08404. MANNED V. UNMANNED SPACE EXPLORATION. Using the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle Challenger as a starting point, this paper examines the public policy issues raised by a space program focused on manned flights. Provides a cost-benefit analysis of manned versus unmanned space exploration. Argues that the cost of manned space flight is not commensurate with the relatively tiny increase in useful scientific and economic benefits of such efforts and makes the case that future policy should focus on unmanned flights. KEYWORDS: us space program manned flights unmanned space exploration robots safety space accidents challenger columbia. 10 pages, 8 footnotes, 6 bibliographic sources. 2,407 words.