Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN 271
I have been informed that there is an agreement between NASA and the several
Governmental departments involved as to their specific roles. However, I firmly believe
that there must be a lead agency in the application of any new technology, or it has a tendency
to drift and dribble rather than follow a logical process of application which proves
out its value to the country.
I would appreciate it very much if NASA would take a look at what is now being done
in terms of making the “imagry” [sic] and data available; and perhaps with the assistance
of Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, EPA and the Corps of Engineers, devise a more efficient
method of accomplishing the following:
1. A clear identification of information available, disseminated in a more effective way;
2. An opportunity for states and regional users to participate in identifying the character
of information needed and its form—not in lieu of, but in addition to the Principle
Investigator process;
3. A system whereby local users can obtain consultation with knowledgeable people
on a regional, decentralized basis as to what is available and in what shape or form;
4. Some direct technical assistance to the states and to potential and actual regional
users as to how this data can be applied in their planning and problems; and
5. Some method whereby state and regional people can be trained so that they, in
turn, can assist others.
It seems to me that it is imperative that some Governmental department which
already has either [a] regional or state offices network be designated [3] as the focal point
through which all services can be provided in the initial application and evaluation of
ERTS data. I am certain that as more and more data is accumulated and states and local
users become familiar with the characteristics of the system, there will evolve better and
more efficient channels of transmission and assistance to the local end users.
It may be that the local Geological Survey office of the Department of the Interior
might well serve as the initial focal point if it were adequately staffed and its file of ERTS
data were maintained on a current basis. I know that they have the expertise to provide
the advice and interpretations necessary for the early applications of ERTS data.
Unless something is done along the lines that I have been outlining, we may fail to use
this new capability which ERTS is giving us for constructive purposes. Further, we may lose
more support for the space program because of the inability to transmit space-gathered
information on a timely basis to users in order to help solve specific earth problems. The
exchange of information may well lead to improved ERTS instrumentation and techniques.
I propose to talk to the Chairmen of the Interior and Commerce Committees about
joining me in obtaining greater cooperation from the other respective Government agencies
involved. I do not intend that the initial setup which I am recommending is in any
way a precedent setter, but it may buy time for the Federal agencies to evolve a more efficient
system of disseminating ERTS information in a form usable by the end user until
such time as a final communication system has been developed by the states and agencies
involved. One such approach might be the regional setup proposed by the group from
Hobbs, New Mexico, with which you are familiar. That plan has great merit, and even
NASA staff members agree with it.
In view of the fact that the Congress will adjourn prior to any action on this letter, I
would appreciate it very much if you would keep Frank DiLuzio current on your thinking
and your reactions to this letter, as he will be in Washington at least through December.
Sincerely yours,
[hand-signed: “Clinton Anderson”]