Mars 1999

A far-out dream? Author Brian O’Leary, a former astronaut, believes it can be a reality if the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. cooperate in space exploration and set goals now for a 1998-1999 mission. In fact, plans have already begun for sending people to Mars. Since the Soviets are clearly interested in Mars, a joint mission would make political, economic, and scientific sense. But a bewildering variety of mission approaches are emerging. In Mars 1999, Brian O’Leary outlines his vision for an exciting approach to a join Mars mission. In a letter included in this book, O’Leary urges the President to give high priority to a Mars voyage. This first in a series of missions would enable us not only to pay for missions but also to fuel a rapidly growing infrastructure on the Moon and on Mars by 2005.