It’s not so much public support as the lack of public opposition.
Everyone in “big science” remembers the cautionary tale of the Superconducting Super Collider, which was cancelled mid-project when it became politically viable to oppose it as a waste of money. The circular tunnel is still sitting dusty and abandoned down in Texas while CERN runs another round on the LHC.
Big results that gather public praise go a long way toward making sure the next big science project will at least be seriously considered.
Everyone in “big science” remembers the cautionary tale of the Superconducting Super Collider, which was cancelled mid-project when it became politically viable to oppose it as a waste of money. The circular tunnel is still sitting dusty and abandoned down in Texas while CERN runs another round on the LHC.
Big results that gather public praise go a long way toward making sure the next big science project will at least be seriously considered.