A new YouGov poll has revealed that 48 per cent of Britons would turn down a free return trip to the Moon, even if their safe return was guaranteed. The survey, conducted on the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, found that only 43 per cent would accept the offer, with 9 per cent undecided.
The most common reason for declining was a lack of interest, cited by respondents. Eleven per cent felt there was not enough to see or do on the Moon, while 7 per cent complained the journey would take too long. Nine per cent saw no point in going. The trip to the Moon takes approximately three days.
Men were significantly more enthusiastic than women, with 56 per cent of men willing to go compared to just 31 per cent of women. Over-55s were the least keen, with 62 per cent uninterested in a lunar visit.
The public is also divided on the importance of sending astronauts back to the Moon. Only 41 per cent believe it is important, while 49 per cent say it is unimportant. The last manned moon landing was in 1972, with only 12 people having ever set foot on the lunar surface.
In the US, NASA's Artemis programme aims for a crewed return to the Moon by 2024, but President Donald Trump has suggested focusing on Mars. NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine has emphasised the need to use the Moon as a proving ground for longer missions to Mars.
