In the late 1970's we could establish on the moon a base camp that could be occupied for months or even years.

In the 1980's we could send men to Mars—a voyage that would test our technology and equipment for travel to Venus and other planets later on.

In addition to these manned ventures, we will learn more about our solar system from unmanned probes. Several already are scheduled for the 1970's. These include flights to orbit Mars, others to land there, flybys of Jupiter, and the first multiple-planet flight, for which the targets will be first Venus, then Mercury.

All these are exciting prospects. But they raise the most fundamental of questions: To what goals in space should we now commit ourselves as a Nation?

,p>My own belief is that we should press forward vigorously with a balanced program—scientific and technological development as well as exploration. Of course our goals, and the pace at which we strive to attain them, must reflect our national will, and there are well-informed and reasonable men who feel we should proceed more slowly.

Rewards of Program Already Great

It has been said that we should concentrate all our resources on problems here at home. But I believe it would be a tragedy to foreclose our future in space. I believe our Nation can and must do these things simultaneously —not just one at a time.

Space exploration already has made life better on earth. Satellites, to mention just one development, have been of enormous benefit. They provide more accurate data to weather forecasters, aid mariners and aircraft pilots in fixing their positions, and give map makers hitherto unobtainable details of the earth's surface. In the years ahead, they will find undiscovered mineral deposits and sources of fresh water; make global agricultural surveys and detect diseased crops; and even help in the fight against pollution of air and water.

And the conquest of space is everywhere lifting men's horizons and spirits. Not only have global satellite communications brought nations closer, but—as Col. Frank Borman's warm reception in the Soviet Union showed —space achievements are crossing the barriers that divide men on earth.

Although other targets will come within reach, the moon will occupy man for many years. The eight additional Apollo flights that are scheduled into 1973 will land our moon explorers in areas that are quite different geologically. Next March, Apollo 13 is scheduled to be launched toward a highland region, the Fra Mauro. Other Apollo destinations include supposedly volcanic peaks, rilles, and the craters Tycho and Copernicus.