Public perceptions of the Mars sample return program

In 2014 NASA may bring back a sample of Mars rocks, soil and atmosphere to Earth. The most likely location for returning this sample will be somewhere in the central USA. The purpose of the project is to understand the history of Mars; the samples may also reveal evidence of previous or existing life on Mars. Confirmation of this possibility would rank as one of the most profound discoveries in human history, yet to date it is unclear how the public in the USA actually views the mission. This study addresses this issue by examining the views of 70 residents of Cincinnati, OH. These perceptions are examined in light of the conceptual ideas and theories presented in the risk perception and communication literatures. While respondents were generally favourable towards a Mars sample return mission. and largely unworried by possible risks, they did have concerns about the use of plutonium for electrical propulsion and were somewhat ill-informed about the issues. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved