The advancement of space exploration is an important socio-scientific and political issue in Sweden. This study attempts to understand secondary school students’ awareness about this national “space ethos” and roles of space technology in their everyday life. Methodologically, this research draws on a sociocultural framework and examines the reflections of 69 grade 9 students in a questionnaire about space exploration consisting of a total of nine multiple choice, short answers and open questions. Students shared awareness and high expectations about space contribution to monitoring climate and environmental problems, providing satnav and telecommunication services, but showed limited understanding about satellite technology.