Starting with Nixon's announcement in 1970 of the objectives of a space programme that would include the scientific investigation of all the planets in the solar system [footage of Nixon shaking hands with delegates], this NASA documentary outlines NASA's proposed missions. Each planet is dealt with in turn, as follows: image of the Earth from space; Mercury; Venus; Mars, illustration of surface; satellite image of Jupiter; satellite image of Saturn, rendering of Saturn from Titan; illustrations of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto; 1960s Mariner images of Mars; model of Mariner 9 orbiter and Viking lander, animations of Mariner flight path, planning of 1975 Viking lander mission [scientists work with computers and photographs], graphics of Viking lander; 1973 Mariner 10 mission to Venus and Mercury flight path animation, graphics of onboard television cameras, 1969 radar map of Venus, Mercury's orbit around the Sun; illustrations of Pioneer vehicles, due to be launched in 1972 and 1973 to study Jupiter, animation of asteroid belt, Pioneer asteroid detection equipment, helicopter view of large satellite receiving dish, rendering satellite orbits Jupiter, animation Pioneer escapes solar system; impressions of Saturn and its rings, Uranus, Neptune and Triton, Jupiter and its moons; animation flight paths using Jupiter's gravity; plans for the "grand tour' spacecraft,later known as Voyagers, exploring the outer Solar System.