Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

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vices required for a multipurpose open access system which would serve international
as well as domestic users and which might become the nucleus of an international system
if one is established, and (b) a segment composed of specific national means,
which may be proprietary, for adding to and enhancing data and knowledge useful to
interests of the U.S. This approach permits flexibility for international arrangements
while assuring the availability of data services needed by U.S. interests.
11. There is a variety of modes in which the U.S. private sector can participate, although
such participation, especially as it relates to data collection, will generally be under
the supervision and authority of the U.S. Government. Private sector roles may
include major systems management functions, systems engineering, or delegated
operational functions, in addition to normal contractor roles in developing and producing
system hardware and software.
[iv] 12. The final chapter of the report gives four alternative scenarios which indicate the
range of options for the continuing involvement of the U.S. in civil remote sensing
within the terms of the policy conclusions of the report. The scenarios differ in the
level of U.S. commitment and the degree of international involvement sought.
Scenario “A” is a “minimum” scenario, providing some degree of institutionalization
of current activities and a policy commitment to data continuity. Scenario “B” provides
for some significant commitments to a quasi-operational or operational system
in the mode of a tiered U.S. national system permitting international participation in
the core segment. Scenario “B” is the same as “A” except that it includes a U.S. invitation
to other countries to participate in an International System. Scenario “C,” a
“maximum” scenario, goes beyond “B” to include active U.S. efforts to bring an international
system into being.
13. Finally, the consultants recommend approval of the conclusions and recommendations
of the report and the selection of Scenario “B” as the general guides for the
future conduct of U.S. civil remote sensing activities. They further note the importance
of announcing this approval no later than the summer of 1978 to permit the
lead agency to prepare plans in time for incorporation in the FY 1980 budget decisions
and the accompanying legislative program to be submitted to the Congress.
[1] CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION
A. Aim and Scope
OBSERVING THE EARTH FROM SPACE
1. The aim of the consultants in preparing this report has been to develop policy recommendations
and options to guide decisions on United States policy with respect to civil
remote sensing from space. The topics addressed include the future involvement of the
U.S. in civil remote sensing, institutional arrangements in the Federal Government, international
and private sector participation, and a proposed concept for a U.S. national system
compatible with several policy options.
2. The report is intended to apply to civil remote sensing systems using current and
future sensors of the Landsat type and other types of systems for obtaining information on
or from the earth from space. National security interests are taken into account but not
discussed; the policies, options, and recommendations in the report are consistent with
current statements of applicable National Security Policy. The policies, options, and recommendations
in the report are also compatible with current policies and arrangements
regarding meteorological satellites; questions of possible changes in these arrangements
are not addressed.