REPORT NO. 98-65 AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS TO THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 1984
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CIA-RDP05T02051R000200410007-7
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K
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Document Creation Date:
December 22, 2016
Document Release Date:
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Publication Date:
April 15, 1983
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98TH CONGRESS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I REPORT
1st Session J No. 98-65
AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS TO THE NATIONAL AERO-
NAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION FOR FISCAL
YEAR 1984
APRIL 15, 1983.Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of
the Union and ordered to be printed
Mr. FUQUA, from the Committee on Science and Technology,
submitted the following
REPORT
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 2065]
The Committee on Science and Technology, to whom was re-
ferred the bill (H.R. 2065) to authorize appropriations to the Na-
i
t
onal Aeronautics and Space Administration for research and de-
velopment, construction of facilities, and research and program
management, and for other purposes, having considered the same,
report favorably thereon with amendments (shown in italic in the
bill accompanied by this report) and recommends that the bill, as
amended, do pass.
The amendments are as follows:
Page 2, line 4 strike out "$1,979,400,000" and insert
"$1,999,400,000" in lieu thereof.
Page 2, line 7 strike out "$521,600,000" and insert "$566,600,000"
in lieu thereof.
Page 2, line 8 strike out "$215,400,000" and insert "$220,400,000"
in lieu thereof.
Page 2, line 10 strike out "$311,000,000" and insert "$306,00,000"
in lieu thereof.
Page 2, line 13 strike out "$300,300,000" and insert "$311,600,000,
of which $20,000,000 is authorized only for activities in the Ad-
17-041 0
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ASA's new initiative in the composite
irge expansion of this program to in-
idvanced metals.
.RCH AND TECHNOLOGY
lest for fiscal year 1984 included
?ch and technology activities. This pro-
base to support the conception and
tems and to explore technology which
,e operations. The Committee recom-
)00 for university research instrumen-
nent and an increase of $2,500,000 to
propulsion technology to support high-
sion systems for orbital transfer vehi-
al recommended authorization of
4.
['ION OF FACILITIES
100 for construction of facilities activi-
ithin this amount NASA requested
to the General Services Administra-
sfer of real properties at Ellington Air
iohnson Space Center. The Committee
roperty which includes facilities that
aut training such as aircraft hangers,
;, and utilities required to support air-
he Committee deleted the $8,400,000
^e the transfer can be implemented
Committee further recommended a
and an increase of $1,820,000 to pre-
1 tower resulting in a recommend-
'0 for construction of facilities in
GRAM MANAGEMENT
.10 for the Research and Program
year 1984. The Committee believes
luced by $5,000,000 without undue
agency's programs. Therefore, the
horization of $1,242,500,000.
E AMENDMENTS
action 106
new Section 106 which was proposed
Committee's intent that NASA main-
s fifth orbiter vehicle. The Committee
16 the following "as well as provision
Ldiness for a fifth orbiter vehicle".
Section 107
The Committee adopted a new Section 107 as amended which
was proposed by NASA to amend Title III of the National Aeronau-
tics and Space Act of 1958, as amended, by adding at the end there-
of a section regarding "Misuse of Agency Name and Initials".
Section 108
The Committee adopted a new Section 108 which would amend
Section 103(1) of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958,
as amended, to include "operation of the space transportation
system" within the definition of the term "aeronautical and space
activities".
Title H
The Committee adopted and amende a new Title II which would
authorize funds to NOAA for operating the land remote sensing
satellite system and would prohibit the transfer of weather and
land satellites to the private sector until certain actions are taken
by the Secretary of Commerce and the Congress. The Secretary is
to submit to the Congress a comprehensive statement of recom-
mended policies, procedures, conditions, and limitations to which
any transfer should be subject. The transfer cannot take place
until the Congress thereafter enacts into law such policies, proce-
dures, conditions, and limitations as it deems appropriate for any
such transfer. The intent of the amendment is to ensure early,
formal Congressional involvement in setting the course for a possi-
ble transfer of the remote sensing satellite systems to the private
sector while reserving final Congressional approval for any pro-
posed transfer.
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COMMITTEE VIEWS
U.S. CIVILIAN SPACE POLICY
There has been a great deal of public discussion in the past year
regarding the activities of the United States in space. Much of this
discussion has centered around three main issues: the interface be-
tween the civilian and military uses of space, the commercializa-
tion of space, and the lack of focused long-range goals.
In regard to the first issue, the National Aeronautics and Space
Act of 1958 provides for the establishment of a civilian agency, sep-
arate from the military, to conduct the aeronautical and space ac-
tivities of the United States Government. However, the Act also
provides for independent civil and defense programs to share infor-
mation and technology; share launch vehicles; and where appropri-
ate, operate cooperative programs. At issue, is not the basic concept
of sharing, but the degree of participation by NASA in activities
beneficial to DOD.
NASA's involvement in "dual-role" technologies is most appar-
ent at the opposite ends of its spectrum of activities namely; space
research and technology and launch operations. The fundamental
character of NASA's space research and technology program, in
most cases, leads to advances in technology that are applicable to
both civil and military applications. For example, NASA estimates
that 85 percent of its fiscal year 1984 space research and technol-
ogy budget request would contribute to potential military as well
as civilian applications. At the other end of the scale, DOD is a
major user of the NASA-developed Space Transportation System.
It can be seen from these illustrations that NASA plays as im-
portant, if subsidiary, role in national defense. However, any ex-
pansion of that role would run the risk of compromising the open
nature of our civil space program and should be vigorously resist-
ed. Although NASA cannot be divorced completely from national
security activities, adherence to the policies of the Space Act re-
quires that NASA's participation in these activities be limited.
On the second major issue, space commercialization, there are
two general areas of concern. The first is, how to transfer existing
space systems? The second is, what institutional mechanisms are
needed to allow for smoother transitions from Government to in
dustry in the future? Although the stated Administration policy is
to encourage the private sector to become more involved in space
activities, no comprehensive principles, guidelines, or institutional
frameworks have been provided. Appropriate roles and cooperative
approaches for the public and private sectors must be defined more
clearly.
(15)
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The third main issue is the lack of long-range civil space goals.
Since the Apollo program, there has been no clear objective that
the Nation could focus on and identify with. Long-range planning
or goal setting is required to balance the numerous space program
possibilities and opportunities against each other and against other
existing national needs. Out of this balancing a program direction
could be chosen which would be in the best interest of the Nation.
Establishment of long-range goals would provide a better sense of
direction and commitment to guide programmatic decisions
through year to year budget decisions. The absence of long-range
goals results in short-term policies which change too often to allow
for a cohesive, rational view of our future direction and purpose in
space.
The Space Shuttle has ushered in a new era in the United
States' space program by providing a unique and powerful space
transportation capability. This capability has been made possible
through the expenditure of public funds and the public trust must
be protected as we move ahead with the commercialization and in-
dustrialization of space.
As the commercial opportunities offered by space exploration
evolve, a new policy must be forged that provides opportunities for
the American free enterprise sC1 em to use space for a variety of
applications and technologies. must assure that the strengths
of free enterprise are extended to space activities, i.e. freedom of
private business to organize and operate for profit in a competitive
system. We should establish a policy which would encourage com-
mercialization of space technology to the maximum extent feasible.
The Committee intends to meet this challenge and in a responsi-
ble manner address the total issue of commercialization of space by
initiating intensive hearings on the subject. Sufficient time for all.
interested parties to participate and make a contribution will be al-
lowed, with the intention of providing a forum for meaningful dia-
logue on all facets of the issue. Aerospace industry executives and
entrepreneurs will be invited to air their ideas on the direction
that this Nation should take in formulating a space commercializa-
tion policy.
The first and foremost goal of the Committee will be to act in the
best interest of the United States, and we look forward to these
hearings in the belief that they will provide guidance and scope to
this most important issue.
SPACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
The development of the Space Transportation System with the
space shuttle as the centerpiece has established a new national re-
source which should be fully exploited to serve the needs for civil
government, national security, commercial, and foreign users. How-
ever several uncertainties and unresolved issues strengthen the po-
sition of competitive foreign launch systems. These include the
shuttle flight rate capability including adequacy of the orbiter
fleet, the possible unavailability of expendable launch vehicles, and
OMB's assertion that the government should not provide a launch
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orts the view that flight research is an es-
utical R&T, and recognizing the high cost of
,s cooperative experimental flight programs
)D. These programs should allow adequate
nd involve aircraft sufficiently innovative
?ovide NASA with basic data for evaluating
concepts, and ensure maximum technology
ANTS FOR AERONAUTICAL RESEARCH
rms the importance -of university participa-
research programs of NASA. Such partici-
Pective means of obtaining high quality re-
~ty of fundamental discipline areas. In addi-
programs are needed to produce the next
:al scientists.
ttee urges NASA to include in its program
designed to assure the future vitality and
y-based aeronautical research and training
TUNNEL ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
-iates the work NASA has done in investi-
,lure in the 40 x 80 foot wind tunnel at the
California. However, the Committee is con-
ie 80 x 120 foot addition to this tunnel was
h permitted design errors to remain unde-
?s to be made without adequate "change
regrets the setback in vital research activ-
financial loss of $12 million.
o concerned about the division of responsi-
n and construction in NASA. Such a divi-
t ion and management of large expensive
little or no experience in construction. Ac-
1,v urges NASA to review and improve
r:.(n;rgement approach and procedures for
n t rol of the design and construction of
* '? r. The Committee requests the Admin-
-t by December 31, 1983, which describes
--n it) avoid future structural facility fail-
!t should describe the organization, com-
Ir.t t, ols to be used.
kEAeTOR TECHNOLOGY
0,-It space nuclear reactor technol-
`' " ? (.tense applications. It is also rec-
*,Q~"" -ulting from the presently exist-
~ "" . and DARPA will provide the
i? user subsystems suitable for
missions. It is the intent of the
)n definition analyses proceed
in a deliberate and timely manner. NASA is therefore instructed to
establish a mission planning and definition activity as part of the
Sp-100 program management plan, and to present substantive evi-
dence to the Committee on or before October 1, 1983, that the orga-
nizational arrangements for implementing such activity are in
place. The Committee anticipates that such mission studies will
serve to delineate the power ranges most suited to nonmilitary uses
of space nuclear reactors, and substantiate the appropriate level of
authorized NASA funding for this work.
The Committee further requests that NASA provide a summary
report to the Committee concurrently with the submission of the
president's annual budget to the Congress for each year that de-
tails plans, accomplishments, schedules, and long range budgetary
projections related to its activities in the SP-100 program.
UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
NASA's support to universities has declined. by approximately
one-third over the last decade due to other maor NASA program
commitments. In an environment of reduced budgets, the portion of
funds dedicated to research instrumentation and equipment had
declined at an even faster rate. These factors, coupled with the in-
creasing cost of scientific equipment and the desire to maintain
strong student involvement in research, have created serious prob-
lems in upgrading and replacing obsolete equipment and, therefore,
have undermined the research capability and productivity of the
universities that support NASA's goals and the Nation's research
and development needs. The university community is a critical ele-
ment of the NASA and United States long-range research capabili-
ty. The augmentation recommended by the Committee will comple-
ment the recent efforts of other government agencies in attempting
to reverse this deteriorating trend by providing additional funds to
universities for the acquisition of modern laboratory equipment in
direct support of NASA's research goals.
COMMERCIALIZATION OF REMOTE SENSING: ADOPTION OF TITLE II OF
THE BILL
The Committee has consistently supported the commercial appli-
cation of NASA-developed space technologies, as evidenced by its
continuing struggle to maintain vigorous Technology Utilization
and Technology Transfer programs. This is in part because the
Committee believes that technology developed for government pur-
poses should, where appropriate, be more widely used, and also be-
cause in many cases only the private sector with its marketing cre-
ativity can take full advantage of a new technology.
Both these reasons are operative with respect to space remote
sensing. In particular the present market for Landsat data seems
to be lacking some of the creativity and vigor that would be expect-
ed in a freely competitive business situation.
Thus the Committee does not question the value of private sector
involvement where the strengths of this sector can be given free
play by the removal of government restriction and the easy entry
of competition. The question is whether or not a rapid transfer of
all remote sensing systems to the private sector at this time would
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result in such free competition and freedom from government re-
straint.
Any private operation of space remote sensing systems will nec-
essarily be somewhat restricted by government in order to ensure
that the international obligations of the U.S. are observed; that the
national security is not comprised; and that the public safety as-
pects of the weather system are maintained.
Further, if a transfer to the private sector involves a guaranteed
data purchase contract with the U.S. Government, such a contract
would surely inhibit other firms from entering the field, and there
would be little or no competition.
It must be noted that even under the restrictive conditions de-
scribed above it might still be in the best interest of the govern-
ment to transfer the systems to a private sector operator, but such
a decision would have to be made on the basis of careful considera-
tion rather than on a facile assumption that any private sector op-
erator would be more effective and efficient merely because of
being in the private sector.
The Committee recognizes that the commercial market for
remote sensing data is still developing, and that any private opera-
tor might need some financial assistance from the government for
a period of time. This possibility is another reason why the whole
issue must be looked at very carefully, and why alternatives must
be considered.
One alternative approach that should be considered would in-
volve government guarantee of data continuity for a period of
years to encourage the development of a vigorous value-added in-
dustry and an associated market which eventually might justify
commercialization. The value-added industry could be developed
with no direct Federal subsidy (beyond the guarantee of data con-
tinuity), minimal regulation, and it would be possible for many
firms to enter the business and compete.
Another alternative which the Committee does not intend to dis-
courage is the possibility of one or more private sector entrepre-
neurs independently financing and launching their own land
remote sensing systems. This would not limit private sector in-
volvement to just the value-added industry. It is the intent of this
Committee to encourage free enterprise and not to deter the pri-
vate sector from undertaking such activities, provided they are con-
ducted in a manner consistent with governmental policies.
The Committee also wants to be assured that there is opportuni-
ty to fully consider this issue during public hearings. Although the
Committee is not opposed to commercialization in general, it must
assure that the national assets represented by United States
remote sensing satellite systems are used in the best national inter-
est.
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ertain combinations, variations and
i combination with other words or let-
in commercially oriented activities, in
se or misleading impression with re-
connection with, or support, sponsor-
;A. Such prohibition would apply to
)th in association with a firm or busi-
with a product or service offered to
d practices may be enjoined, or other
r a civil proceeding in a district court
esult of action initiated by the Attor-
ess often catches the imagination of
:iation with this success can be com-
idition, NASA encourages the utiliza-
ch and development activities; indeed,
evelopments and resulting new prod-
the public can accurately and proper-
,ities. Occasionally, however, NASA's
er that conveys a false or misleading
ationship of NASA to a firm or busi-
e made available to the public.
lame can be misleading to the general
who properly utilize NASA developed
d accurately state their relationship
he practices of the party engaging in
e and the product or services provided
acts, the reputation of both NASA and
h NASA activities may suffer.
,n a continuing one since the existence
come more acute as the Space Shuttle
-e opportunities are made available for
a reimbursable basis or under a joint
Lld be particularly unfair, for example,
ed in such activities and through pri-
ed commercial success, to have to con-
zg statements of those who have not
zed use of the NASA seal and certain
ire subject to the penalties of 18 U.S.C.
there is no mechanism for direct en-
.d, false or misleading use of NASA's
exist in relation to a business or com-
action requires investigations founded
ad/or the trademark laws, usually in
al Trade Commission and/or similar
igations are difficult, time consuming,
ulative. The opportunity for direct en-
rompt and sure, to the benefit of both
ie commercial competitors of those en-
)r misleading activities.
mber of authorized or proper activities
i with NASA under which the NASA
ccurate, factual manner that does not
create a false or misleading impression. There is no intent by this
section to change NASA's policies, practices and procedures in this
regard; but only to afford NASA better capabilities for corrective
action in those instances where the NASA name is used in a
manner reasonably calculated to convey the false or misleading im-
pression of a relationship with NASA which in fact does not exist.
Section 108 expands the definition of the NASA administrator's
responsibilities as found in the National Aeronautics and Space
Act of 1958 to include the authority to operate the Space Shuttle,
and related equipment and facilities.
Section 109
Section 109 would provide that the Act may be cited as the "Na-
tional Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act,
1984."
Ti= IL~
Section 201
Section 201 authorizes $29,336,000 for fiscal year 1984 to be used
by the Secretary of Commerce to operate a civil land remote sens-
ing satellite program including storage of a backup satellite.
Section 202
Section 202 stipulates that ownership or management of civil me-
teorological or ocean remote sensing satellites shall not be trans-
ferred unless the provisions of paragraphs 202(1) and 202(2) are ful-
filled.
Paragraph 202(1) stipulates that the Secretary of Commerce shall
not transfer ownership or management unless a statement of rec-
ommended policies, procedures, conditions and limitations for the
proposed transfer is submitted to Congress.
Paragraph 202(2) requires transfer of ownership or management
to be approved by law.
Cost and Budget Data
The bill will authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1984 in the
amount of $7,205,100,000. In accordance with the requirements of
Rule XIII, Clause 7 of the rules of the House of representatives, the
Committees estimate for the next five years of NASA budget re-
quest is as follows:
Fiscal year.
1984 .......................................................................................................... $7,268,000,000
1985 .......................................................................................................... 7,028,000,000
1986 .......................................................................................................... 6,429,000,000
1987 .......................................................................................................... 6,393,000,000
1988 .......................................................................................................... 5,574,000,000
These estimates do not include provisions for any new program
or program augmentation that may be recommended nor do they
include any provisions for administrative adjustments that may be
required.
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