Following a speculative chapter of what human involvement in space exploration might be like at the centenary marking mankind’s first steps on the lunar surface, the author looks at the promises and the pitfalls of the space program after the glory days of Apollo. Lack of support and the tragic loss of two space shuttles seemed to ring a death-knell for the American space program.And yet, the Artemis Project aims to land on the moon by 2024. The establishment of a lunar base would be the next logical step in man’s progression beyond the home planet. There's a strong focus on where we've been and what we've learned, a vital component of planning for future missions. Knowing what worked, what didn't, and what we've discovered creates a solid foundation for building those new missions.A review of the findings from several lunar probe missions provides information on the moon, helping pave the way for that base, a base that will be destined to be a firm reality by 2069.Beyond the moon, Mars beckons. Humans settled on the red planet, also a firm reality by 2069.But there are several nations involved in space exploration; several corporations and several men have stepped into the arena, including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. What might these other nations, these corporations, these men mean to the programs ultimately developed for the human exploration of space? What have we learned from the probes and surveyors we’ve sent to Mars? How have the rovers changed what we understand about the red planet? Life on the moon or on Mars would be far different from life on Earth . . . no trees, no grass, just a bleak, red Martian or grey lunar landscape.What physiological and psychological effects will need addressing before undertaking missions that will send astronauts into space for extended lengths of time or will have humans establishing settlements on the moon or Mars? Will we mine asteroids or visit the moons of the other planets of our solar system?Beyond Mars lie Jupiter and Saturn, the gas giants, and Uranus and Neptune, the ice giants. Will they call to explorers? What have we learned from space probes and surveyors?What of Mercury and Venus or of celestial visitors like comets? How will they fit into the plan of space exploration? By 2069, what decisions will affect man’s steps into the solar system . . . and beyond? Will there be humans who have never lived on man’s home planet?Take a solar system tour and speculate on the future of man in space.A section of color pictures is included.Highly recommended.