Put the manned and unmanned programs under two separate agencies, let them slug it out for tax dollars and we'll see.

The Peace itself has only a small, unmanned program.

One is a wholly unmanned program, based on projecting human intelligence into space.

None were comparable to those made by unmanned spacecraft, like the Van Allen belts, but the unmanned programs received lower priority and financing.

"I'm not certain you can get a flag position if you're in the unmanned program," a defense official says.

Scientists are divided over whether more and better research might be conducted through a less-expensive unmanned program.

But for the present, an unmanned program offers far greater returns at a fraction of the cost.

"Here they have amazing success with unmanned programs and all they want to talk about is manned missions," he said.

The inner Solar System has been made the goal of at least four unmanned programs.

He headed a design review committee for the unmanned Viking program and served as manager for flight safety for the space shuttle, starting in 1973.