Abstract
Since its creation in 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has fostered new knowledge in virtually every field of science, shared the adventure of exploring the Moon with millions of people, and produced technology of lasting value here on Earth. Many new benefits will be harvested from space in the bold but balanced programme envisioned for the 1970s.
From the vantage point of Earth orbit, satellites will further refine our knowledge of the Earth. Space physics spacecraft will study the atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetosphere, as well as the influence of solar activity, to provide an accurate model of our planet. New generations of weather satellites will move us toward global forecasts two weeks in advance, and eventually weather control. Earth resources technology satellites will provide a new capability for detecting blighted crops and forests, managing our waterways, and discovering new mineral resources. More advanced communications satellites will benefit the world community, including the illiterate of the developing nations.
In this decade, unmanned spacecraft will be sent to the far reaches of the solar system. Probes will provide a first look at Mercury, the Asteroid Belt, Jupiter, and will orbit and softland on Mars to look for life.
Activity in the manned spaceflight programme, while without the dramatic focus of a Moon landing of the last decade, will encompass several exciting new programmes such as Skylab, the first experimental space station; and the Space Shuttle, a re-usable booster and orbiter planned for a variety of uses.
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