The three year television run of Star Trek with its reincarnations has out lasted the manned space exploration. I guess that shows the worth of science in the public's eye.
Yes, I think that is correct. The recent photos of Pluto are amazing. Who remembers the very first Moon closeups taken by the Ranger spacecraft as it crashed onto the surface? The video shots as it got closer and closer were captivating. At that time we knew almost nothing of the surface. Then we had the Mariner, Surveyor, and Viking spacecraft - all fascinating.
The stamps are nice. I've seen only two of the movies (one in 1977 and one around 2000) - just can't get interested in it.