERS) Socio-demographic analysis reveals few differences in priorities across age and gender lines. Women are slightly more likely than men to mention health (45% vs. 39%), while men are slightly more likely to mention energy (31% vs. 25%). Respondents aged are the least likely to say that health should be one of the main priorities of the EU in 20 years time (35% vs. 42% of those aged between 25 and 39 and 46% of those aged 55+). They are also less likely than those aged 40+ to mention food production quality and distribution (18% vs. 24 of those aged 55+ and 25% of those aged 40-54). Respondents aged are, on the other hand, the most likely to mention education, particularly when compared to those aged 55+ (35% vs. 27%). 10

13 Education levels provide more 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 mention the environment compared to 39% of those with the highest education levels. Respondents with the lowest education levels are also the least likely to mention food production quality and distribution and education (19%), but they are the most likely to mention employment (53%). The unemployed and house persons are significantly more likely than other occupation groups to mention employment (59% and 53%) as one of the main priorities. House persons and retired persons are the most likely to mention health (both 48%). The selfemployed, on the other hand, are more likely than other groups to mention the economy (41%). Managers are significantly more likely than other groups to mention the environment (43%) and energy (38%). The results also show some interesting links between priorities. For instance, health, employment and education appear to be linked as priorities for respondents. Respondents who mention education as a priority are among the most likely to also mention employment (48%) and health (44%). Those who mention health are also the most likely to mention education (32%) and are also more likely to mention employment (48%). Similarly, those who mention employment as a priority are also among the most likely to mention health (43%) and education (31%). Employment and the economy are also linked as priorities. Those who mention the economy as a priority are the most likely to mention employment (52%). The reverse pattern also applies. 11

14 (MAX.4 ANSWERS) 12

15 Europeans attitudes to space activities 2. AREAS WHERE SPACE ACTIVITIES ARE EXPECTED TO PLAYY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN 20 YEARS TIME - Nearly four Europeans in i ten expect space activities to play ann important role in energyy 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 thee most mentioned area (37%), followed by the environment (33%) and communicationn (31%) 6. At least one in five Europeans mention health (25%), transport, the economy (both 23%), employment (22%) and security (20%). More thann one in ten also think that space-derived technologies and services will play an important role inn education (16%) as well as food production quality and distribution (13%). Space activities are however less likelyy to be seen to havee an important role in leisure activities (5%), social and human rightss (6% and 7% respectively) andd housing (8%). (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) 6 Respondents could give several answer to this question 13

16 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. The environment is the most mentioned area in Greece (48%), Slovakia (43%) and Belgium (40%), but it is also widely mentioned by respondents in Denmark (51%), Sweden and Cyprus (both 47%). Respondents in Lithuania are the least likely to think that space technologies and services and activities will play an important role in the environment in 20 years time (19%). In seven countries communication is the area where respondents are most likely to think that space technologies and services will have an important role. This is particularly the case amongst respondents in Sweden (57%) and Bulgaria (45%). Across the EU communication is also mentioned by a notable proportion of respondents in Finland (47%), Denmark (45%) and the Netherlands (44%). In contrast, only 17% of respondents in Portugal and 19% in Slovakia mention communication. Romania is the only country where respondents are most likely to say that space technologies and services will have an important role in health in 20 years time (42%). However, health is also mentioned by 36% of respondents in the Netherlands and Luxembourg. In comparison only 13% of respondents in Finland and Sweden and 14% in Lithuania mention health. Respondents in Austria are more likely than those in other countries to mention transport (42%) as an area where space technologies and services can provide benefit in 20 years' time, followed by respondents in the Czech Republic (34%) and Sweden and Germany (both 30%). In contrast just 6% of respondents in Hungary mention transport. Respondents in Austria are also more likely than those in other countries to mention the economy (40%), compared to 12% in Finland. Respondents in Portugal (35%) are the most likely to say that employment is an area where space technologies and services will have an important role in 20 years time, particularly compared to those in Estonia (9%). Respondents in the Czech Republic are the most likely to mention security (36%), compared to 14% in France and Spain. Respondents in Cyprus (25%) and the UK (24%) are the most likely to mention education, while those in the Netherlands are the most likely to mention food production quality and distribution (25%). Respondents in the UK are the most likely to say that space technologies and services will have an important role in 20 years time in housing (13%), while in Portugal respondents are the most likely to say this about human rights (14%) and social rights (16%). Respondents in Austria are the most likely to see an important role for space technologies and services in leisure activities (13%). 14

17 (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) Socio-demographic analysis illustrates that men are more likely than women to see a role for space technologies and services in 20 years' time in energy (41% vs. 33%), communications (35% vs. 27%) and transport (26% vs. 21%). There is, however, only one notable age related difference: those aged 55+ are less likely than younger respondents to see an important role for space technologies and services in energy in 20 years time (32% vs. 37% of the respondents aged and 40% of the respondents aged 25-54). There are some clear patterns in the answers provided based on 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+. Managers are the most likely to mention the environment (40%) and communication (41%). 15

18 (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) As for the previous question, these results also show some interesting links between areas. For example, energy and the environment are linked priorities. Those who mention the environment as an area where space technologies and services will have a role in 20 years time are also the most likely to mention energy (54%). The reverse pattern is also true. (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) 16

19 Europeans attitudes to space activities A comparison of the resultss of the two questions suggests 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: - About one-third of respondents thinkk that the environment should be a priority in 20 years time (32%), and that space-derived technologies havee an important role to play in this area (33%). - About two respondents out of ten think that security should be a priority in 20 years time (21%), and that space-derived technologies have an important role to play in this area (20%). 17

20 Europeans attitudes to space activities II. EFFECTS OF SPACE ACTIVITIES ON SOCIETAL ASPECTS This section of the report explores Europeans opinions about the expected impact space activities might have on society in a range of areas based on the results of the Eurobarometer Flash Survey conducted in assessingg priority areas of European space activities. These priority areas included: health improvement, energy management, education, transport andd mobility, prevention and management off natural and man-made risks, ecology and food production, understanding climate change. The perceived impact of space activities on job creation, weatherr prediction, and environmental protection was also discussed. Furthermore, opinions about the role r that space activities may have in encouraging students to choose c science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers, as well as better imagining i future society are explored. 1. SPACE-DERIVED ACTIVITIESS AND HEALTH IMPROVEMENTT - Almost six out of ten Europeans think that investing in human space exploration can lead to medical progress - The majority of respondents think that t investing in human space s exploration can lead to medical progress (57%), with 15% saying this could definitely happen. Just over a quarterr (28%) think that this investment could not lead to medical progress. 7 Flash survey n 355, Space activities, Fieldwork: F July 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. 18

21 Europeans attitudes to space activities At least half of the respondents in all but three countries - Spain (49%),, Latvia (47%) and Finland (36%) - think that investing in human spacee exploration can lead to medical progress, although the proportions do vary to some degree. Respondents in Hungary (75%), Bulgaria (73%) and Belgium (71%) are the most likely to think that human space exploration n can lead to progress in medicine. Finland is the only country where a majority of respondents do not think that investing in human space exploration could lead to medical progress (60% vs. 36%). Socio-demographic analysis shows that men are more likely than women to think that investing in human space exploration can lead to progress in medicine (62% vs. 52%). In addition, the longer respondents remained in education,, the more likely they are to think this investment can probably or definitely lead to medical progress. For example 47% of those with the lowest educationn levels think this way, compared to 63% of those who completed education aged 20+. House persons (46%), the unemploye d (52%), the retired (55%) and manual workers (55%) are all less likely to think investing in human space exploration can lead to progress in medicine than white-collar r workers (62%), managers (61%) and the t self- employed (61%). 19

22 Attitudinal variables show that respondents who think that space technologies and spacebased services will play an important role in health in 20 years time 8 are also the most likely to think investing in human space exploration can lead to progress in medicine (70%). 8 QF2 In which of the following areas do you think space derived technologies and services will play an important role in 20 years time? (ROTATE MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) 20

23 In addition, respondents who think it is important that the EU invests further in space exploration 9 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 make further investment in this domain (75% vs. 41%). 9 QF16 How important is it for you that the EU invests further in space exploration? 21

24 Europeans attitudes to space activities 2. SPACE-DERIVED ACTIVITIESS AND THE ENVIRONMENT - At least seven out of ten t Europeans think that space activities can have a positive impact on environmental protection, agriculture, predicting climate factors and understanding climate change c Climate change understanding Almost three-quarters of respondents (73%) think that additional investment in observing the Earth from space can improve understand ing of thee consequences of climate change. A quarter (26%) say this could definitely be b the case. Just over one in ten (12%) think this would probably not be the case, while 5% 5 say it would definitely not be the case. 22

25 Europeans attitudes to space activities 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%). Respondentss in Malta are the least likely to do so, but even here 59% think that further investment in observing the Earth from space can probably or definitely improve understanding of the consequences of climate change. Socio-demographic analysis highlightss that men are moree likely than women to say further investment in observing the Earth from space can probably or definitely improve understanding of the consequences of climate change (77% vs. 70%). Respondents aged 55+ are less likely than younger age groups to think this way (68% vs. 76% of those aged and 78% of those aged 15-24). 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 thee lowest education levels think this way (61%) comparedd to 82% of those who completed their education aged 20+. Managers (82%) are also more likely to think this way thann other occupation groups, particularly house persons (64%) and retired persons (66%). 23

26 Respondents who think that space technologies and space-based services will play an important role in the environment in 20 years time 10 are among the most likely to think further investments in Earth observation from space can improve understanding of the consequences of climate change, as do those who think that in 20 years time spacebased services will play an important role in transport, communication and energy. 10 QF2 In which of the following areas do you think space derived technologies and services will play an important role in 20 years time? (ROTATE MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) 24

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28 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 quarterr (25%) saying this is definitelyy the case. Just over one in tenn (12%) think this would probably not be the case, while only 4% say it would definitely d not be the case. At least six out of ten respondents in all countries think that thatt space technologies and space-based services can be used to t predict weather factors such as winds, sunshine and water availability. Those in Sweden (89%), Cyprus (86%), the Netherlands and Bulgaria (both 83%) are the most likely too agree, compared to 64% in Portugal. 26

29 Europeans attitudes to space activities 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 efficientt agriculture, with 23% saying this could definitely be the case. More than one in ten (14%) think these technologies probably would not contribute in this way, whilee only 4% say they definitely could not. 27

30 Europeans attitudes to space activities Once again at least six out of ten respondents in eachh country think thatt space technologies and space-based services can contributee to better environmental protection and more efficient agriculture. Respondents s in the Netherlands (83%), Cyprus and Bulgaria (both 81%) are the most likely to hold this opinion, with those t in Malta (63%) and Portugal (64%) showing less support. Similar patterns for socio-demographic analysis for thee two questions linked to meteorology and protection of the environment and agricultural activities are apparent. Men are more likely than women to sayy that space technologies and services can be used for weather prediction (76% vs. 70%) ) and for improving environmene ntal protection and the efficiency of agricultural activities (75% vs. 68%). Respondents aged 55+ are less likely to say space technologies and space-based servicess can contribute in these two areas. For example 67% think space technologies and services can be used to predict weather aspects such ass prevailingg winds, compared to 76% of those aged 40-54,, 77% of those aged and 79% 7 of years old). 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 example 80% of those with the highest education levels say spacee technologies and servicess can contribute to better environmental protection and more efficient agricultural activities, compared to 60% of those who completed education aged 155 or younger. 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 too think that space activities can contribute to weather prediction and to improve environmental protection and the efficiency of agricultural activities. In contrast, house personss (63% and 62%) and retired peoplee (66% and 65%) aree the least likely to think that space activities can contribute to weather prediction andd to improve environmental protection and the efficiency of agricultural activities. 28

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32 Attitudinal variables show that respondents who think that space technologies and spacebased services will play an important role in energy in 20 years time 11 are among the most likely to think investing in space can be used to predict prevailing winds, periods of sunshine or the availability of water. It is also the case of those who think that, in 20 years' time, space technologies and space-based services will play an important role in communication, transports or on environment 12. Respondents who think that space technologies and space-based services will play an important role in the environment in 20 years time are among the most likely to think that space technologies and space-based services can contribute to better protection of the environment and more efficient agricultural activities (83%), as do those who think that in 20 years time space-based services will play an important role in communication (84%). 11 QF2 In which of the following areas do you think space derived technologies and services will play an important role in 20 years time? (ROTATE MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) 12 QF2 In which of the following areas do you think space derived technologies and services will play an important role in 20 years time? (ROTATE MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) 30

33 Europeans attitudes to space activities 3. SPACE-DERIVED ACTIVITIESS AND TRAVEL AND OUTDOORO R ACTIVITIES - More than half of all respondentss would bee interested in using information derived from Earth observation to help plan travel and outdoor activities (55%) - As an introduction to the question respondents were read the following contextual background In 20 years time, Earthh 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 informationn derived from Earthh observation to help plan travel and outdoor activities (55%), while 37% would not be interested. 31

34 Europeans attitudes to space activities At least half of the respondents in all but four countries sayy they would be interested in using information derived from Earth observation to help plan travel and outdoor activities. The exceptions are respondents inn Portugal, Greece (both 46%), Germany (48%) and Maltaa (49%), although there were relative majorities in all these countries except Greece. At the other end of the spectrum, respondents in Slovenia (65%), Belgium (64%), Latvia and Sweden (63%) are the most likely to be interested in using this information to plan travel and outdoor activities. Socio-demographic analysis shows thatt men are more likely than women to be interested in using this kind of information to plann travel and outdoor activities a (60% vs. 51%). The analysiss also illustrates thatt the olderr the respondents, the less likely they are to be interested: 69% of year olds say they would be interested, compared to 43% of those aged 55+. The longer respondents remained in education, the more likely they t are to be interested in using this t information to plan travel and outdoor activities. For example 39% of those with the lowest education levels say 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 too be interested than other occupation groups. 32

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36 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 The role of space activities in encouraging more students to choose scientific careers 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%). Almost a quarter (23%) think this would definitely be the case while fewer than one in five (17%) think including these subjects would not have this effect. 34

37 Europeans attitudes to space activities At least six out of ten respondents in each country think that ncluding subjects linked to space activities in educational materialss would encouragee more students to choose careers inn science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Those in Cyprus are thee most likely to think this way (89%), followed by respondents in Greece (83%) and Denmark (80%). This compares to 65% in Lithuania, 66% in Germany and 67% in Portugal. 35

38 Socio-demographic analysis shows no notable differences between men and women, although those aged are more likely than the oldest respondents to think that including these subjects would encourage more students to choose careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (77% vs. 71%). The longer respondents remained in education, the more likely they are to think including 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 who completed their education aged 15 or younger. 36

39 Respondents who think that space technologies and space-based services will play an important role in education in 20 years time 13 are very likely to think that including subjects linked to space activities in educational materials would encourage more students to choose careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (80%). Those who think that, in 20 years' time, space technologies and space-based services will play an important role in communication, transport, energy or the environment, are even more likely to think that that including subjects linked to space activities in educational materials would encourage more students to choose careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 13 QF2 In which of the following areas do you think space derived technologies and services will play an important role in 20 years time? (ROTATE MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) 37

40 Europeans attitudes to space activities 4.2. The role of space activities in helping children to better imagine the society of the future Just over seven out of ten respondents think that teaching subjects linked to space activities at school can help children too better imagine the society of the future (71%), with 22% saying this could definitelyy be the case. One in five (20%) do not think teaching subjects linked to space activities at school can help childrenn to better imagine the society of the future. 38

41 Europeans attitudes to space activities At least six out of ten respondentss in all countries think that teaching subjects linked to space activities at school can help children better b imagine the society of the future. This view is most widely held by respondents in Cyprus (89%), followed f by those in Greece (83%) and Bulgaria (79%). In contrast this figure falls to 60% in Germany. 39

42 Socio-demographic analysis does not reveal any notable differences between age or gender groups. Those who completed education aged 15 or younger are less likely than those with higher education levels to say teaching subjects linked to space activities at school can help children to better imagine the society of the future (66% vs. 71% of those who stopped education at the age of and 73% of those whose education ended at the age of 20 or older). 40

43 Europeans attitudes to space activities 5. SPACE-DERIVED ACTIVITIESS AND TRANSPORT - About half of Europeans would bee ready to use automated vehicles by satellite based navigation systems in 20 years time Use of automated vehicless guided by satellite-based navigation systems A relative majority of Europeans would be ready too use automated vehicles guidedd by satellite-based navigation systems in 20 years' time (48%), with 16% saying they would definitely be ready to do this.. Just over four in ten (43%) would not be ready to use such vehicless in 20 years time. 41

44 Europeans attitudes to space activities National results show a highh level of variation. More than two-thirds of respondents in the Netherlands (69%) would be ready to use automated 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 analysis reveals that men are much more likely to be ready to use automated vehicles guided by satellite-based aged 55+ are the least likely to be ready to use navigation systems in 200 years time than women (56% vs. 41%). Respondents these kinds of vehicles (35%), particularly compared to those aged (58%-60%). There is also a clear pattern based on education levels. 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. Three in ten (30%) who completed their education before age 16 would bee ready to do this, compared to 59% of those who completed education aged 20+. Managers (59%), white-collar workers (59%) and the self-employed (59%) are also more likely to be ready to use these guided vehicles than other occupation groups. 42

45 Respondents who think that space technologies and space-based services will play an important role in transport in 20 years time are among the most likely to be ready to use automated vehicles guided by satellite-based navigation systems in 20 years time. This is also the case of respondents who think that space technologies and space-based services will play an important role in communication and energy in 20 years time. Indeed, those who think that space technologies will play an important role in transport, communication, or energy in 20 years time are the most likely to say that they would be ready to use automated vehicles guided by satellite-based navigation systems in the future (59%, 57% and 57%, respectively). Furthermore, independently of the fields for which they think space technologies will play an important role in 20 years' time, an absolute majority of respondents mention that they would be ready to use automated vehicles guided by satellite-based navigation systems in the future. 43

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47 Europeans attitudes to space activities 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 100 kilometres) might be useful u in the future. Just over one-third (34%) said to travel faster between two points, while 30% % said to transport urgent and valuable goods to t distant destinations. About one in five respondentss (21%) say these flights would be useful to develop new tourism opportunities (ROTATE MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) The most common response in 20 countries is that suborbital s flights could be useful for travelling more quickly from one point to another, a although Greece is the only country where at least half of all respondents think this way (53%). At least four out of ten respondents in Denmark, Bulgaria (both 41%),, Austria and Slovakia (both 40%) also mention this reason. This contrasts to just a quarter (25%) in Germany and 26% in Latvia. Cyprus (48%), Italy (40%), Estonia (39%), Finland and Sweden (both 37%) are the t only countries where respondents are most likely to mention transporting urgent and valuable items to distant destinations, although this reason is alsoo widely mentioned in Greece (48%). This compares withh 21% of respondents in Lithuania and 22% in Germany and the Netherlands. Latvia is the only country where respondents are most likely to mention new tourism t opportunities (36%). This option is also mentioned by 29% of respondents in Italy and Estonia. Respondents in Germany, France, the Netherlands and Sweden are least likely to mention this reason (all 16%). 14 Respondents were able to give several answerss to this question 45

48 (ROTATE MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) 46

49 A review of the socio-demographic variables shows that 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 those aged The longer respondents remained in education, the more likely they are to mention travelling faster between two points: 26% of those with the lowest education levels mention this reason, compared to 38% of those with the highest education levels. Nearly half of the respondents who think that space technologies and space-based services will play an important role in transport in 20 years time 15 (45%) say that suborbital space flight could be useful to travel faster from one point to another. It is also worth noting that a third of the respondents who think that space technologies and space-based services will play an important role in tourism in 20 years time 16 say that suborbital space flight could be useful to develop new opportunities for tourism. 15 QF2 In which of the following areas do you think space derived technologies and services will play an important role in 20 years time? (ROTATE MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) 16 QF2 In which of the following areas do you think space derived technologies and services will play an important role in 20 years time? (ROTATE MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) 47