SPACE WIRE
Americans support low-cost return to the moon: poll
WASHINGTON (AFP) Dec 09, 2003
Americans want to see a new US expedition to the moon, if it does not cost too much, according to a survey released Tuesday.

US media reports have said President George W. Bush is about to announce the resumption of flights to the moon. But the White House said last week that such reports were "premature" and "speculation".

According to a Gallup poll for USA Today newspaper and CNN television, 53 percent of Americans favour sending astronauts to the moon again. However, only 31 percent said it would be worth it if this meant a multibillion-dollar bill.

US Apollo missions landed on the moon six times between 1969 and 1972.

Media reports have speculated that Bush might make an announcement on the 100th anniversary of the first powered flight in North Carolina on December 17, 1903, by the Wright brothers.

But White House spokesman Scott McClellan said there were no plans for an immediate announcement on space plans.

The Gallup survey of 1,004 adults was carried out between December 5 and 7.

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