STRATEGY FOR SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION OF TERRESTRIAL PLANETS

A strategy is presented for exploration of the inner solar system that will lead to knowledge of its origin and history. Several critical points in the evolution of the solar system are identified at which alternate evolutionary paths might have been possible. Experiments are suggested to help reveal the actual course of events at these critical points. The result is a framework relating experiments to be performed on the terrestrial planets and satellites to the major goal of determining the origin and history of the solar system. From this background, the lunar‐exploration portion of the suggested over‐all program is discussed in further detail. It is concluded that the moon offers a unique opportunity for investigating certain problems of the solar system. Copyright © 1969 by the American Geophysical Union.