Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

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OBSERVING THE EARTH FROM SPACE
Certainly many things have progressed more slowly than any of us would like. In the
ten-year span since the EROS Program was announced, only two satellites have been
launched, no commitment has been made to an operational system, organizational
progress has seemed to be stifled, and budgets have never been large enough to do the
things that we have all felt need to be done.
Pessimism in the face of slow progress and setbacks is a natural human condition, but
why is it so prevalent now? Probably it is because all of us believe in the EROS Program as
a soundly based scientific and technical framework that is good for the United States and
the world, remote sensing is a scientifically exciting field to work in, our contacts with others
in a vast area of scientific and resource management disciplines is a broadening and
continuing learning experience, and through our efforts we can build a sound and
respected scientific reputation both individually and for the program.
Let us look at the progress that has been made. Landsats 1 and 2 are operating at performance
levels higher than expected, Landsat-C is planned for launch in 1977, and
Landsat-D is being planned. Other more specific missions such as Magnetometer Satellite
(Magsat) and Heat Capacity Mapping Mission (HCMM) are being planned.
[2] Users of remote sensing data are increasing rapidly, and applications of data to
resource and environmental problems are proving to be practical and beneficial. The
EROS Data Center is an operating reality with increasing numbers of customers for data
and training. The individual freedom of the staff to do research in both basic and applied
remote sensing is a privilege envied by many outside the Survey. But in spite of these positive
factors, pessimism seems greater than optimism.
Scientific progress is like individual freedom—both must be fought for day by day.
Neither can be taken for granted. Regardless of the quality of our work or the necessity
for such work to benefit the country and the world, there will always be those who say our
endeavors are of little value, that our concepts won’t work, and who battle against us in
private and in public, either to eliminate the EROS Program entirely or to reduce it to an
unworkable level.
Are these reasons for pessimism? No—they are reasons to increase our efforts and to
convince our detractors, both by our results and our statements, that what we do is of
value. This must be done continually. It is not enough to know we are making progress
and helping others. We must show it and tell it and be proud of it.
In accomplishing the things that we have done, we have solved many problems—scientific,
administrative, and political; we have built a constructive and useful phase of science
and technology; and we have overcome many obstacles in doing so. There is every
reason to continue to do so and every ability available to continue and increase our
progress. In the context of pride in our purpose and our accomplishments, we can put up
with enemies, misunderstandings, and continual nitpicking in small matters.
Optimism derives from our purpose and our accomplishments; pessimism derives
only from frustration in reaching our goals. I believe we can overcome our pessimism by
looking at our purpose and our goals, recognizing the hard and often frustrating scientific,
administrative, and political roadblocks in our way, and trying, day by day, to overcome
them.
If we remain firmly committed to our broad goals and confident of our ability, then
optimism will aid us in achieving our goals and in overcoming the pessimism that can lead
us to defeat ourselves.
[hand-signed: “Charles J. Robinove”]