Manned Space Flight

Abstract

THE accomplishment of a manned lunar landing will involve manned spacecraft, powerful boosters, complex rendezvous operations in space, world-wide communication and tracking networks, and gigantic production and launch facilities. The programs for such an endeavor are well underway. The many problems generated by such an undertaking are under investigation. It is the intent of this report to present the Manned Space Flight programs which pace this effort and to discuss expected problem areas. First, however, some attention should be given to man and his role in space flights. Space will be explored for many reasons scientific, economic, military, and political. The question is not so much why but rather when and by whom. Space exploration represents a major technological challenge. History shows that nations that meet such challenges tend to grow and go forward; those that fail to accept and conquer them wither and die.