Nowhere is this more important than our next frontier:  space.  Nowhere do we so effectively demonstrate our technological leadership and ability to make life better on Earth.  The Space Age is barely a quarter of a century old.  But already we’ve pushed civilization forward with our advances in science and technology.  Opportunities and jobs will multiply as we cross new thresholds of knowledge and reach deeper into the unknown.

Our progress in space—­taking giant steps for all mankind—­is a tribute to American teamwork and excellence.  Our finest minds in government, industry, and academia have all pulled together.  And we can be proud to say:  We are first; we are the best; and we are so because we’re free.

America has always been greatest when we dared to be great.  We can reach for greatness again.  We can follow our dreams to distant stars, living and working in space for peaceful, economic, and scientific gain.  Tonight, I am directing NASA to develop a permanently manned space station and to do it within a decade.

A space station will permit quantum leaps in our research in science, communications, in metals, and in lifesaving medicines which could be manufactured only in space.  We want our friends to help us meet these challenges and share in their benefits.  NASA will invite other countries to participate so we can strengthen peace, build prosperity, and expand freedom for all who share our goals.

Just as the oceans opened up a new world for clipper ships and Yankee traders, space holds enormous potential for commerce today.  The market for space transportation could surpass our capacity to develop it.  Companies interested in putting payloads into space must have ready access to private sector launch services.  The Department of Transportation will help an expendable launch services industry to get off the ground.  We’ll soon implement a number of executive initiatives, develop proposals to ease regulatory constraints, and, with NASA’s help, promote private sector investment in space.

And as we develop the frontier of space, let us remember our responsibility to preserve our older resources here on Earth.  Preservation of our environment is not a liberal or conservative challenge, it’s common sense.

Though this is a time of budget constraints, I have requested for EPA one of the largest percentage budget increases of any agency.  We will begin the long, necessary effort to clean up a productive recreational area and a special national resource—­the Chesapeake Bay.

To reduce the threat posed by abandoned hazardous waste dumps, EPA will spend $410 million.  And I will request a supplemental increase of 50 million.  And because the Superfund law expires in 1985, I’ve asked Bill Ruckelshaus to develop a proposal for its extension so there’ll be additional time to complete this important task.

On the question of acid rain, which concerns people in many areas of the United States and Canada, I’m proposing a research program that doubles our current funding.  And we’ll take additional action to restore our lakes and develop new technology to reduce pollution that causes acid rain.