When it comes down to it, it's going to be tough for Bush to sell an ambitious, and expensive, space goal. The Theoretically, the Federal Government is supposed to be short of money.

On the other hand, I don't see that stopping anyone else's favorite spending programs, and keeping the NASA folks employed means a lot to a lot of Senators and Congressmen.

For a depressing blast from the past, anybody remember Spiro Agnew and the Post-Apollo space plans?

Therefore, we recommend -

That this Nation accept the basic goal of a balanced manned and unmanned space program conducted for the benefit of all mankind.

To achieve this goal, the United States should emphasize the following program objectives:

- increase utilization of space capabilities for services to man, through an expanded space applications program

- enhance the defense posture of the United States and thereby support the broader objective of peace and security for the world through a program which exploits space techniques for accomplishment of military missions

- increase man's knowledge of the universe by conduct of a continuing strong program of lunar and planetary exploration, astronomy, physics, the earth and life sciences

- develop new systems and technology for space operations with emphasis upon the critical factors of: (1) commonality, (2) reusability, and (3) economy, through a program directed initially toward development of a new space transportation capability and space station modules which utilize this new capability

- promote a sense of world community through a program which provides opportunity for broad international participation and cooperation

As a focus for the development of new capability, we recommend the United States accept the long-range option or goal of manned planetary exploration with a manned Mars mission before the end of this century as the first target.