Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

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There is currently considerable and growing international activity in remote sensing.
Since this appears to be the first attempt to license a system under the LANDSAT Act, we
are very interested and would like to track its progress. Please ask Mr. Scott to contact
Colonel Pete Gill of my staff at (703) 697-9897 to arrange for a briefing to DoD representatives
on how the system is developing.
Mr. Michael Mignogno
Chief, Landsat Commercialization Division
NOAA/NESDIS, FB-4, room 3301E
U.S. Department of Commerce
Washington, D.C. 20233
Dear Mr. Mignogno:
Document II-48
Sincerely,
Duane P. Andrews
October 19, 1992
We thank NOAA’s Thomas Pyke for his September 16, 1992, letter to Richard Smith
regarding the licensing of WorldView Imaging Corporation’s proposed private remotesensing
satellite system.
Mr. Pyke’s letter requested Department review of WorldView’s August 20, 1992,
response to earlier USG [U.S. Government] follow-up questions on WorldView’s initial
license application.
Based on the information provided, the WorldView license application appears to be
consistent with U.S. international obligations, and this office recommends approval of the
application.
We note in this connection that the “National Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of
1992” has codified the requirement for appropriate Government oversight (with appropriate
interagency consultation) of private system activities affecting international obligations,
foreign policy, and the national security of the United States. We look forward to
participation in this process.
cc: NOAA/NESDIS - Gregory Withee
OES - Richard Smith
OBSERVING THE EARTH FROM SPACE
Sincerely,
Ralph Braibanti
Deputy Director
Office of Advanced Technology