International Cooperation in Space Exploration

It is becoming increasingly better understood that our national space program is a response to a major international challenge. That challenge is not, simply to our prestige. The challenge is to our ability to organize and implement long-range programs which can produce the basic knowledge and technology needed for security and economic well-being in a highly competitive world. The space program is one important national vehicle for answering this challenge because it comprehends an incredible range of sciences and technologies which reach into far corners of our university and industrial life. It gives us an unparalleled opportunity to stimulate our scientific and engineering cum- munities, our educational systems, our industries, and government at all levels, to new accomplishment, to higher standards, to new awareness of their interdependence, and to joint effort which can immeasurably strengthen our society.