Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

(1) Responsiveness to Federal Needs:
Not applicable.
(2) Continuity of Services:
Not applicable.
[21] (3) Feasibility:
Not applicable.
(4) National Security and Foreign Policy Concerns:
Not applicable.
D. General Electric Company, Space Systems Division (GE)
GE states, “The Landsat program continues to perform as a significant national
asset.” After extensive analysis, GE finds that private sector takeover of Landsat has unacceptably
high business risks at this time. However, “. . . continuation of Landsat under government
sponsorship is imperative to protect the $1 billion investment . . . and to permit
eventual private sector involvement if it proves economically feasible in the future.”
Weather satellite systems are not addressed, and there is no basis for substantive evaluation.
(1) Responsiveness to Federal Needs:
Not applicable.
(2) Continuity of Service:
Not applicable.
(3) Feasibility:
Not applicable.
(4) National Security and Foreign Policy Concerns:
Not applicable.
[22] E. Ocean Routes Inc. (OCEANROUTES)
This company strongly opposes the concept of transferring weather satellites to the
private sector, since such an enterprise would have to be regulated and run as a monopoly
with government subsidies or guarantees. They do not address land remote sensing.
(1) Responsiveness to Federal Needs:
Not applicable.
(2) Continuity of Service:
Not applicable.
(3) Feasibility:
Not applicable.
EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN 319
(4) National Security and Foreign Policy Concerns:
Not applicable.
[23] 4. CATEGORY FOUR - Other Responses.
Three additional responses were received which do not fit the criteria used in this