Brian Welch
Headquarters, Washington, DC                                  March 21, 1997
(Phone:  202/358-1600)

RELEASE:  97-50

FINDINGS OF COUNCIL SURVEY HIGHLIGHT SPACE PROGRAM'S
IMPACT ON THE NATION'S OUTLOOK, NASA ADMINISTRATOR 
SAYS

    A national survey released today by the Council for Excellence in 
Government highlights the importance of space exploration to the 
American public, NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin said.

    The survey, conducted for the Council by the research firms of Peter 
D. Hart and Robert M. Teeter, indicates that "promoting space 
exploration" is the only one of 16 tested items about which a plurality 
of Americans say the Federal government has been very successful.

    "This survey demonstrates again the importance Americans place 
on exploration and discovery," Goldin said, "and their belief that one 
of the most important roles of the Federal government is to help push 
back the boundaries of knowledge.  NASA is not only a crucial 
investment in our national future -- it is also a tangible symbol to the 
American people of the greatness to which we aspire.

     "We are gratified to learn from this survey that NASA has been 
successful in meeting the needs of the American public," Goldin said.  
"In recent years, we have redoubled our efforts to be responsive to the 
public and to describe, in meaningful terms, the value and relevance 
of space exploration.

    "NASA's original charter mandates that the Agency widely 
disseminate the results of its activities.  Our philosophy is one of 
openness, of sharing the triumphs and set-backs of our cutting-edge 
research," Goldin said.  "As a result, the public has shared these 
experiences and many feel a sense of direct ownership or 
involvement in NASA's programs.  This is how it should be -- NASA's 
programs are, indeed, their programs."

    For more information on the poll, contact the Council for Excellence 
in Government at 202/728-0418.

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