Space

DATE=1/9/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=(CQ) BUSH / SPACE (S-O)

NUMBER=2-311678

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

/// RE-ISSUING TO DELETE LAST GRAF OF TEXT ///

INTRO: President Bush will announce plans for a new U-S space program next week. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, it is expected to include manned flights to the moon and Mars.

TEXT: White House spokesman Scott McClellan says the Wednesday announcement will reflect the president's strong commitment to the exploration of space and the need to continue that journey after last year's loss of seven astronauts aboard the space shuttle Columbia.

Following that accident, President Bush called for a comprehensive review of the U-S space program.

Administration officials say next week's announcement will include a return to manned missions to the moon and research into building a permanent base there as well as the eventual human exploration of Mars.

The United States is the only country to have landed men on the moon, but the last mission was more than 30 years ago. A space agency report following the Columbia disaster said one of NASA's problems was the lack of a long-term, inspiring goal. (SIGNED)

NEB/KBK/KL