Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

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development, either alone or in some joint role with the operator of the systems.
The data provided on concepts for user services facilities illustrates at least a basic
understanding of how such facilities should function in data processing, archiving,
and distribution. The highly buffered system concept presented represents
state-of-the-art thinking on high-rate, high-throughput, functional requirements.
[10] (4) National Security and Foreign Policy Concerns:
CDC’s concept does not pose a foreign policy concern if the suggested user
service scheme satisfies present policies on data access and distribution, and if a
discriminatory pricing system is not imposed. However, the response fails to
address these issues. No national security concerns are raised.
[11] 2. CATEGORY TWO - Those espousing independent entrepreneurial interests and
advocating a climate conducive to free market competition.
Three firms—Terra-Mar, American Science and Technology Corporation and Space
Services, Inc.—advocate a free enterprise environment which permits a natural evolution
and competitive development of the private sector remote sensing industry. Their premise
is that successful commercialization will occur only in a competitive market where government
regulations and guarantees are held to a minimum. System development would
be driven by market forces and user requirements rather than technological capabilities.
While Terra-Mar looks at the philosophy underlying the development of free-market
remote sensing, AS&T and SSI outline their respective entrepreneurial concepts and
future plans concerning satellite remote sensing, satellite launch and associated services.
A. Terra-Mar
Terra-Mar is developing an earth resources data service aimed primarily at commercial
clients. The company’s data service plan is based on extensive in-house market
research. Terra-Mar states that the exploitable market in remote sensing is based on computer
and information technology. They advocate an open market for data within the
value-added industry. This company is concerned that the immediate transfer of the existing
Landsat assets could be as much a hindrance to commercialization as a benefit, unless
the government takes prudent steps to smooth a gradual transition to private operation.
Terra-Mar is opposed to near-term transfer of weather satellites because of the vital nature
of weather information in serving the national interest.
(1) Responsiveness to Federal Needs:
Not specifically addressed
[12] (2) Continuity of Service:
Not addressed.
OBSERVING THE EARTH FROM SPACE
(3) Feasibility:
No specific systems were recommended or discussed in detail. Comments
regarding the desirability and feasibility of a distributed processing system, and
the probable advance of computer technology are well within the current consensus
of industry and government on this technology. The efficiencies of a distributed
system regarding throughput and availability of data are recognized. In
addition, a distributed system can provide many levels of complexity in analysis
capability, which will permit superior tailoring of product and information extraction
capabilities.
(4) National Security and Foreign Policy Concerns:
No concerns were noted.