Exploring the Unknown: Selected Documents in ... - The Black Vault

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Project Apollo: Americans to the Moon
CONCLUSIONS
I recommend against the cancellation of Apollo 16 and 17 because these flights
are scientifically important, and because much of the overall support for NASA’s
space program depends on our actions with respect to these flights.
If, nevertheless, for reasons external to NASA, Apollo 16 and 17 must be cancelled,
then it becomes necessary to:
1. Provide strong backing to the manned earth -oriented space program.
[10] 2. Develop a rationale for the actions taken that is credible and
supportable.
3. Take compensatory actions that will minimize the impact on the
remaining NASA programs and their support.
The proposed rationale for the cancellation of Apollo 16 and 17 is that, in these
times of pressing domestic needs, the manned space program should be earthoriented
instead of exploration and science-oriented.
The compensatory actions involve an early go-ahead for the space shuttle, the
inclusion of “gap-filler” missions between Skylab and the shuttle, a number of
augmented unmanned space science programs, and maintaining a total NASA
budget at the FY 1971-1972 level of about $3.3 in budget authority.
I would be pleased to discuss these matters with you at your convenience.
Sincerely,
James C. Fletcher
Administrator
Document II-80
Document Title: Letter to Congressman G. P. Miller, Chairman of the House
Committee on Science and Astronautics, from 39 Scientists, 10 September
1970.
Source: Folder #18675, NASA Historical Reference Collection, History Division,
NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC.
NASA announced the cancellation of the Apollo 15 and Apollo 19 missions on 2 September
1970. There was an outcry from the media and many members of the scientific community,
but the decision could not be reversed. This meant that the Apollo lunar landing program
would end with the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972.