From lounge rooms to smartphones, and even on camping chairs in the bushes, Australia proved space still inspires.
New independent research conducted by YouGov, a global research organisation, has found that 54% of Australian adults watched this month's Artemis II launch – turning the blast‑off into a shared national moment.
One in six Aussies tuned in live, around 3.5 million people, while overall engagement reached more than 11.5 million Australians.
The survey was conducted online between 2–6 April 2026 with a nationally representative sample of 1,035 Australians aged 18 and above.
The country-wide research suggests the excitement runs deeper than the spectacle. Six in ten Australians surveyed say events like Artemis II are a powerful reminder of global cooperation.
"Our research shows that many Australians still see genuine excitement, significance and value in the exploration of the universe and our stars."
~ Brooke Schlesinger, Associate Director of Custom Research at YouGov, who led the study.
In numbers: Australia’s Artemis generation
...of Australian adults, who were surveyed, watched the Artemis II launch. That's over 11 million people.
... watched the historic launch live on 1 April 2026 at 9.24 am (Australian Eastern Daylight Time).
...believe it is vitally important that gains from space exploration are shared for the benefit of humanity.
...of Australian adults agreed that the events like Artemis II are a powerful reminder of global cooperation.
...of Australians aged 18-24 believe space exploration is essential for the future of humanity.
...of Australians aged 35-49 also believe space exploration is essential for the future of humanity.
...hope to see confirmation of past or present life beyond Earth within their lifetime.
Rocketing space interests
Last year, Australia launched into a new era of space collaboration when it hosted the 76th edition of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) in Sydney.
On Day 5 of the world's largest space event, Australia showed us what they really think about space – bringing together the current and future Aussie space generations.
More than 19,500 people attended Congress' free Space Day on 3 October 2025, in line with the Australian Space Agency’s efforts to generate a next generation STEM workforce.
There were hands-on activations from LEGO®; Australian Space Agency and Roo-ver Program; Powerhouse Museum; and NSW Department of Education, as well as astronaut encounters and signings.
Families were also able to explore the Exhibition Hall, filled with real-life space technology – including many with tickets to the Moon, models of a future commercial replacement for the International Space Station and even a capsule that had returned from space to the South Australian outback.
Australia in the Artemis era
We backed Apollo, now we are backing a new era in lunar exploration.
Main image caption: Launch of Artemis II from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking the first human flight to the Moon in over 50 years.
Credit: NASA
