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Young Astronauts Council 1/24/92 [OA 7567] [2]
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Young Astronauts Council 1/24/92 [OA 7567] [2]
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
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George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Backup Files
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Chron Files, 1989-1993
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Young Astronauts Council 1/24/92 [OA 7567] [2]
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26
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6
Young Astronau (* Council
ROUGH IDEAS
FOR THE PRESIDENTS REMARKS
This event kicks-off International Space Year (ISY), a year long
celebration of our achievements in Space.
It gives us an opportunity to focus on not only the benefits of
space exploration, but the incredible laboratory that Space
exploration offers for learning.
Eight years ago, the Young Astronaut Program was conceived
(downstairs in this building) to ignite young peoples interest in
math, science and technology, using the excitement of Space. It was
launched by President Reagan in the Rose Garden on October 17, 1984.
Today, it is the world's largest space-related educational
organization, with over 27,000 teachers and One Million students
world-wide. There are Young Astronaut Chapters in every state of
America and in some 42 nations around the world.
On April 18, 1991, I announced my America 2000 educational
strategy designed to make America first in the world in science and
math achievement.
Consistent with the America 2000 concept, the Young Astronaut
Program honors local control and relies on local initiative. The
Young Astronaut Council in Washington sets the standard, but allows
flexibility to adapt the Program to the needs of the particular
community or classroom.
The Program recognizes that community by community and school by
school, parents, teachers and officials know what is best for their
students, and they have the will to do it.
The Program looks beyond the classroom and recognizes that schools
cannot do the job alone. The Program and its teachers rely on the
assistance of parents, community leaders, businesses, civic
organizations, the PTA and caring volunteers at the local level.
The Young Astronaut Council shares the vision of the America 2000
strategy, that all children should start school ready to learn. To
help achieve this end, the Council has created a special pre-school
enrichment curriculum which includes both classroom and family
activities emphasizing age-appropriate language, math, science, art,
nutrition and health concepts.
The Council believes that every school should be free of drugs and
created special packages for students which emphasize the dangers of
drug abuse as a significant barrier to achievement in school and in
life.
The Young Astronaut Program is designed not just for the
extraordinary child, but the ordinary child. The Program is
dedicated to the principle that all children can learn if the
subjects are presented to them in a stimulating and exciting manner.
In my opinion, the Council represents the type of educational
organization that is making a difference with America's children.
The Council recognizes the private sector as a vital partner. I
would like to commend McDonald's Corporation and the Ronald
McDonald's Children's Charities for making possible the exciting
"Exploration and Discovery" Curriculum package that each of you have,
celebrating ISY.
Appropriately, its cover and the limited edition poster that each
of you will receive depicts the Engines igniting as the Spacecraft
leaves Earth's orbit and heads for Mars. This is not just a dream.
We are planning that mission by the year 2019, and I expect that many
Young Astronauts today will make routine visits to MARS in the 21st
century.
TM
Young Astronaut Council 1211 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 800 Washington, D.C. 20036 (202)682-1984
Honorary Chairman Emeritus
Ronald Reagan
Honorary Co-Chairmen
George Bush
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Barbara Bush
MARCH 11, 1991
Honorary Vice Chairmen
Senator John Glenn
YOUNG ASTRONAUT COUNCIL
Senator Jake Garn
Rep. Bill Nelson
AWARDED NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANT
Chairman
Jack Anderson
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Young Astronaut Council has been
Vice Chairman
awarded a one million dollar grant by the National Science
Hugh Downs
Foundation (NSF) to develop a two-year, comprehensive and
President and CEO
school-wide model program designed to stimulate a science-
T. Wendell Butler
based learning environment at two Washington, D.C. elementary
Executive Vice President
schools. The entire faculties, student bodies, and school
Paul T. Burke
communities will be involved in the project. This initiative
Members
involves the development and use of creative, high-quality
Captain Walter M. Schirra
science and math-based curriculum materials, teacher kits,
Mercury/Gernini Astronaut
teacher training and supplemental activities which can be
Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford
integrated into all subject areas.
Gemini/Apollo Astronaut
Captain Eugene A. Cernan
"We are confident that this project will contribute
Gemini/Apollo Astronaut
significantly to the quality of science education," said Dr.
Brig. Gen. Charles M. Duke, Jr.
Apollo Astronaut
Gerhard Salinger, NSF Program Director, Instructional
Materials Development.
Colonel Frederick D. Gregory
Shuttle Astronaut
A team of recognized educational specialists will develop the
Linda Kravitz
Assistant Vice President
curriculum materials and activities. Parents and community
McDonald's Corporation
representatives will be encouraged to participate to
reinforce the practicality and importance of what is being
taught. The project will be evaluated by the Johns Hopkins
University Center for Research on Effective Schooling for the
Disadvantaged.
"Our experience with the Young Astronaut Program in urban
schools has shown that a hands-on, space-focused curriculum
can be very effective," said Council President, T. Wendell
Butler. "We are grateful to NSF for its recognition of our
achievements by providing the funds for this project to
address what we believe is a critical need. Once the pilot
program proves effective, we hope to take it to urban schools
nationwide."
The program will be pilot-tested in two Space Magnet Schools
- Houston Elementary and Park View Elementary - beginning in
September 1991.
The Young Astronaut Council is a non-profit, national
educational organization designed to encourage greater
interest and skills in math, science and technology among
children aged 6-16. More than 26,000 Chapters have been
formed in all 50 states and in 35 foreign countries, reaching
over 600,000 children. In 1989, the Council was recognized
by the Harvard Business School as an exemplary non-profit
organization in its textbook on "Entrepreneurship, Creativity
and Organization".
For further information contact: Brenda King (202) 682-1984
TM
PAul Burke
Young Astronaut Council 1211 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 800 Washington, D.C. 20036
(202)682-1984
Honorary Chairman Emeritus
January 15, 1992
Ronald Reagan
Honorary Co-Chairmen
Note to Jim Schaeffer
George Bush
Barbara Bush
Honorary Vice Chairmen
Thank you for the meeting yesterday. We are excited
Senator John Glenn
Senator Jake Garn
about the January 24th event. As promised, I have enclosed
Rep. Bill Nelson
Chairman
A proposed invitation list;
Jack Anderson
o
A suggested agenda;
Vice Chairman
Hugh Downs
o
Rough ideas for the Presidents remarks; and
o
Additional background information on the
President and CEO
T. Wendell Butler
Young Astronaut Program.
Executive Vice President
Paul T. Burke
Robert McCall, the NASA commissioned space artist, has
Director of Development
agreed to allow Young Astronauts to present the original of
Brenda J. King
his painting, "Mission To Mars, The Journey Begins", to the
Members
President. He would be pleased if there were some indication
Captain Walter M. Schirra
that this original piece (approximately 20" X 36") would be
Mercury/Gemini Astronaut
displayed either in the White House or one of the
Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford
Gemini/Apollo Astronaut
Smithsonian organizations.
Captain Eugene A. Cernan
Gemini/Apollo Astronaut
Please let me know if I can be of any further
Brig. Gen. Charles M. Duke, Jr. assistance.
Apollo Astronaut
Colonel Frederick D. Gregory
Shuttle Astronaut
Sincerely,
Linda Kravitz
Assistant Vice President
McDonald's Corporation
T. Wendell Butler
President
CC: Joe Duggan
Elizabeth Prestridge
(Duggan/Gershowitz)
January 16, 1992
Draft Two
Astro
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: YOUNG ASTRONAUTS COUNCIL
ROOM 450, OEOB
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 1992
[time]
[Acknowledgments]
I'm delighted to be with so many girls and boys -- from
is this the age group?
Kindergarten through 9th Grade
in the Young Astronauts
Council. I want to thank your parents and teachers and other
supporters of the Young Astronauts Council for all you've done to
bring us together today.
Space exploration takes a long time to prepare. We are
planning space missions today that won't be launched until you
are adults with children of your own. And in fact, as President,
I've set a goal that involves you. My goal is for some American
girls and boys who are in grade school today, to travel to Mars
20 or 30 years from now.
New travels in space will give us answers to some things
children wonder about. \ And, I might add, adults who are truly
wise wonder about these same things, too. 11
The other day I heard what one five-year-old wonders about.
\ One of my staff members asked his five-year-old son if we
should build new space ships and send people to the Moon again.
The little boy said, yes, of course we should. Then his
father asked him, why should we send people to the Moon?
2
"That's easy," the little boy said. \ "It's to see if
there's Martians." 11
Actually, the little boy got it just about right. As most
of you Young Astronauts know, I've challenged Americans to go
back to the Moon to stay, and then onward to Mars. Sending
people back to the Moon is the first step in our plan to send TRUe?
people to explore Mars. It takes only three days for men to
travel to the Moon, but it may take almost a year to get to Mars.
We need to give people more experience with living conditions on
the Moon before we send them on a much longer journey to Mars.
Once we reach our goal of sending men and women to Mars, we
can find out what that little boy was wondering about. We can
see if there are any signs of life on Mars. We can see if it is
possible for any plants or animals to live on Mars. We can look
for clues on Mars/about how the Earth developed, but and about how the wellspring
Not ONLY
of itself
life
10A
Earth
developed.
how we can 100k for clues ON Mars Not ONLY to teach us
We know already that such things as and water can
Earta vital developed, but air about the Wellspring of life
be manufactured on Mars. Many years from now, we may need to
itself
draw on these kinds of resources to sustain life on Earth.
Pushing forward into space already is helping us here and
now. More and more of the new jobs for people of your parents'
generation are being provided by commercial space programs.
Revenues from American commercial space programs grew by 14
percent in 1991. This year they're projected to grow by 20
percent. The commercial space business has grown so far and so
fast that it now takes in about as much money each year as all
"America 2000"
3
use be NASA'S
the receipts at movie theaters in the United States. 1 America now
exports $1 billion a year in commercial space goods and services.
program, What
Those exports alone translate into jobs for 20,000 Americans.
Education
Real progress is happening almost faster than we can
Speilberg At
imagine. Navigation satellites that helped guide our troops in
U.o futab
Desert Storm just a year ago now help hikers, fishermen,
stress
surveyors and motorists find their way. Personal navigation
receivers now help us manage our forests and wetlands. They help
speed the shipment of goods on our highways.
Just 10 years from now, the older boys and girls here will
I think some
elaboration Might be
Neededistuaring Math, science;
be finished with college -- some of you even finished with
graduate school. When that day comes -- when you're ready to
start careers and families -- it will be commonplace to find jobs
in the commercial space industry.
It's up to your parents and grandparents -- and the
Congressmen they elect -- to keep us on track for this promising
future of space exploration and commercial space enterprises. To
stress how important this is, I am announcing right now the
details of the space program proposals that will be in the new
Federal budget I'll send to Congress next week:
[Placeholder for details from Bob Grady -- expected to
include new funds for the Space Station; the Space Exploration
Initiative (SEI, the Moon-and-Mars project); and some upcoming
new launches.]
For you to fulfill your dreams of space exploration when you
become adults, your parents and grandparents will have to make a
4
new public investment in our space programs right now. I'm
asking Americans to make a far-sighted commitment -- one that
Nice
looks dozens of years and millions of miles beyond the recession
image
and the other things that tend to preoccupy us today.
I
tixe this
And I'm challenging you boys and girls, too:
Start your
preparations for tomorrow's new age of space exploration right
now. 11 Keep that pledge you've made in joining the Young
Astronauts Council. Make yourselves better and better students
of math and science. Make the United States of America the
leading country in the world in early education for math and
science. Make your families proud. Make your teachers proud.
Give it all you've got. 11
In doing this, you'll not only help our space program.
You'll also help us meet the demanding goal I've set for our
schools. With leadership from Secretary Lamar Alexander, who is
here with us today, we're pursuing a strategy we call America
2000. It aims to involve parents more with our schools, and to
revolutionize our schools with higher standards and better
performance by start of the new century. Among the goals of
America 2000 is to make America the world leader in math and
science education.
If you share my dream of sending American men and women to
explore Mars, if you share my dream of breaking through old
boundaries to make our lives better, you'll see it will require
time and effort and study and money. It's going to take
teamwork. This will involve your parents and your grandparents
5
right now. But most of all, for a long time to come, it's going
to require your own best efforts. 11
Now I take great pleasure in recognizing America's Young
Astronaut Student of the Year. [Name to be provided]
Congratulations. And our Young Astronaut Teacher of the Year.
[name to be provided] Congratulations to you both, and keep up
the good work.
Finally, I am pleased to accept on behalf of all Americans a
piece of original artwork by Robert McCall. Robert McCall is a
man of great imagination and talent. He's the artist responsible
for those beautiful murals at the Air and Space Museum. This new
painting is entitled, "Mission to Mars: The Journey Begins." Mr.
McCall, thank you very much.
Thanks again to all of you. May God bless you, and may he
help us fulfill our dreams for a better future for the United
States.
#
#
#
SPACE TECHNOLOGY:
BENEFITING MANKIND
An exciting curriculum package developed by the Young
Astronaut Council and Rockwell International highlighting
spin-offs from space exploration and discovery.
ASTRONAUTS
Photo Copy Preservation
IV. SKILL AREAS (K-9)
V. CONTENTS
Science
Mathematics
October
Observing
Grouping
I. Hydroponics-Soilless Growing
Measuring
Measuring
II. Moonsuits-A Cool Idea
Collecting data
Classifying
Inferring
Ordering
November
Predicting
Bar graphing
I. Space Technology: Heart Monitoring
Drawing conclusions
Using metrics
II. Optics: Using Light
Identifying
Line graphing
Naming
Applying rules
December
Ordering
Discovering
I. Gravity
Comparing
II. Down to Earth
Classifying
Language Arts
Experimenting
Communication
These educational materials are the property
Hypothesizing
Speaking
of the Young Astronaut Council and may be
Using science
Writing
photocopied for small group use by current
equipment
Reading
chapter leaders. The express approval of the
Constructing models
Young Astronaut Council is needed for any
Discovering
Vocabulary
other use. This learning packet was devel-
development
oped for the Young Astronaut Council by
Social Studies
Following directions
Julia A. Barra, Ph.D., Karyn Sotero and
Spatial relationships
Discovering
Genesta Guirty and illustrated by Henry
Directions
Tubbs.
Symbols/coding
Community
awareness
Global and space
awareness
Discovery
OF
Photo Copy Preservation
RESIDENT THE OF THE SENIS UNITED
SEA
"Our
space program
will revolutionize everything from
computers to communication, from medicine to metals
it will
create new technologies, new industries and new jobs."
President George Bush
SPACE TECHNOLOGY: BENEFITING MANKIND
I. INTRODUCTION
II. INSTRUCTIONAL FRAMEWORK
Space Technology: Benefiting Mankind is a
This curriculum package was produced in
Young Astronaut curriculum package de-
threelevels: Trainee (grades K-3), Pilot (grades
signed to promote a better understanding
4-6) and Commander (grades 7-9). The sub-
and appreciation of space technology and its
jects and concepts are used at all levels, but
benefits to all mankind. What space scientists
the activities are differentiated for varying
have developed for use in space has signifi-
age levels.
cantly improved the quality of our lives on
Earth. This curriculum will allow Young
The activities are appropriate for integration
Astronauts, through challenged-based activi-
and/or correlation with the science, math-
ties, hands-on experiences and discovery tech-
ematics, social studies and language arts cur-
niques, to live in a "fantasy" environment of
ricula.
weightlessness-where luscious, leafy, green
vegetables grow suspended in water (hydro-
III. GOALS
ponics), where thick liquid crystals respond
to temperature changes by flashing colors of
Young Astronauts will
different hues, and where solid crystals
formed free-standing are geometrically per-
1. Identify ways in which space technology
fect, clear and pure.
has benefited mankind.
2. Demonstrate, through challenge-based
Young Astronauts will discover holograms
activities, some of the scientific principles
(three-dimensional images produced by lens-
associated with space technology.
less photography) and learn about beams of
3. Apply the scientific method in collecting
light that are used as ruler, knife and drill to
data, interpreting previous information
magically perform medical feats of wonder-
learned, hypothesizing and applying
ment (lasers). In addition, Young Astronauts
rules, analyzing and synthesizing/evalu-
will become acquainted with the functioning
ating.
of their own hearts and the functioning of the
4. Better understand and appreciate space
astronauts' hearts in space (the heart and
technology and its vital benefits to the
circulatory functions).
inhabitants of planet Earth.
Photo Copy Preservation
SOURCES AND RESOURCES
Some of the educational activities contained in-this
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Education Outreach Pro-
package are based on materials developed by NASA,
gram: Comfortable Approach to Teaching Science
other aerospace organizations, scientists and educa-
Project 1989, 1991.
tors as indicated below. The texts cited below provide
a broader examination of the various topics.
Kinney, William. Medical Science and Space Travel.
Atamian, G.C., and Steven J. Edberg. Discover the
Lynch, Nancy Coggins. Hands On Biology, "Activities
Universe Learning Book. Bushnell Light Fantastic Opti-
of Elementary Schools." Annapolis, MD: Appha Pub-
cal Set. Bausch and Lomb, 1988.
lishing Co., Inc., 1989.
Barufalid, James, et al. Heath Science. D.C. Heath and
Mason, Robert G., ed. Life: In Space. Boston, Little,
Co., 1985.
Brown and Co. (Time-Life Books, Inc.), 1983.
Beauchamp, Wilbur L., and Glen O. Blogh. Science Is
Otto, James, et al. Super Science, 1991.
Experimenting. Atlanta: Scott Foresman, 1962.
Science Weekly. C. Mayberry, Editor. Science Weekly,
Bremmer, Dale. Aerospace Education Services Project,
Inc., 1991.
Oklahoma State University. "Zero-G Demonstrator."
Science Year 1991. World Book, Inc.
Brook, Alan J. The Living Planet. Edinburg University
Press, 1964.
Shaplant, David, and Michael Roycoft. Spacelab, Re-
search in Earth Orbit. Cambridge, 1984.
Carle, Mark, et al. Physical Science: The Challenge of
Discovery. Lexington, MA: D.C. Heath and Co., 1991.
Skelsey, Alice, and Gloria Huckaby. Growing Up Green.
New York: Workman Publishing Co., 1974.
Chemistry Can Be Fun, Laboratory Experience for
Middle School Students. Summer 1986. Institute for
Vogt, Gregory. Aerospace Education Services Project,
Chemical Education. University of Maryland, College
Oklahoma State University. "Vertical-G Meter."
Park, MD.
Vogt, Gregory. Aviation and Space Education News.
Cooney, Timothy M., et al. Earth Science. Glenview, IL:
Oklahoma State University. "Weightlessness Demon-
Scott Foresman Publishers, 1990.
strator."
Gardner, Robert. Projects in Space Science. New York:
Young, Sandie. Jet Propulsion Laboratory: Comfort-
Simon and Shuster.
able Approach to Teaching Science Project, 1991. "Ice
Cream in a Bag."
Growing Ideas: A Journal of Garden-Based Learning.
Burlington, VT, 1991.
EPCOT Educational Media, 500 South Buena Vista St.,
Burbank, CA 91521 (Hydroponics).
Haggerty, James J. Spinoff 1990. NASA Office of Com-
mercial Programs, Technology Utilization Division.
Hydroponic Society of America, Box 6065, Concord,
CA 94524.
Heimler, Charles, and Charles Neal. Principles of Sci-
ence. Merrill Publishing Co., 1975.
Photo Copy Preservation
For Don suggested from Joe abbreviation
of Grady's
INSERT FOR YOUNG ASTRONAUTS SPEECH (1/24/92)
material.
(Third paragraph, after "
civil space program.'
This includes
One key element of that increase is full funding for Space
Station Freedom, I will ask, for $2.25 billion, an increase of 11
percent over last year. You know, this year, for the first time
in many years, after a serieg of Congressionally-mandated
redesigns, Space Station is on track and on schedule. Last year,
we had an honest debate with those in the Congress who want to
kill Space Station. We pointed out that Space Station Freedom is
not only am encremeusly 11 valuable pass of Amorica's scientific
program in space, but it is essential to our destiny as a
pioneering nation in space. It is the logical next step in any
sound program of space exploration. We won that very tough vote
in Congress last year. Now is not the time to turn back on
manned exploration of space. Now is not the time to turn back on
Space Station Freedom.
won be cause the American people a free
know
I understand that many are concerned about the balance
between science and exploration in our space program. The budget
I will propose next week will not short-change science. It will
contain funds for the Mars observer, a new X-Ray telescope, and
our internationally-recognized global change research program --
with Mission to Planet Earth at its heart Space science will
remain more than 23% of NASA's program, and will increase by 10%
over the current year.
But America's destiny must include manned exploration -- so
my budget will include increase funding for technologies we
will need to send man beyond earth's orbit. That includes
propulsion technologies, life support technologies, and two new
missions to explore the moon with robots so that man can return
there to live and work. And finally, my budget will include a
dramatic expansion of two exciting new programs that this
Administration has begun -- $250 million for a New Launch System
to give us the infrastructure for a new generation of space
missions, and $80 million for the National Aerospace Plane, which
may one day enable direct flights from earth to orbit.
(Note: these paragraphs can replace the rest of the existing
paragraph on pp. 3-4 that ends with "
called Mars Observer.")
01/22/92
12:36
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
001
OFFICE OF The THE PRESIDENT STATE OF OF UNITED
Office of Management and Budget
Energy and Science Division
202-395-4817
Telecopier Numbers
202-395-3165/1086
Date: 1/22/92
Please deliver to
Name:
Joe Duggan
Agency: OC
Fax was sent from
Name: norine noonan
Phone number (voice): 3534
Total number of pages including this page: 2
Message: Per your are some
inserts speech to the
Young astronants Council Please call
if you have any questions: Thanks
01/22/92
12:36
OMB/ESD FAX# 3954817 OR 3953165
002
New Launch system: I will propose $250 million for NASA and
the Department of Defense to develop a new family of rockets
that will help launch America into the 21st century. This
funding is nearly 3 times what the Congress appropriated inform FG
1992. The first flight of this new system is planned for
2002.
Upcoming Space Launches: Space Shuttles will fly 8 times
this year - one was launched just this week with an
exciting new laboratory aboard -- and 8 times in 1993.
Shuttles will rescue a stranded communications satellite --
something only America can do -- and will carry the first
commercially-developed space laboratory. Expendable
shine
rockets, supplied by American commercial launch companies - -
will loft exciting missions such as Mars Observer (our first
trip back to the Red Planet in many years) and Polar and
Wind (to study our own Sun).
good Lightigh
Space Station Freedom: I will propose $2.25 billion for
Space Station Freedom, an 11 percent increase over 1992.
This will continue the excellent progress we have already
made toward establishing a permanent manned presence in
space for America. Freedom is the centerpiece of our space
program and is the first step on the road to manned
exploration of the planets.
hurrequested money find mapping
Space Exploration: I will propose $29 million for NASA to
begin 2 new missions to explore the Moon so that Americans
can live and work and learn there. We will also fund
missions like Cassini, an unmanned mission to explore
Saturn, and we will learn more about new technologies, such
as nuclear powered spaceflight, that will bring manned
exploration closer. I'm sure some of you will be on that
first flight to another planet. Send me a postcard, won't
you?
OMB
To QARY
Date Jam17'92 Time 3:55p
WHILE YOU WERE OUT
M
JIM FRELK
of Department of commerce
Phone
377 8125 (space)
Area Code
Number
Extension
TELEPHONED
PLEASE CALL
CALLED TO SEE YOU
WILL CALL AGAIN
WANTS TO SEE YOU
URGENT
RETURNED YOUR CALL
Message
JiM Freix
At home: 6865 703-644-
8
Operator
AMP AD
EFFICIENCY®
23-021 CARBONLESS
JAN 15 '92 18:24 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.1
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
OFFICE OF SPACE COMMERCE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
14th and Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Room 7060
Washington, D.C. 20230
(202) 377-8125 .. voice
(202) 377-5173 -- fax
To:
Joe Duggan
* Date:
Time:
Phone:
Fax: (202)456-6218
From:
Jim Frelk
Pages to Follow:
17
Notes/Instructions:
JAN 15 '92 18:24 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
for Duggan
P.2
FAX 456-6218
Attachments:
Commentary on "Economic Growth and the Final Frontier"
Policy Statement on the Space Exploration Initiative
Press release on growth of space commerce
Things to look forward to in the next ten years:
Space technology plays a vital role in the security and well-being of our
nation and play an increasingly important role in your future.
We depend on satellites to tell us what the weather will be tomorrow and
next week. Communication satellites allow us to talk to almost any place in
the world today. In the next ten years, it will be possible to make phone
calls from anywhere in the world - because you'll be able to carry the phone
in your pocket and talk directly to a satellite overhead.
The navigation satellites that helped guide our troops in Desert Storm today
guide hikers, fishermen, surveyors, and motorists. Small, personal
navigation receivers are helping to make maps more accurate, manage our
forests and wetlands, and speed the shipment of goods on our nation's
highways.
The International Space Station will be under construction less than 200
miles above us - the first stopping point on our way to the stars. Americans
- like you A4, will be working with scientists and engineers from many
countries to learn to live, work, and I dare say, even play, in space. They
will be testing the technologies necessary for us to return to the Moon, this
time to stay. And then journey farther into the Solar System.
If you want to be part of this great adventure, you will need to study hard,
work hard, and above all, continue to keep in your hearts the curiosity and
drive of the explorers and settlers who came to America not so very long
ago.
The Soviet Union in space:
The Soviet Union was a great pioneer in space. Your parents may
remember what a great shock it was to learn that the first satellite circling
the globe came from the Soviet Union " and not the United States.
Today, the Sovict Union is no more and the Commonwealth of Independent
States and the other republic of the former Soviet empire are struggling to
find their place in the world. Just as space was important to the old Soviet
Union, I believe it can play an important role in the creation of a market
economy in the Russian republic.
JAN 15 '92 18:25 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.3
The National Space Council, led by Vice President Quayle, has been
working with U.S. government agencies and industry to explore
opportunities for using Soviet space téchnologies. In looking to the future of
Russia in space, I believe it is important that we encourage people-to-people
contacts, industry to industry, and not try an replace Soviet central
planners with U.S. central planners, no matter how well-intentioned. It is
my hope that we will be able to work with these new Commonwealth
republics to use the impressive space capabilities they have inherited to
forge a new path - one of peaceful international cooperation, scientific
discovery, and economic growth.
JAN 15 '92 18:25 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
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Economic Growth and the Final Frontier
The U.S. Department of Commerce has released 1992 forecasts for 350 U.S.
industries indicating moderate growth for many of them, with both the
manufacturing and service sectors contributing to a continuing recovery in
the coming year. In particular, exports will continue to make substantial
contributions to the economy and be of particular importance to high
growth industries. Among these forecasts, one scctor was especially
notable - space commerce. Moving out of both the realms of science fiction
and unrealistic expectations, the private commercial space industry is
small, growing, and most importantly, being driven by commercial forces
and not government spending. In satellites alone, U.S. industry is looking
to foreign sales of about $1 billion - or the equivalent of 100,000 imported
cars.
This growth in commercial space activities is occurring, surprisingly, in
the face of slower demand for most aerospace products due to reduced
defense contracts. Space commerce in the United States is expected to
generate revenues of about $4.7 billion in 1992 * or roughly equal to U.S.
movie theater reccipts. The growth rate for 1992 is particularly impressive
at 20% per year. Even in 1991, during which the GNP grew at under 1%,
commercial space revenues grew at 14%.
The rapid growth in space commerce, which has been consistently ahead of
general growth rates for the past four years, is being sustained by a number
of revolutionary new products and services. Satellite-fed Global Positioning
System (GPS) receivers (which provided precise navigation information to
our armed forces during Desert Storm) are being increasingly used by to
surveyors, boaters, traffic planners and aviators. Some Japanese car
makers even offer GPS receivers and compact disc-based street maps to
help lost drivers.
Demand for remote sensing satellite data is also increasing as analyses
enable oil exploration, crop management and real estate development firms
to become more efficient and thus more competitive. It is particularly
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interesting, as a Californian, to learn how images from space can be
combined with navigation data to make the agricultural use of water,
fertilizer, and pesticides dramatically more efficient. This particular
application of space technology, "precision farming," is likely to play a
significant role in the future of the nation's $300 billion agriculture
business.
Satellites and launch vehicles have joined aircraft and machine tools as
important elements of our defense industrial base and there has been a
growing realization that commercial growth has important benefits for
national security in a time of shifting defense budgets. Space commerce
also highlights the differing relations between government and industry
around the world. As an emerging industry, some nations have protected
and subsidized their firms, while others, like the United States, have
sought to minimize direct government support and management of space
industry.
For all space-faring nations, the exploration and exploitation of space
started as a government-dominated activity. However, after the dramatic
Apollo missions to the Moon and exploration of the planets, a more subtle
and hopefully enduring space development has unfolded -- the growth of
private space industry out of the shadow of governments. The United States
led the way with commercial communications satellites in the 1960s and
later with commercial launch services in the 1980s. Europe has quickly
followed and Asian nations are showing an increasing interest in space
markets.
In recent years, the U.S. government has made extra efforts to clear away
the regulatory underbrush that has accumulated over the years and
impeded the competitiveness of private space industry. These efforts have
included removing the Space Shuttle as a competitor to private launch
vehicles, allowing competition to the Intelsat communications monopoly
and simplifying export regulations on space-related products (e.g., GPS
receivers) to allow U.S. firms to compete overseas.
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Another step has been in eliminating the barriers to technology transfer
from federal labs to the private sector. For example, Strategic Defense
Initiative (SDI) research over the past several years has resulted in
dramatic reductions in the size, weight and cost of many spacecraft parts
and private firms are interested in exploiting these advances in
commercial satellites. Government-developed technologies, once
transferred out of federal labs and research centers and into the private
sector, can be applied to goods and services and continually improved in
response to market forces.
As Chairman of the Competitiveness Council, the Vice President has
worked to cut the economic burden of regulations and promote competition.
As a member of the National Space Council, I am concerned about the
remaining regulatory and market barriers acting as impediments to U.S.
competitiveness in space commerce. Regulations, written for an cra in
which only governments sent out spacecraft, need to be reexamined for an
era in which the public and private sectors share in the use of space. In
many cases, U.S. restrictions are more burdensome than those faced by our
European competitors.
Currently, we are seeking to reduce restrictions on the sale and distribution
of remote sensing data from privately financed satellite systems. When a
U.S. oil company and a major news organization asked the Commerce
Department about getting licenses for operating private remote sensing
satellites, they were told that regulations would require them to sell their
data to anyone who asked - even foreign competitors. The requirement for
"non-discriminatory" access may be reasonable for satellites paid for by
public taxes, but not when financed by private capital.
Beyond getting out of the way, the U.S. Government has a limited but
important role to play in encouraging a competitive space industry. We
need to ensure that U.S. firms are treated fairly in international
competitions and that governments minimize actions that distort or disrupt
commercial markets. To that end, the Office of the U.S. Trade
Representative is leading talks with the European Space Agency on "rules
of the road" for commercial launch services. If we can reach an agreement
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this year, then it will be possible to include other space-faring nations, such
as Japan, in a common framework for fair competition.
Trade rules are not enough, however, to succeed in international markets.
As in any other business, the U.S. space industry needs superior, high-
quality products to compete. Government projects like the National
Aerospace Plane and Single-Stage-to-Orbit are important to developing
new, advanced space systems that meet vital government needs and which
(through technology transfer) hold the promise of assisting the private
sector develop new products.
In order to succeed in the harsh physical environment of space, U.S.
industry has had to navigate a complex government environment on Earth.
The growth of space commerce driven by market forces is a healthy
development for both the economy and government space efforts. In the
end. a strong commercial space industry and steady government space
efforts will benefit each other through cooperation and even a little creative
tension. We are continually seeking a closer dialogue with industry to
understand and consider their needs in policies, regulations, and
international negotiations. Government benefits when it listens to those
facing the discipline of international markets - on Earth or on the final
frontier.
1180 words
JAN 15 '92 18:27 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
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December 10. 1991
National Space Policy Directive
Memorandum for: The Vice President
The Secretary of State
The Secretary of the Treasury
The Secretary of Defense
The Attorney General
The Secretary of Commerce
The Secretary of Transportation
The Secretary of Energy
The Director of Management and Budget
The Chief of Staff to the President
The Assistant to the President for Science And Technology
The Director of Central Intelligence
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration
Subject: Space Exploration Initiative
1. Introduction
I have approved the next In a series of steps to be taken by the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of
Defense (DOD), the Department of Energy (DOE) and other federal agencies
regarding the planning for and conduct of the nation's Space Exploration
JAN 15 '92 18:27 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
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2
Initiative (SEI) which includes both Lunar and Mars elements. manned and
robotic missions and supporting technology. This series of steps
augments previous Presidential directives and recognizes the
recommendations of both the Advisory Committee on the Future of the U.S.
Space Program and the SEI Synthesis Group. The exploration of space is
one of the fundamental goals of the U.S. civil space program. The SEI
objectives, which build upon previous accomplishments as well as upon
existing programs, include a return to the moon - this time to stay a and
human expeditions to Mars. in addition the objectives will provide a
strategic framework for the conduct of the U.S. civil space program and
will help focus investments in many areas of goal-arlented research and
development by government, Industry and academia. Consistent with the
Commercial Space Policy, this framework is also intended to encourage
private sector activities which augment or support the SEI objectives.
NASA is the principal Implementing agency for the SEI. DOD and DOE,
as participating agencies, will have major roles in support of the SEI in
the conduct of technology development and concept definition. Other U.S.
government agencies are encouraged to participate by developing
activities supportive of the SEI.
11. Exploration Responsibilities & Actions
To establish a firm foundation and clear direction for the SEI, the
following actions shall be undertaken Immediately:
JAN 15 '92 18:28 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
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3
a. NASA shall establish an exploration office headed by the
Associate Administrator for Exploration and staffed by NASA and
representatives from other participating agencies. The Associate
Administrator shall be responsible for architecture and mission studies,
planning, and program execution, as well as the definition of resulting
requirements for research, technology, Infrastructure, mission elements
and program implementation. As director of the exploration office, the
Associate Administrator shall prepare an annual status report. The NASA
Administrator shall present this report to the National Space Council.
b. Working with participating agencies, NASA's Associate
Administrator for Exploration shall develop a strategic plan for the SEI to
establish the basis for Integrating existing and future SEi-related
activities. This plan shall address research. technology development and
operations and identify the relationships between the SEI mission
elements and the U. S. space infrastructure.
c. A Steering Committee for Space Exploration shall be established,
chaired by NASA's Associate Administrator for Exploration, and shall
include representation from participating agencies. The Committee shall
be the senior interagency forum for coordinating organizational
interfaces, reports, plans and activities, and SEl-related programs and
budgets; and for identifying those issues requiring consideration by the
National Space Council. The Department of State shall participate In any
meetings of the Committee related to International cooperation or other
International activity.
JAN 15 '92 18:28 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
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Y
111. Exploration Guidellnes
To Insure that necessary preparatory activities are accomplished,
the following steps shall be taken:
a. The participating agencies shall address oritical, long-lead
research and technology development activities which are supportive of
the exploration strategic plan.
b. The Department of Commerce and other appropriate agencies shall
encourage the development of SEl-related proposals which foster private
sector Investments, ownership and operation of space-related projects
and ventures as well as promote U.S. economic competitiveness. These
agencies shall seek increased cooperation with the private sector through
mechanisms such as technology transfer agreements, cooperative research
and development agreements, and consortia, as appropriate.
c. Exploration requirements shall be incerporated into the
evolutionary plans for the new national launch system.
d. NASA, DOD and DOE shall continue technology development for
space nuclear power and propulsion while ensuring that these activities
are performed In a safe and environmentally acceptable manner and
consistent with existing laws and regulations and agency mission
requirements.
JAN 15 '92 18:29 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
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5
e NASA and appropriate participating agencies shall implement a
definitive life science program in support of the human exploration of the
Moon and Mars.
1. All participating agencies should include space exploration in
their respective educational programs. in addition, participating agencies
shall take advantage of university research capabilities and cooperative
education programs In SEI-related activities.
g. International cooperation in this endeavor is feasible and could
offer significant benefits to the United States, subject to the satisfaction
of national security, foreign policy, scientific and economic Interests.
h. Expanding on individual agency efforts to Improve and streamline
acquisition procedures, the Associate Administrator for Exploration and
participating agencies shall work with the Office of Management and
Budget and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to develop improved
U. $. government procurement practices available for SEI acquisition.
I. The exploration office shall seek Innovative ideas by encouraging
Input from all sectors of American society.
IV. Reporting Requirements
a. By November 1992, the first annual status report shall be
presented to the National Space Council. It shall address options for
exploration architectures and initial capabilities.
b. The Initial version of the Strategic Plan for the Space Exploration
Initiative shall be presented to the National Space Council by February.
1992, and updated regularly thereafter. The initial version shall focus on
technology development and alternate mission architectures.
JAN 15 '92 18:29 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.13
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF
OFFICE OF THE
COMMERCE
SECRETARY
OFFICE OF SPACE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
COMMERCE
NEWS
WASHINGTON, D C. 20230
Contact:
Mary Ann Fronce
(202) 377-8125
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Jan. 6, 1992
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PREDICTS
RAPID GROWTH OF SPACE COMMERCE IN 1992
The commercial space industry is projected to be one of the fastest
growing sectors of the U.S. economy in 1992, according to economic data
released today by the U.S. Department of Commerce. As part of its 1992
publication of the annual "U.S. Industrial Outlook," the Commerce
Department estimated that space commerce will expand by 20% to $4.7
billion from 1991 revenues of $3.9 billion. Leading this expansion will be
continued growth in satellite communication services, navigation products,
and romote sensing data sales.
Commercial space revenues have consistently grown faster than the
economy as a whole for the past four years and are now comparable to
domestic movie theater receipts. In 1991, while the GNP grew at a rate of
less than 1%, commercial space revenues grew 14%. The growth in
commercial space activities is also occurring in the face of continued
retrenchment in the U.S. aerospace industry. Revenues for the U.S.
aerospace industry declined 4.2% in 1991 and are expected to decline 3.4%
in 1992 due to decreasing defense spending and increasing international
competition:
James Frelk, Director of the Office of Space Commerce at the
Commerce Department, said "U.S. industries are seeking commercial
opportunities in new private sector markets at home and overseas. The
steady, healthy growth of commercial space revenues is a hopeful sign for
the future of U.S. high-technology industries in a tough, competitive
international market."
###
JAN 15 '92 18:30 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
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41
Space Commerce
In the commercial space sector, revenues are expected to in-
Table 1: Estimates of U.S. Space Commerce
crease about 20 percent to $4.7 billion in 1992 from $3.9 billion
Revenues
in 1991. The fastest growing industries are satellite communi-
an millions of dollars)
carion services and remote sensing.
Industry
1988
1989
1990
1991
19922
Commercial sateltites
550
000
1,000
600
1,000
Satality services
600
750
800
1,200
1,350
Fixed
600
780
735
1,116
1,200
Mobile
0
50
85
as
150
S
pace commerce consists of five major areas of space-
Satalite ground equip.
600
780
880
1,300
1,700
related goods and services: commercial space
Commercial launches
0
150
570
380
400
launches. satellite communications, satellite remote
Carge capacity)
sensing, materials research and processing in space. and space-
Remote Sensing Date
and Services
50
115
140
170
200
based industrial R&D facilities. Although communications
Total
1,810
2,705
3,370
3,850
4.650
satellites have been Owned and operated by private companies
1 Revised.
since 1964, commercial activity in the other areas began in the
2 Forecast.
1980's following new Government policies to privatize space
SOURCES: U.S. Department of Commerce: Internations Trade Administration (ITA).
activities. Space commerce industries do not have separate
Office ofTslecommunications and Office of Airospace Economic and Stabshes Admin.
istration, Office offssiness Analysis.
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes.
Before reading this chapter, please see "How m Get the Most
Out of This Book" on page 1. It will clarify questions you may
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS
have concerning data collection procedures, factors affecting
trade data, forecasting methodology. the use of constant dollars,
Seven countries are currently capable of building and
the difference between industry and product dara, and sources
launching satellites: the United States, Japan, France (in coop-
eration with the European Space Agency, or ESA). U.S.S.R.,
and references. For other topics related to this chapter, sec chap-
China, India, and Israel.
ters 17 (Advanced Materials: Biotechnology, Advanced Ce-
ramics), 21 (Acrospace: Missiles and Space Vehicles), 28
The primary competitor for the U.S. commercial launch in-
(Telecommunications Services) and 30 (Radio Communication
dustry, which uses large capacity boosters (Delta, Arlas, and Ti-
and Detection Equipment).
tan) to launch communications satellites, is Arianespace, 2
French-led European launch company. The two countries domi-
Most revenues in space commerce are generated by satellite
nate the world market. China launched a U.S.-built satellite in
communications. After a slowdown in growth in 1991. because
1990, but a change in U.S. policy has suspended future launches
of a dip in the mature space markets (satellites and launches),
due to concerns about transfer of missile technology.
revenues in the commercial space sector reflect the rapid
growth in all sectors. Expanding markets include mobile serv-
In remote sensing. the major comperitor to the two-satellite
ices and equipment for vehicle tracking. navigation and post-
U.S. Landsat system. which has 55 percent of the world market,
tioning, and voice and data communications
is SPOT Image, a French company that also has two satellites.
SPOT Image is partly owned by Centre National d'Eudes
A new industry is emerging: space-based R&D facilities. A
Spatiales (CNES). the French space agency. India and Japan
privately funded commercial R&D facility is now under con-
also have remote sensing satellites used for non-commercial
struction to be flown by NASA on its Shuttle twice a year begin-
purposes: India to monitor crops and monsoons, and Japan to
ning in 1992. This experimental laboratory. known as
study urban land use, oceans, and forests.
Spacehab, contains facilities to be leased to companies for long-
term research in protein crystals, metal alloys, pharmaceuticals,
The U.S. satellite manufacturing industry competes for inter-
and other advanced materials,
national communications satellites contracts with companies in
four European nations (France, United Kingdom, Germany, and
The market for small launch vehicles and launch services de-
Italy), Japan, the U.S.S.R., and Canada. The U.S. has more than
pends on NASA and military contracts. The growing remote
60 percent of the world marker and is also the acknowledged
sensing industry. which markets raw data and images of the
leader in developing new technology and new markets for mo-
earth's surface, also continues to rely on Government support
bile satellite services and for satellite navigation and tracking.
for building the Landsat satellites and providing funds for their
Europe and Japan are developing mobile satellite communica-
operation.
tions systems based on U.S. and indigenous technologies.
U.S. Industrial Outlook 1992-Space Commerce
41-1
JAN 15 '92 18:30 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.15
Export earnings in the space commerce sector are expected
to decrease from $800 million in 1991 to $560 million in 1992.
Five communications satellites worth $500 million will be pro-
duced for other nations in 1992, the same as in 1991. The U.S.
launch industry will generate about $60 million from launching
one payload for the International Telecommunications Satellite
Organization (INTELSAT).
Outlook for 1992
Combined revenues from all aspects of the commercial
space industries are expected to reach $4.7 billion, an increase
of more than 20 percent from the $3.9 billion level of 1991.
The commercial space launch industry has scheduled six
launches of large capacity vehicles in 1992, which are expected
to generate revenues of $400 million, compared with seven
launches worth $380 million in 1991. Revenues depend on the
number of launches and the cost per launch, which ranges from
550 million 10 $120 million depending on the size of the launch
vehicle. In addition to commercial launches, two satellites will
be launched for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admini-
stration (NOAA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1992:
the Landsat 6 earth observation satellite on a Titan 2 and a mete-
orological satellite on an Atlas-E. Six suborbital launches will
generate additional revenues of about $8 million in 1992. For
further information on the launch industry, see Chapter 21,
Aerospace.
The U.S. satellite manufacturing industry is scheduled to de-
liver 10 communications satellites worth $1 billion in 1992.
This is in contrast to eight communications satellites worth
$800 million in 1991. Revenues from the manufacture of
ground station equipment and antennas are expected to reach
$1.7 billion in 1992, up from $1.3 billion in 1991. The targest
markets for fixed earth stations are business communications
Hughes Alrorah as
systems and television receive-only (TVRO) satellite dishes for
The U.S. satellite manufacturing industry is scheduled 10 deliver 10
residential users. The fastest growing market for mobile equip-
communications satellites, such as the Intelsat VI-F5 from Hughes
ment is for navigation, surveying, and mapping based on the
Aircraft, valued at # total of $1 billion in 1992.
NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) of the Depart-
ment of Defense (DOD). More information about these satellite
will increase when the Ariane 5. a new class of larger and lower
manufacturing industries is provided in Chapter 30, Radio
cost European launch vehicles, enters the market in the
Communication and Detection Equipment.
mid-1990's.
Long-Term Prospects
Long-term U.S. competitiveness in space vehicle technology
will improve as a result of the National Space Launch Strategy
The satellite manufacturing industry is expected to continue
announced in July 1991. NASA and DOD will cooperate in de-
producing at a high level over the next five years, as most U.S.
veloping a new generation of launch vehicles, including those
satellites serving the domestic market reach the end of their op-
with commercial applications, to replace the Shuttle in the next
erational lives and need to bc replaced. Including international
century.
sales, the U.S. satellite manufacturing industry has 53 commu-
nications satellites scheduled for delivery in the next five years,
Satellite Services
which represents more than 62 percent of the global market.
The market for small, low-cost satellites, called lightsats and
Satellite services Include the major operating companies,
microsats, will continue to develop. Lightsats are satellites
which lease transponders (repesters/amplifiers) on U.S. domes-
weighing less than 1,000 pounds; microsats weigh less than 250
tic satellites and transmit to fixed earth stations, and the service
pounds. By 1996, constellations of lightsats in low earth orbits
providers, which serve mobile users. Total revenues from fixed
should be capable of providing commercial services for world-
and mobile services will reach $1.4 billion in 1992, an increase
wide cellular telephone service, tracking of vehicles and ship-
of 13 percent from $1.2 billion in 1991. Nearly 65 percent of
ments. and digital message services.
revenues from fixed services will be generated by transmitting
The demand for commercial launch services will be rela-
video for cable TV networks and the national broadcast nei-
tively flat over the next five years. The launch companies will
works. The largest market for mobile services is the long dis-
receive a steady flow of orders to launch U.S. Government civil
tance trucking market. which uses satellite equipment for
and military sutellites, as well as satellites from foreign coun-
tracking vehicles and transmitting messages between dispatch-
tries and international organizations. International competition
ers and drivers. For further information on satellite services see
Chapter 28, Telecommunications Services.
41-2
U.S. Industrial Outlook 1992-Space Commerce
JAN 15 '92 18:31 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.16
This HS 601 spacceraft from Hughes Aircraft Co., developed for American Mobile Satellite Corp. to serve the rapidly growing mobile services
Hugano Anual Co.
markes. will enable drivers to communicate by car phone. even in remote areas.
Demand for fixed satellite services by business is responsi-
ble for most of the recent growth in space commerce. More than
lenging the traditional methods based on very large. expensive
satellites in geostationary orbit.
230 U.S. corporations have established private satellite net-
works for communications of video. voice. and data between
Remote Sensing
headquarters and remote company locations at more than
50.000 sites. Satellite systems are considered more cost effec-
The remote sensing industry, which experienced a surge in
tive and flexible than private terrestrial networks linking head-
demand in 1991 for satellite images during the Persian Gulf
quarters with scattered sites over long distances.
conflict and environmental monitoring afterward, will likely
Mobile satellite services are the newest market, and growth
continue to grow at an annual rate of 18 percent in 1992, with
will depend on the allocation of adequate portions of the radio
revenues reaching $200 million. This includes revenues from
frequency spectrum to accommodate multiple systems. Market
sales of unenhanced satellite data, and from consulting firms
growth will depend on proposed newer technologies based on
and service providers. The Landsat 6 satellite, due to be
constellations of small satellites in low orbits, which are chal-
launched in mid-1992, will have twice the resolution of ferres-
trial features: 15 meters. compared with 30 meters for Landsate
U.S. Industrial Outlook 1992-Space Commerce
41-3
-JAN 15 '92 18:32 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.17
4 and 5. This availability of higher resolution images is CX-
pected to generate a surge in demand for the new Landsat data.
Figure 41-1
In remote sensing, cemeras, radar, or other sensing devices in
an orbiting spacecraft acquire information about the earth's sur-
U.S. Space Commerce, 1992
face. The Landsat remote sensing satellites are built and owned
by the U.S. Government and managed by NOAA. A private
Commercial Launches
company. EOSAT, has operated the Landsat system and mar-
Rantota Sensing
$460 Million
keted the unonhanced data since 1985 under Government con-
$280 Million
tracts.
Worldwide revenues from the sale of Landsat dara, including
U.S. domestic sales, international data sales, and earth station
access fees paid by foreign operators in 16 countries, were about
$30 million in 1990. International sales were the fastest-grow-
ing market for Landsat data with Asia heing the largest foreign
Communications
market. By comparison, worldwide revenues for SPOT Image,
Sateilites
Satellite Services
the French remore sensing system, were $32 million in 1990.
$1 Billion
$1.4 Billian
Remote sensing satellite applications include agricultural as-
sessments and crop forecasts, land-use planning, oil and mineral
prospecting, cartography, forestry, and environmental pollution
surveys. More than 200 companies currently offer remote sens-
Earth Stations
ing software, systems hardware, andiconsulting services. The
17 Billion
U.S. commercial market has been expanding more than 20 per-
cent 3 year for the past three years because of the declining cost
of computers and data processing. and because mapping tech.
nology is shifting from aerial photography to remote sensing
Total Revenue
data. Satellite data cost less and are more up-to-date than aerial
$4.7 Billing
maps for many applications.
The first privately funded and operated remote sensing satel-
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade
Administration and Echnomics and Statistics Administration.
lite system was initiated in 1991 with a NASA contract to pro-
vide daily ocean imagery. The commercial environmental
monitoring sarellite, SeaStar, is scheduled to be launched in
1993 and will provide ocean color data to NASA for five years.
carry more experiments into space. In 1991. NASA established
Another remote sensing market that has been privatized is
3 new program for longer duration experiments in space, using a
the enhancement of images from weather satellites. Satellite
free flying spacecraft and a re-entry capsule to return experi-
images of cloud cover are enhanced by for-profit companies and
ments to earth after orbiting for more than & month. The first
used by television weather forecasters to show the movement of
launch of the Commercial Experimenter Transporter (COMET)
clouds on TV news programs.
program is scheduled for September 1992
Other nations have developed R&D programs for materials
Materials Processing in Space
processing in space, The Soviet Union has conducted the most
experiments in space because the Mir space station is in con-
Materials research and processing in space is still a small in-
tinuous operation and can perform long duration experiments.
dustry. Few products are being marketed commercially, but
Spacelab, an R&D facility carried by the Shuttle, has been used
Government policy supports research in this area. Several small
for special missions by Japan and Germany, In addition, ESA is
firms now provide the necessary hardware and services. Com-
developing its own R&D spacecraft, Eureka.
mercially oriented experiments have been performed In space to
produce unusually strong and light metals, large protein crys-
Space-based R&D Facilities
tals. and pure pharmaceuticals. Experiments that require hu-
man-tending for periods of up to 11 days can be performed for
A market is developing for privately funded space infrastrue-
private industry on the Shuttle. Short periods of microgravity,
mre projects designed for space materials research. These pro-
necessary for many such experiments, are available from subor-
jects depend on access to the Shuttle. Spacehab Inc., a
bital sounding rockets, drop towers, and parabolic aircraft
commercial company, has raised about $100 million for con-
flights. Microgravity experiments are the major payload for
struction of its Spacehab pressurized metal module for research
firms offering commercial suborbital rocket launches.
experiments on the Shuttle, and has a contract with NASA for
two flights a year at $30 million a flight. The research module
More than 200 U.S. corporations interested in materials re-
has been leased to private industry, NASA, State Government
search and processing in space and other commercial applica-
agencies, and foreign governments.
tions are affiliated with the 16 NASA Centers for the
Commercial Development of Space (CCDS), most of them lo-
Commercially Developed Launch Facilities
cated at universities. The CCDS concept enables firms to learn
about the prospects of space materials processing at relatively
Privately funded launch sites, or spaceports, are a recent con-
low cost, and provides access to academic resources.
cept. Spaceports are planned for large capacity boosters and for
Research in materials processing will accelerate in 1992, and
small suborbital sounding rockets. The Florida legislature
NASA has increased its funding for commercial launches to
established the Florida Spaceport Authority In 1990 with a
bonding authorization of $500 million. Hawaii also secks à
41-4
U.S. Industrial Outlook 1992-Space Commerce
JAN 15 '92 18:32 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.18
commercial spaceport. In addition to new spaceports, Alaska's
ing service. are expected to raise insurance rates in 1992 to a
launch facility, Poker Flat Research Range. which is owned and
level of about 20 percent of the value of the launch vehicle or
operated by the University of Alaska, is being marketed to pri-
spacecraft. Industry sources report that the amount of insurance,
vate users, NASA, and DOD. State governments are interested
in spaceports partly because of spinoffs to research parks. office
or "capacity." available for a typical launch and payload is
buildings, and tourism.
about $250 million, which indicates the amount of capital that
owners of satellites could lose in # single unsuccessful
launch.-Donald Dalton, Office of Business Analysis, (202)
Space Insurance
377-1190. August 1991.
Insurance is essential to the development of space com-
Additional References
merce. Space insurance coverage includes loss of vehicle and
payload. damage to Government launch facilities, and third-
Encouraging Private investment in Space Activities. Congressional Budget
party liability. Vehicle and payload insurance covers the value
Office, 2nd and D Streets. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20515, Telephone:
(202) 224-3121.
of the launch vehicle and spacecraft from launch through initial
NASA Commercial Programs: A Prograss Report, Office of Commercial Pro-
operations, and may include annual coverage for commercial
operations. Third-party liability insurance is designed to cover
grans, 557-5609. NASA Headquarters. Washington, DC 20546. Telephone: (703)
injury or damage to parties other than those associated with the
Space Business Indicators. Office of Space Commerce, U.S. Dept. of Com
payload and vehicle during launch activities. Requirements for
merce, 14th and Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC. 20230. Tele-
phone: (202) 377-8125.
third-party liability and Government property damage insur-
Aviation Week & Space Technology, MeCiraw-Hill, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the
ance are determined by the Secretary of Transportation.
Americas, New York. NY 10020. Telephone: (212) 512-2000.
Rares for communications satellites, which average about
Satetite Communtcations, Cardiff Publishing Co., 6300 S. Syracuse Way,
$100 million in insured value, fluctuate with the number of
Englewood. CO 80111. Telephone: (303) 720-0600.
launch failures and failures of satellites in orbit. Several failures
Space Naws, The Times Journal Co., 6883 Commercial Drive, Springfield, VA
of both launch vehicles and satellites in 1991, which prevented
22159. Telephone: (703) 658-8400.
Japanese and Canadian communications satellites from provid-
Via Satellite, Phillips Publishing Inc., 7811 Montrose Road, Perconal MD
20854. Telephone: (301) 340-2100**
U.S. Industrial Outlook 1992-Space Commerce
41-5
JAN 17 '92 19:01 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.1
à COMMERCE
UHITED STATES OF AMERICA
OFFICE OF SPACE COMMERCE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
14th and Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Room 7060
Washington, D.C. 20230
(202) 377-8125 -- voice
(202) 377-5173 - fax
To:
Gary Gershowitz
Date:
Time:
Phone:
456-
Fax:
456-6218
From:
Scott Pace/ Jim Frelk
Pages to Follow:
10
Notes/Instructions:
MAteriAl ON COMMERCIAL
use OF NAVigAtioNal
SAtellites
JAN 17 '92 19:02 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.2
Weapons/Research
GPS Proves Its Worth
In January. Collins received & $10-
million contract from the JPO for a minia-
in Operation Desert Storm
turized airborue OPS receiver (MAGR).
intended for space-constrained aircraft, pri-
aircraft during Desort Storm. GPS veloci-
marily the Navy F/A-18 and Air Force
by Barry Miller
ty information, accurate to greater than
F-16B, but also including the Marine AV-
0.1 meter per second, was used to help
SB, Air Force FB-111 and F-15E, and
he US military Services are mak-
stabilize the militarized 707 aircraft's
Army AH-64A. Col. Steadman says in
ing major strides in expanding the
radar to spot bastile ground vehicle con-
excess of 2,000 MAGRs will be bought;
use of the Navstar Global position-
voys. In one instance early in the war, a
the Collins contract has options for about
ing System (GPS), spurred in part by the
search-and-rescue helicopter used GPS IO
2,400. The MAGR measures 3" in width,
successful performance of the highly accu-
locate and recover an airman downed in
7" in height. and 12" in depth. or roughly
rate satellite-based navigation system in
Iraq. A senior Army source told AFJI that
3/8 the size of the standard airborne 10-
the Persian Gulf War.
the Army's XVIII Airborne Corps and VII
ceiver. MAGR specifications call for a
The Joint Program Office at
weight of about 15 lbs, hur Stead-
Air Force's Space Systems Di-
man said he expects the unit will
vision in Los Angeles has con-
weigh about 12 lbs, one third the
tracts with industry that could
weight of the Collins ARN-141
add more then 10,000 sets of
(V), the full user set incorporat-
user equipment to Service in-
ing the airborne receiver.
ventories by mid-decade, if all
Potential deliveries by mid-
options are exercised. Ultimate
decade of the 12,000-plus stan-
ly, purchases could climb to us
dard and miniature receivers on
many as 100,000 user sots, dc-
contract or under option still fall
pending Un the cost, versatility,
short of satisfying military needs
and size of new portable, hand-
for about 20,000 US aircraft,
held units for ground forces.
nearly 600 ships, and an undeter-
The Joint Program Office
mined number of ground troops
(JPO) at Air Force Space Sys-
and vehicles. Roughly 400 naval
tems division, representing all
ships are now equipped with
US Services, NATO countries,
GPS user equipment, but the per-
and other allies, manages GPS
centage of airborne platforms out-
development.
fitted is smaller. In addition,
In its present configuration
DoD permits at least some of its
of 15 12-hour-orbit satellites,
Trimble Navigation's Trimpack ar SLGR
organizations to buy GPS receiv-
the system provides any proper-
crs directly. Scts for the SLAM
ly equipped user with precise position,
Corps relied on GPS to keep track of their
missile, for example, and others ear
velocity, and time throughout most of the
locations during their encirclement of
marked for the planned Tomahawk cruise
day and anywhere in the world. Once the
Iraq's Republican Guard.
missile Block 3 upgrade are direct buys
full configuration of 21 satellites plus
The IPO has bought or has options to
from Rockwell by individual program of-
three orbital spares is in place, users will
buy in excess of 12,000 full military
fices. Their numbers are not reflected in
be able to obtain full accuracy at any time.
specification user sets for a variety of
the JPO figures cited by Col. Steadman.
A user with a military receiver can achieve
ships, fixed and rotary wing aircraft, and
Remaining aircraft and ship needs will
position accuracies of at least 16 motors;
ground troops, according to USAF Col.
he satisfied in one of two ways starting in
those with small. hand-held commercial
Bryan Steadman, user equipment program
the second half of the decade. Steadman
receivers being purchased in increasing
manager. By September, Rockwell Col-
explained. The first would he with addi-
numbers by the military as well as civil
lins in Codar Rapid, IA, is expected to
tional buys of standard and MAGR receiv-
users can get 25-meter accuracy. OPS will
complete delivery of more than 4,300
CFE. Some in industry believe the emphasis
allow precise control and synchronization
standard receivers under an initial $450-
will be on the MAGR, rather than on the
of battlefield elements.
million production contract awarded at-
older receivers, because of its smaller size
Any lingering doubts about GPS's pro-
most six years ago. The Collins produc-
and interchangeability with the standard
found military utility were swepr away
tion run, Col. Steadman said. includes
receiver. The other possibility, depending
during Operation Desert Storm. Air Force
approximately 1,800 five-channel receiv-
on the maturation of the technology,
H-52 bombers were sided in locating as-
erx for aircraft. more than 400 three-
would be the purchase of "embedded, or
signed land targets by GPS airborne TE-
channel sets for ships. 500 two-channel
modular, GPS receivers chip sets or print-
ceiver sets. The Navy's standoff land
receivers for helicopters, and about 1,700
ed circuit boards with receiver and proces-
attack missite (SLAM), an air-launched
one-channel manpacks. Recently, the IPO
ser functions mounted on them-for inte-
derivative of the Harpoon antiship missile
picked SCI Systems. Huntsville, AL, to
gration with other electronics equipment.
used for the first time during Desert
supply up to 6,000 more of these standard
A GPS chip set, for example, could be
Storm, relied on GPS. It obrained position
initial production receivers for ships and
installed within the computer of an air-
data from an onboard GPS receiver to
aircraft over the next five years under it
craft's incrtial navigation system.
update its midcourse inertial navigation
$175-million contract. Additional user
The drawback to the "embedded" ap
system in flight before the missile's infra-
equipment related contracts were awarded
proach. Steadman cautioned, is that it
red imaging seeker guided the wespon to
to E-Systems, St. Petersburg. FL, for
creates and extra logistics requirement
its target. The Air Force deployed its two
antennas and antenna electronics and to
conflicting with the desire for a common
Joint Surveillance and Target Attack
Hollingsead International, Santa Fe
logistics plan for user equipment.
Radar System (JSTARS) developmental
Springs, CA, for equipment mounts.
Concurrent with its efforts to foster
16
Armed Forces JOURNAL International/April, 1001
JAN 17 '92 19:03 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.3
Wespons/Research
development of airborne and ship-based
clines to accept such individual orders
OPS user equipment, the JPO has been
because it is approaching near capacity of
exploring various hand-hold user sets for
3,000 sets por month. The small hand-held
ground troops and others. Evolving tech-
sets typically have calculator-type keypads
nology now permits GPS functions to be
and small displays permitting uscrs to
packaged into compact, lightweight, rug-
obtain position readouts in latitude/
ged units. The Collins manpack now being
longitude (for eviction), in Military Grid
acquired under the Initial production con-
Reference System (for ground troops). and
tract weighs 17 lbs. In 1987 the JPO
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) co-
hought 259 10-1b GPS backpacks from
ordinates (for artillery).
Texas Instruments for evaluation by vari-
To satisfy swelling military demand for
ous operators.
smaller user sets, JPO is planning to buy a
hand-held set called Precision Lightweight
Slugger and Plugger
GPS Receiver (PLGR), or "plugger."
While conceptually similar to SLGR in
By 1989. the JPO bought an Initial
size, weight, and nature, it will have one
quantity of 1,012 Small Lightweight GPS
important difference. It will be able to
Receivers (SLGR). pronounced "slug-
decode the P-code for improved procision
ger,' from Trimble Navigation, manufac-
and antispoof provisions. Col. Steadman
mrer of commercial GPS receivers in Sun-
said he expects the hand-held or adapter-
nyvale, CA. This binocular-size, hand.
mounted PLGR to weigh four lbs or less
held set meets various military tempera-
and occupy about 120 cu in, mughly
ture, shock, vibration, and moisture TC-
equivalent to the weight and size of
quirements. It weighs approximately four
SLOR. A PLGR contract is anticipated in
lbs, depending on battery choice.
1992 with first deliveries to start in 1993,
Rockwell Collins' GPS manpack
Unlike military-developed GPS user
The JPO will huy at least 10,000
equipment, the SLGR and other competi-
PLGRs and perhaps many times that num-
five hand held commercial sets lack both
sold commercially here and abroad, the
ber depending on the set's size, usability,
the accuracy and the antijam/antispoof
same 25-meter accuracy was available to
cost, and versatility, (Industry estimates
capability of full military sets. IL can
Iraqi forces. There were reports that the
project à total potential US market for
decode only C/A (clear/acquisition) code
Iraqis used GPS in aligning the guidance
hand-held GPS receiver sets of 100,000 by
systems of mobile Scud missites.
signals from each satellite, not the protect-
1995, plus a foreign market of about equal
cd P-code which gives military sets both
Airborne GPS user sets installed in
size.) The JPO is expecting PLOR logis-
better accuracy and antijam capabilities.
high-performance military aircraft general-
tics to be confined to battery replacement
In practice, that means 25-meter position
ly are configured for either one of two
followed by throwaway at expiration of a
accuracy, contrasted to the 16 meter fig-
types of operation. They can operate in #
five-year warranty period. Col. Steadman
ure for normal P-code-capable user acts.
stand-alone fashion, isolated from other
said he "thinks" the PLGR unit price will
Nonetheless, a combination of the Gulf
electronics, giving the crow readings in
be "less than $10,000,- compared to
War's urgency and increasingly favorable
latitude, longitude, and altitude, Altorna-
about $3,500 for SLGR or its Magellan
operator response to small, hand-held in-
tively, they are integrated with other navi-
competitor.
expensive units has sparked a boom for
gation or weapon systems to improve nav-
As the PLGR specifications evolve,
SLGR and other hand-held sets, The JPO
igation accuracies and weapon deliveries,
some in industry insist the additional accu-
has successively exercised a number of
Typically, GPS user equipment on a R-52
racy of the P-code isn't worth the cost and
options under its Trimble contract to bring
or F-16 routes position and velociry up-
power penalty for a hand-held unit. They
the total SGLR buy to 9,200 sets. It also
dates to 22 navigation computer, where it is
has bought 400 two-lb walkie-talkie-like
suggest instead S unit capable of decrypt-
weighted and integrated with inertial navi-
ing deliberates moves by DoD in wartime
hand-hold sets from Magellan Systems
gation data.
to degrade the GPS accuracy available to
Corporation in Monrovia, CA. The JPO
The resulting data rhen update the air-
nonmilitary or unfriendly users. In this
regards these as "interim" devices. Both
craft's inertial navigators, which ordinari-
selective availability features of GPS.
Trimble and Magellan have orders from
ly drift with rime. Tests of such an inte
DoD can reduce available position accura-
other military organizations in the US and
cy on the C/A code from 25 meters to 100
grated system on a B-52 yielded position
abroad totaling several thousands of units.
accuracies of nine meters, according to a
meters and velocity accuracy by an un-
Magellan has sold 500 to the First Infantry
JPO summary.
specified amount by adjusting the satel-
Division, an unspecified number of the
The Defense Advanced Research Pro-
lites' time clocks. If a security module
Marines. 600 to the Saudis, another 600 to
jects Agency traditionally has taken the
were built into the hand-held sct. it could
the British Ministry or Defence, and 150
lead in furthering applications of GPS. It
overcome the dilution in the C/A code.
to the French. Trimble has had orders for
assuring a user of the 25-meter accuracy.
is sponsoring a Collins development,
more than 1,500 units from friendly for-
This might encourage DoD to more readi-
through Air Force's Space Technology
cign nations including Britain, Egypt, Is-
ly degrade the potential GPS "civil" au-
Center, of small, lightweight GPS receiv-
racl, and Japan.
ers suitable for military "lightsats"-
curacy during conflicts in an effort to
Individual credit card sales requests for
deprive enemies access to normally availa-
smaller, special-purpose stellites. It pro-
hand-held OPS sets were pouring into both
ble GPS accuracies.
viously sponsored development of generic
companies from military personnel in the
During the Gulf War, DoD elected to
chips for various types of OPS receivers.
Gulf in recent weeks. During AFJI's visit
leave the selective availability accuracy at
Under this program, Collins developed
to Magellan, a junior officer phoned the
25 meters, presumably because of the
gallium-arsenide, monolithic microwave
company from Dhahran for a receiver and
proliferation of the small "commerical"
integrated circuits which demonstrated the
made arragements for payment hy his
user sets among allied ground forces.
potential for simplifying and improving
father in the States. Trimble says it de-
Since various types of GPS receivers are
circulary required for building small GPS
receivers.
P.4
TAN 17 '92 19:04 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
Battle-tested GPS from Magellan.
Now faster, more accurate than ever.
Precision navigation at
The Magellan GPS
operated in just one hand.
your command.
NAV 1000M
Rugged, shockproof, waterproof
Used by the multinational Allied
(it floats), and capable of operating
Forces during Operation Desert Storm,
for hours on six AA-alkaline bat-
the Magellan NAV1000M has
teries, the portable NAV1000M
proven its combat worthiness on
goes everywhere, tracking continu-
the battlefields of the Persian Gulf.
ously at speeds up to 870 knots.
Tested to Military Standard B10D,
A remote antenna and power
the NAV1000M now offers greater
adapter with quick-release mount*
navigation and positioning capabil-
accommodates its use in vehicles
ities than ever. One-second updates
such as tanks, HMMWVs, and heli-
provide continuous position, navi-
copters making it the most versatile
gation and velocity data; position
By syn-
receiver available,
averaging capability ensures opti-
chronizing
Because accurate decision
mal accuracies (15 meters RMS); a
the air, sea
making is everything:
multi-leg patrol function enables
and land battle-
With information designed
enhanced planning and coordination.
field in time and space, the
for military use, the Magellan NAV
A unit-to-unit datalink* provides
NAV1000M maximizes force
1000M features:
the instant downloading of critical
multiplication.
Position updates every second
mission information from one
When weight makes all
Averaged position accuracy:
receiver to another, ensuring a well-
the difference.
15 meters (RMS)
Single position accuracy. 25 meters (RMS)
coordinated
Magellan is the only manufac-
Coordinates in MGRS, Lat/Lon, UTM
operation.
turer of GPS receivers to success-
Headings in mils, radians, degrees
fully integrate gallium arsenide and
46 map datums + one user defined
Stores THE waypoints
MMIC technology making the
Calculates targets
NAV1000M the light-
Data transfer RS232 output
Satellite schedule calculation
est (0.85 kg) GPS
receiver available
The Magellan NAV1000M Preci-
about one-half the
sion GPS power at your command.
weight of the
Made in the us À Marranted for a fust year
competition
For more information please Magellan Systems corporal
tion 260 Drive, Montant 5108 Friends (SIS)
and easily
tax: (918) 359-4455 Magelan" and NAVI00044
Walamarks of Magelier Systems Corporation *Pold separately
MAGELLAN
WE BRING GPS DOWN TO EARTI
JAN 17 92 19:05 DOC SPACE COMMERCE 111'
HIM
01112023775173
DEC 20, 1990 12:49PM #127
La Dec 90
Dear Trimble,
5th Special Korces Group churging up sand have in
Thanks a million! I'm a green benet with the army's
Saudi Avabia. During my 13 years in SF, J have
received one heavy, obsolete pice of squipment after
that navigation in the idvious desert regions we are
anyther. During the early 1980'0, someone realized
targeted to deploy in might require more than a map
and compass so, a crash course in celestia now was
the Rate 80's, there was still barely a handful of us
arranged and cheap plastic sextants purchased. By
who could shoot a fix and not a current copy of the tables
anywhere in the Group.
now here we are in the empty quarter of Saudi satyava
and what do I receive to navigate in add tion to my map
and compass? you guessed it, a trimble, Krimpack GPS!
unfortunately, 70076 thought to buy The vehicle mounts and
external anytema's (except the French) but, this thing is
fantastic! Flip through the Operations Guide with The GPS
in front of you and you're in business I shill dead reskory
but, with the GPS to shot fixes I'm always on target
I may return home wahout having fived mg weapon
but, your G'PS earno to way every single day any
JAN 17 '92 19:05 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.6
if or when we cross the Line ing The sand' our Trimpacks
check to make sure to with us when we go.
will be the only piece of equipment everyone will double
So, to Trimble in general and to whoever w landed the
army contract in parlicular.
Thank you, you may well
save my life
Gary
SFC Gary D. mcDonald
C-3 5th SFG(A)
APO, NY 09734
mounts and anytenyes.
P.S. when we do return they'v be ready to go for
oh, and happy holidays!
JAN 17 '92 19:06 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.7
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Saying goodbye to
long it took for the signal to reach earth. Ke-
cause radio signals travel at the speed of
light, the receiver can then calculate the dis-
"Where am I?"
tance to the satellite.
To make use of this information the re-
ceiver must also know where the satellites
SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA
are, just as the mid-Atlantic navigator has to
know where New York and London are. Be-
N
OT all the satellites in the Gulf war
have its own constellation, called GLONAS,
cause the satellites are in high orbits,
racked Scuds, spotted hidden bun-
in orbit. Both systems work on the same
17,600km (11,000 miles) from the carth, their
kers or envesdropped on whispered orders;
principle. Each satellite constantly broad-
movements are highly prodictable. The re-
some just sat in orbit and warbled coded
casts coded signals. A receiver picks up the
ceivers are programmed to make such pre-
time signals. But these satellites, which
signals from a number of satellites, and
dictions; they can work out where the satel-
make up the Global Positioning System
works out how far it is from each of them.
lites should be. Then the receiver draws a
(CPS), were as vital as any others. They al-
Then, using prior knowledge of the satel-
sphere around each satellite-with the ra-
lowed troops with portable radio receivers
lites' positions, it works out where it is.
dius of the sphere corresponding to the dis-
to find their way across trackless desert and
To see how it works, imagine you are
tance to the satellire-and looks for the
end up exactly where they wanted to be.
somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic,
point where the three spheres intersect.
Having seen its success, the American forces
armed with H globe, a pair of compasses and
Errors can creep in, particularly in the
are busily equipping everything. from but-
the divinely-inspired knowledge that you
timing system. And as light travels at
theships to cruise missiles, with
300,000km (186,000 miles) a sec-
GPS systems. The technology may
ond, a millisecond error can
have as many applications in
throw off the calculated position
peace as in war-or even more.
by 300km. The satellites have phe-
Sony recently launched a
nomenally accurate atomic
hand-held device which, for a few
clocks, but the receivers do not;
hundred dollars, will enable the
their clocks can be a little fast or
globe-trotting gadget-buff to find
slow. Charged particles in the air
out his latitude and longitude-
slow the radio waves. Even Ein-
accurate to within 100 metres
stein comes back to haunt the cal-
whenever he should feel the need.
culations. The theory of relativity
So far. Sony's gizmo remains lime
describes the effects that gravity
more than a hard-to-use gimmick.
YOU Here
has on space and time: one result
Though knowing one's latitude
is that time passes infinitesimally
and longitude is great for yachts-
more quickly in orbit.
men and pilots-the largest non-
Fortunately, these discrepan-
military market for Grs equip-
cies can be ironed out. In theory.
ment at the moment-land-
three signals provide all you need
lubbers prefer to find their way
to know to calculate latitude, lon-
around with landmarks and
gitude and altitude. In practice,
street-names.
Computerised
LIPS receivers use four signals: the
maps make it possible to provide
surplus one allows the receiver to
such information, For the mus
cross-check and catch errors. With
ment they are hard to come by, ex-
only IV CPS satellites now in orbit,
pensive and often clunky TO use;
there are times of the day when re-
given time and Incentive, companies will
are 2,000 miles from New vork and 2,500
ceivers cannot see four satellites. (Desert
make them cheaper and friendlier.
miles from London. To find out where the
Storm troops on the move found themselves
Meanwhile, companies such as Trimble
ship is, use the compasses to draw circle on
taking quick ten breaks during such peri-
Navigation, a Silicon Valley start-up which
the globe with a radius of 2,000 miles and
ods.) But when all the satellites are in place,
has pioneered civilian use of GPS, and Rock
its centre at New York. Draw another with a
GPS receivers will work all the time. And if a
well, which has built many of the satellites,
radius of 2,500 miles and its centre at Lon-
satellite goes slightly astray, it tells the re-
are busily trying to spot as many markets as
don. The circles will intersect in two places.
ceivers about its waywardness, so that their
Ency can for GPS technology. They see a vast
The ship is at one of them. Divine knowl-
calculations stay exact.
cotential for the ability to know exactly
edge of the distance to a third point-or a
Positions calculated from GPS signals
where an object is, at any time.
passing iceberg-would determine which.
should be accurate to within 25 metres. But
When finished, the GPS system will con-
The same principles allow a GPS receiver
America's generals can reduce accuracy for
gent of 24 satellites built and launched for a
to calculate its position. The satellites
non-military users to about 100 metres.
lost of about $10-billion. There are 17 in
broadcast a fancy time signal. coded in a
Their "selective availability" option intro-
Place so far, and the remainder should be in
complicated digital pattern. By comparing
duces an artificial error into the satellite's
bit by 1993. After that a regular trickle of
the time signal received from space to that
signal which confuses civilian receivers.
@placements will be needed as satellites age
generated by its own internal clock, the re-
Since the war with Iraq. selective availabil-
and die. By 1993 the Soviet Union expects to
ceiver can-in - theoryat least-calculate how
ity has been in force. For really accurate
HE ECONOMIST AUGUST 14TH 1991
71
JAN 17 '92 19:07 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.8
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
work, even degraded signals from space can
of their assets-and so boost efficiency.
Genes and disease
be used in tandem with signals from 3 trans-
Car navigation. Tied to a databasc of digi-
mitter at a known, fixed position on earth.
tal maps held on a co-player in the boot,
Evolving defences
This so-called "differential Grs" is accurate
CPS systems may one day eliminate the
to within centimetres or less. Geologists use
need for paper maps. Several companies.
it to monitor fault lines.
including Pioneer of Japan and Etak, an-
with experience. the cost of the chips
other Silicon Valley start-up, have systems
A the challenges to Darwin, lite adapts to
it encounters. In Africa,
needed to make GPS receivers has fallen to a
for telling motorists how to get from A TO H
one of the great challenges to human life is
few hundred dollars. It is still dropping fast.
(see box).
malaria. So how have people adapted? Un-
Enthusiasts predict a hoom in GPS applica-
To these markets may be added a fifth:
ril recently, there was one well known an-
tions. Stephen Colwell of Colwell-Kirtland
the consumer. Receivers could soon become
swer: the sickle cell mutation, which confers
International, $ sort of information broker
small and cheap enough to fit into a busi-
a resistance TO malaria, but at the cost of
for the GPS market, says that he is getting six
nessman's briefcase. Compact discs are also
making people anaemic. Now a team based
or seven inquiries a day about possible new
gening smaller, so it should soon be possi-
in Oxford has found more adaptations: they
applications. Charlie Trimble predicts that
ble to create, say, a traveller's guide that not
are intriguing to those who study evolution.
his eponymous firm's sales will increase
only tells you where the good restaurants
and exciting for those who make vaccines.
from about $40m in fiscal-year 1989 to $4
are, but also tells you how to get there from
Every gene comes in various different
billion by 1995. If so. most of that growth
wherever you happen 10 be at the moment
forms, called alleles; each allele contains in-
will come in four markets:
The whole business depends on the mil-
structions for making a slightly different
Commercial navigation. GPS systems are
itary keeping the system operational and
version of the same protein. Most proteins
already being fitted interoplanes and ships.
available. But with two systems, one Rus-
do not vary much, so most genes have one
The system is many times more accurate
sian and one American, there is a certain se-
dominant allele. But there is one set of pro-
than existing navigation aids, which rely on
curity. One Northwest Airlines jumbo jet is
teins which comes in more than enough va-
a network of ground-based radio signals.
already using signals from both constella-
rieties to please Mr Heinz; the HLA proteins
Geographic information systems. Cities
tions of satellites to navigate. If the technol-
on the surface of cells. which play a role in
are using GPS surveying equipment 10 map
ngy finds as many uscs-as its proponents
triggering and conwolling the immune sys-
the location of everything from fire hy-
hope, satellite navigation systems might
tem, are described by a small set of genes
drants to suburban housing.
make sense even without the military foot-
which all have lots of alleles.
Vehicle tracking. By putting GPS receivers
ing the bill. The day may come when know
Such profligacy demands explanation.
and radio transmitters on everything from
ing exactly where you are is as common-
Mathematical models show that random
ambulances to individual cargo containers,
place as checking the time on your watch.
processes should make some alleles become
companies can better track the movement
more abundant and others die out-just as
4° East, 51° North, and a side order of 29
ogy: point (a position), line (something
that connects two points) and region (a
surface enclosed by lines). This helps the
MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA /
computers detect and correct errors.
K
NOWING where you are is not much
digital map-making simply traced roads,
Roads, for example, are represented as
use if you don't know where every-
rivers, boundaries and whatever into the
lines running between intersections,
thing else is. That is why any boom in the
computer. Though straightforward, this
which are represented as points. The soft-
personal use of GPS equipment will be
approach makes it easy for errors to creep
ware therefore assumes (usually rightly)
followed by a boom in sales of digital
in. Because the computer has no concept
that if two mads CICBS at a point that is not
maps-and will not happen before those
of what a boundary's, it is quite happy if
noted as an intersection the map maker
maps are available. With this in mind,
the co-ordinates for. say, the eastern bor
feeding it instructions has erred.
Rupert Murdoch recently bought a small
der of France do not quite meet those of
Topological knowledge also makes
Silicon Valley mapmaker called Etak. Not
Germany's western boundary-leaving a
databases easier to use. Etak's map
only does the publishing magnate think
tiny gap neither here nor there.
database can answer several types of ques-
he has a good product: he also thinks that
Etak incorporates into its map-mak-
tion. It can translate place-names and ad-
digital maps could be the advertising me
ing program the basic concepts of topol-
dresses into latitude and longinide (and
dium of tomorrow.
vice versa) and it can find 3 route berween
Etak was founded in 1983 to develop a;
two places. In this it is helped by a hierar-
car-navigation system created by its
chy that tells it to look at motorways first
founder, Stan Honey. Sales have SO far
when looking for a way to cross long dis-
been disappointing, so the company has
tances. and to look at dirt-tracks only for
shifted its focus to digital map-making.
the last bit of the trip to the Love Shack, or
Not only is there a steady demand for dig-
any other backwoods destination.
ital maps from cities and others looking
Combined with GPS position-finding
to modernise their records, but Etak also
equipment, such route-finding abilities
feels it has a competitive advantage in
could answer questions like, "where is
digital map-making technology.
there a good Chinese restaurant near
Thanks to Marvin White, whom Etak
here?" as well as, "where is 2225 Main
hired from America's Bureau of the Cen-
Street?" Indeed Mr Murdoch reckons that
sus. the company was one of the first to
such maps could be the new "Yellow
apply the principles of topology-the
Pages"-and that, as they do in the "Yel-
mathematical study of shapes to com-
low Pages", companies will pay. for a
puterised maps. Many early attempts at
listing.
72
THIS
ECONOMIST
AUGUST
74TH
1991
JAN 17 '92 19:08 DOC SPACE COMMERCE
P.9
Airborne Imaging, GPS Aid Aircraft,
Firefighters in Battling California Blaze
RICHARD G. O'LONE, BRECK W. HENDERSON/SAN FRANCISCO
ophisticated airborne imaging and
while still airborne. After completing its
model used by ground troops in the Per-
mapping systems, as well as an intense
passes over the fire, the C-130 landed at
sian Outf war (AW&ST Feb. 11, P. 77). The
application of aerial fire-fighting equip-
Oakland International Airport and the 2-
hand-held units, about the size of a car
ment, were smong resources used in com-
hr. tape was turned over to California
radio, provide 15-25 meter accuracy, or
bating the Oakland-Berkeley hills fire-
Highway Patrol personnel, who delivered
better.
the worst in California history.
it by helicopter to the fire command cen-
Charles Branch, Trimble's Pathfinder
The firestorm, which began Oct. 20, led
ter. The tape identified two locations
product manager, said that until company
to at least 22 deaths, the loss of more than
where flames had jumped the perimeter
volunteers arrived with their equipment
3.000 homes and damage estimated at $5
that ground firefighters were attempting
on Oct. 20, firefighters outside the com-
billion, In addition to ground-based meth-
to establish, Ames officials said.
mand post had no comprehensive picture
ods, it was fought by fixed-wing tankers
of the extent of the blaze. Chuck Gilbert,
and helicopters. mapped and photo-
FIRE PLOTTED WITH OPS
a Trimble engineer, convinced disaster of-
graphed by aircraft from nearby NASA-
Photos from the ER-2 were transmitted
ficials of what his equipment could pro-
Ames Research Center and tracked by
to Ames, which passed information on
duce, and he was put on a California
hand-held glohal positioning system
changes in me fireline to the command
Highway Patrol helicopter with # Path-
(GPS) receivers like those used in the Per-
center. However, IR sensing was inhibited
finder. The antenna was strapped to the
sian Gulf war. Aerial tankers dropped
later in the day as low-level clouds devel-
outside of the aircraft.
nearly 60,000 lb. of retardant in two days.
oped over the area.
The helicopter flew around the perimo-
Two NASA airoraft-a C-130 trans-
IR wavelengths can penetrate smoke,
ter of the fire in about 1 hr. with the
port and a high-altitude ER-2-provided
but not water vapor, Ames scientists said.
receiver recording its location once every
ground managers with high-resclution in-
There were no other clouds nearby, they
second, and returned to Alameda Naval
frared (IR) imagery and video that helped
said, and they speculated that as heat gen-
Air Station. Gilbert downloaded the data
determine the severity of burning areas
erated by the huge fire ruse, it created #
into # taptop computer and printed out a
and outlined the limits of the flames. The
vacuum that sucked in moist air from the
plot of the area in about 5 min.
transport, equipped with two thermal
offshore marine layer, forming clouds
The plat was laid over a map, duplicat-
scanners and video cameras, made 12
only over the heated area.
ed and sent to firefighters in the field to
passes over the area on Oct. 21 at alti-
Volunteers from Trimble Navigation,
help them track the spread of the blaze.
todes of 5,000-18,000 it. The ER-2 pro-
in Sunnyvale, Cahf., used global position-
Trimble volunteers returned to the area
duced IR video photos of the entire
ing system receivers to track the spread of
the next day to assist in damage assess-
region from 65,000 ft.
the burning area by helicopter on the eye-
ment. An advanced model of the Path-
NASA officials said the infrared image
ning of Oct. 20 and to survey damage the
finder logs text information in addition to
was overlaid with position data provided
next day.
location to permit easy identification of
by the aircraft's inertial navigation sys-
They used Trimble's Pathfinder, A com-
homes or utilities. Branch said four work-
term, and then recorded on videotape
mercial system similar to the military
CTS on the ground and one in the air
mapped the entire burn area in detail and
Reversal in Strategy Will Separate
logged the location of 1,750 burned
homes and other buildings in about 3 hr.
Cessna From General Dynamics
The California Dept. of Forestry (CDF)
estimated the job would have taken more
NEW YORK
than 30 hr. without GPS equipment,
Branch caid.
G
eneral Dynamics Corp.'s decision to
which has about 60% of the civil aircraft
Branch said he expects utility compa-
divest its Cessna commercial aircraft
market, is expected to generate more than
nice and others to continue using the OPS
division, a reversal in strategy from just
$800 million in sales and up to $100 mil-
receivers to locate such items as damaged
two months ago, was made after the com-
lion in profit.
public utility equipment and assess its
pany "digested the full implications" of
Within 45 years, Cessna could account
condition. Road maps of the extremely
33 billion in new defense business earlier
for more than 30% of total GD operating
steep, rugged Oakland terrain were not
this year, James R. Mellor. president and
profits, compared with an estimated 22%
adequare. Branch said.
chief operating officer. said.
in 1991 and 13% in 1989.
Aerial fire fighting was hampered by
Once General Dynamics concluded
For this reason a growing number of
the fact that the conflagration, while high-
that it should focus exclusively on its core
security analysts are perplexed by GD's
ly destructive, was concentrated in a rela-
husunes-delense-Cesma was viewed as
particularly when one of the com-
tively small area with hilly terrain. It also
a "management diversion," Mellor said.
pany's objectives is to build liquidity.
was located within Oakland Internation-
Another major factor in General Dynam-
"It seems pretty clear the company's
al's terminal control area (TCA), which
ics' decision to sell Cessna was the rela-
senior management has a mandate to liq-
added to the difficulty of coordinating
tively low value shareholders were
vidate [General Dynamics]," one senior
and maneuvering the fire-fighting aircraft,
receiving, Melior said.
analyst said.
according to Olis H. Kendrick, senior air
In interviews with Mellor and Chair-
General Dynamics is considering three
operations officer for the forestry depart-
man and CEO William Anders in July,
options for Cessna's disposition:-outright
ment, which conducted the aerial attack.
Cessna was touted for its current and pro-
sale for cash, an initial public offering or #
The department used 10 fixed-wing tank-
jected contribution to GD's bottom line
spinoff to abareholders. Cassns could
are and about 20 belicopters with water
(AW&ST Aug. 5, p. 38). This year Cesona,
fetch from $500-700 million.
buckets carried as sling loads.
70 AVIATION WEEK & SPACE TECHNOLOGY/Ootabor 28, 1001
naut Pledge
my grades in science, mathematics and
nd to help others towards these goals.
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P.O. Box 65432
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CAREERS WHEN I GROW UP UPE
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ULYSSES VIEW VIEW VIEW OF THE SUN
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PRESIDENT THE OF - STATES OF THE UNITED
AMERICA
AT THE THRESHOLD
AMERICA'S
SPACE EXPLORATION INITIATIVE
E
WHY THE MOON?
E
arth's closest neighbor in space, the
Just three days journey from Earth, the
Moon, is surprisingly complex. It
Moon is the nearest object in space where
is an object for detailed exploration,
people can live under conditions similar
a platform from which to observe and
to those we will face on other planets.
study the universe, a place to live and
Thus, the Moon is a natural test bed to
work in the environment of space, and a
prepare for missions to Mars by conduct-
natural source of materials and energy for
ing simulations, systems testing, opera-
an emerging space based economy.
tions and studying human capabilities.
The Moon offers a record of four billion
The Moon is a rich source of materials
years of planetary history. Its violent birth
and energy for use in space. Abundant
and history of bombardment from space
metals, ceramics and recoverable amounts
is closely related to events on the early
of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen can pro-
Earth. The Moon provides a natural labo-
vide propellant and human life support
ratory for detailed study of geology and
from the lunar surface. The two-week
planetary formation, the output of our
daytime provides abundant solar ener-
Sun over its lifetime, and the elements of
gy. Our Moon provides a rich scientific
our universe. The Moon's two-week
and economic waystation for human
night, crystal clear, airless sky and stable
expansion into the solar system.
ground provide a superb platform for
astronomy.
TYPICAL CHEMICAL PROPULSION MISSION
THE PATHWAY TO MARS
TOTAL MISSION: 919 DAYS
2014
A
t its closest point, Mars is 35 million miles from Earth.
This distance increases to 250 million miles when we
are on opposite sides of the Sun. By comparison, the
Moon is only a quarter million miles away - a three-day jour-
DEPART EARTH
ney. The challenges of a Mars expedition stem from the distances,
the long times away from Earth, the environment of deep space,
DEPART MARS
and Mars' unique characteristics.
A total Mars mission duration depends on both the round trip
travel time and the time spent on the planet's surface. A typical
conventional chemical propulsion mission would take about 250
EARTH RETURN
days one-way with a surface stay of about 500 days to allow the
planets to realign before returning home. Advanced nuclear
propulsion technologies can shorten the trip to 160 days or less
ARRIVE MARS
each way. This would allow more time for exploring Mars and
provide longer launch windows, all with lower propellant mass.
Shorter travel times are desirable to reduce the impact of the
deep space environment on the crew and mission equipment.
MISSION TIMES
During the space voyage, expected hazards include radiation
OUTBOUND
224 days
from galactic cosmic rays and solar flares, the lack of normal
STAY
458 days
RETURN
237 days
THE SPACE EXPLORATION INITIATIVE
A
pollo 11 first placed America on
"the Synthesis Group," an independent
the Moon on July 20, 1969. This
panel of recognized experts. Staffed by
extraordinary accomplishment
the best technical talent from across the
confirmed the United States' technological
United States government, industry and
ascendancy for a generation. On the 20th
academia, the Synthesis Group was char-
anniversary of Apollo 11, President
tered to assess the widest possible range
George Bush announced a new vision for
of innovation from all available sources,
America in the 21st century - a vision
and to define technology priorities, early
that will return mankind to the Moon to
milestones and alternative architectures
stay, and onward to land humans on
for the Space Exploration Initiative.
Mars by 2019. This vision, the Space
The four architectures developed by
Exploration Initiative, represents the
the Synthesis Group provide alternatives.
greatest challenge the world has ever
All are real pathways for returning to the
known.
Moon and then onward to Mars. All archi-
Following preliminary studies by
tectures offer three common areas of emphasis:
NASA, Vice President Quayle, as
human presence, exploration and science, and
Chairman of the National Space Council,
space resource development for the benefit of
directed an extensive Outreach Pro-
Earth. The alternative architectures are
gram. The Outreach Program challenged
covered in detail in the Synthesis Group's
Americans to search for new and innova-
report. This brochure highlights the com-
tive ideas and technologies to make
mon needs and the challenges we face.
space exploration safer, faster, better
The challenges of the Space Explor-
and more affordable.
ation Initiative are great, but SO is the qual-
Vice President Quayle tasked former
ity of American talent and ingenuity, and
Apollo astronaut Lieutenant General
so is the leadership of the American peo-
Thomas Stafford, USAF (Ret.), to assemble
ple. And
it is America's destiny to lead.
Space Exploration Initiative
EXPLORATION
&
SCIENCE
Mars Exploration
Science Emphasis
for the Moon and Mars
Space Resource
Moon to Stay
Utilization
and Mars Exploration
space
DEVELOPMENT
HUMAN
PRESENCE
Architectures
Emphasis
Areas
"
humanity's destiny is
to strive, to seek, to find.
it is America's destiny to lead."
ay Bash
THE CHALLENGE
I
n 1989, President George Bush chal-
America reaching beyond itself, and
lenged America in a way no one has
onward, beyond the very bounds of this
challenged us before: "Back to the
planet to an entirely new world. On the
Moon to stay, and onward to Mars." In
way there, we will reap the real, tangible
the history of the human race, no chal-
benefits of space exploration.
lenge has been so great, and no goal so
Space is clearly our most challenging
distant. Likewise, there has never been a
frontier. Enroute to Mars, we will explore
nation like ours, nor an opportunity so
the Moon, advance Earth sciences, and
promising.
develop new, innovative technologies. We
Ours is a rapidly changing world. To
can tap lunar, Martian and solar energy
remain competitive and maintain world
resources as we explore the heights of
leadership in the 21st century, America
human talent and ability. Along the way,
will need the best trained and educated
American drive, initiative, ingenuity and
work force, the most advanced technolo-
technology - all those things that have
gy and the strongest leadership. And we
made this nation the most successful soci-
will need goals that challenge our abili-
ety on Earth - will propel us toward a
ties far beyond what we've experienced
future of peace, strength and prosperity.
before.
The challenge is before us. Here is how
The Space Exploration Initiative is a
we begin.
vision for the 21st century. It is a vision of
THE SPACE EXPLORATION INITIATIVE
"VISIONS FOR AMERICA"
T
he Space Exploration Initiative
are direct benefits we can expect. The
provides a focus that will allow
Space Exploration Initiative provides
the United States to seize control
focused goals to drive practical and benefi-
of our destiny in space. In doing this, six
cial technological change
"visions" guide and direct our space
efforts. These are:
Commercialization of Space.
Initiatives by the private sector are
Knowledge of our Universe. We strive
goals of our National Space Policy.
to understand the origin and history of
Space is a limitless, untapped source of
our Solar System, the origin of life, and
materials and energy, awaiting indus-
the ultimate fate of our universe. People
trial development for the benefit of
are the best explorers, but they often
humanity. Commercial products, such as
need machines to help. The Space
zero-gravity-derived materials, and service
Exploration Initiative is an integrated pro-
industries like advanced global communica-
gram of missions by humans and robots to
tions services, all become increasingly feasi-
explore, to understand, and to gain knowl-
ble and profitable once routine, reliable and
edge of the universe and our place in it.
affordable access to space is available.
Advancement in Science and
Strengthened U.S. Economy. New
Engineering. Returning to the Moon,
technologies open new markets. An
and onward to Mars will require the
investment in the high technology
best engineering and scientific talent our
needed for space exploration will main-
nation can muster. Through a
tain and improve America's share of
long-range commitment to space, we
the global market and enhance our
will stimulate our national education
competitiveness and balance of trade. It
system and inspire students to learn.
will also directly stimulate the scientific
Motivated students are essential to
and technical employment bases in our
excellence in education. The Space
country, sectors whose health is vital to
Exploration Initiative will motivate and
our nation's economic security. The
inspire the new generations on which our
Space Exploration Initiative is an invest-
future as a nation depends.
ment in the future of America.
United States Leadership. The Space
But, Why Now? As Americans, we
Exploration Initiative provides us with
must ask ourselves What will be our
an opportunity to re-establish and
role in the future? Will we lead? Will
maintain American pre-eminence in
we follow? Or, will we step aside?
technological innovation and space
Leading world powers have always
leadership. Other nations have seized
explored and profited greatly from new
the initiative and become leaders in a
frontiers Space is the new frontier of
tradition of space exploration that
our industrialized world in the 21st
America pioneered. Leadership cannot be
Century. The Space Exploration
declared it must be earned.
Initiative will restore America to
pre-eminence as the world's space
Technologies for Earth. America's
leader. By offering both a direction and
recent history has demonstrated that
a purpose, it will rejuvenate our sense
our space program stimulates a wide
of challenge, of competitiveness and of
range of technological innovations that
national pride. The Space Exploration
find abundant application in the con-
Initiative is a positive social endeavor.
sumer marketplace. Space technology
In a world of uncertainty, it has the
has revolutionized and improved our
capacity to inspire people, to stimulate
daily lives in countless ways, and it
them, and to cause them to reach deep
should continue to do so. Energy from
inside to find the very best they have to
space, advances in solar power and
offer. In America's history, our focused,
fusion fuels, new useful materials for
goal-driven initiatives have a spectacular
advanced communications, new
record of success and benefit to all humani-
resources, medical breakthroughs, and
ty. We must not settle for less in our future.
greater insight into the human potential
ate
uture."
₫
molals
91
TECHNOLOGIES FOR SPACE AND FOR EARTH
S
ince our ancestors first gazed into the
skies, the concept of space exploration
has fueled the imagination, challenging
mankind to understand the unknown, to
explore
and to learn. In America today, sci-
entific literacy is declining. Our students no
longer lead the world in earning degrees in
science, engineering and mathematics. For
America's future, these trends must be
reversed. The Space Exploration Initiative
presents challenges and new goals. It will
rekindle public interest in science. Once again,
space exploration will excite the nation's
imagination. It will motivate our educators to
teach, and our public and students to learn,
Advanced robotics will be needed to
and then to innovate.
extend the astronauts' range into new loca-
Technology will provide the tools neces-
tions, such as the polar ice caps
of
Mars
sary for cost effective and safe exploration of
deep craters of the Moon. The
video
the Moon and Mars. While the Initiative
and tactile sensors to contr
presence
requires a broad range of technologies, power
will allow exploration with posing the
and transportation are both of primary im-
astronauts to undue risk. Lunar mining and
portance. The safe use of nuclear energy
processing equipment will provide resources
for space propulsion can have the same
to supplement those delivered from Earth.
benefits for space propulsion that jet pro-
We expect to recover rare commodities such
pulsion had for air travel. Improved solar
as Helium-3 from the Moon for the benefit of
energy collectors and powerful new light-
Earth.
weight batteries will be vital tools as well. A
In Columbus' time, exploring the New
World mandated self-reliance. Similarly,
independence from Earth's normal support
systems will be key to extended living on the
Moon and Mars. We must learn to use avail-
able resources to generate air, water, food
and fuel, as well as to build permanent habi-
tats.
These concepts represent but a few of
the many technological advances we expect
from the Space Exploration Initiative. Ulti-
mately, we will learn to use the vast resources
of space to support and improve life here on
Earth. This Initiative will open the Solar
System's energy and material resources to
conventional heavy lift launch vehicle will be
relieve the stress on Earth's environment
needed to ferry large components and sup-
from population growth, and provide our
plies to Earth orbit in preparation for distant
world with limitless resources for the
voyages. For surface operations, advanced
future.
regenerative fuel cells will be critical for lan-
ders, rovers and lunar spacecraft.
Crews will require air, water and food,
along with protection from galactic and solar
radiation in space. Recycling of air, food and
water will be necessary, leading to improved
technology for such purposes on Earth.
Communication with Earth will be chal-
lenging. Spaceflight will require modern,
lightweight computers and electronics.
Optical communications will enhance opera-
tions between Mars, Moon and Earth.
WHY MARS?
USA
O
f all the planets in our Solar
Mons is three times as tall as Mount
System, Mars is the most like
Everest, and larger than Montana. Valles
Earth. With a thin atmosphere,
Marineris is three times as deep and ten
USA
weather, seasons and a 25-hour day, Mars
times as long as the Grand Canyon.
has a diverse and complex surface, includ-
Understanding the periodic changes in cli-
ing ice and evidence of the former pres-
mate that have occurred on Mars will
ence of water. Although conditions on
enable us to understand the Earth's cli-
Mars may not support life now, evidence
mate and future behavior, a topic vital to
suggests that Mars was warmer, wetter,
the survival of life on Earth.
and had a much denser atmosphere early
With a land area equal to Earth's, Mars
in its history. Life may have existed. If so,
offers an unexplored wealth of natural
fossil evidence may be found.
resources. The essentials for life support,
Mars has undergone a complicated
including air and water, can be manufac-
geologic evolution. Its surface contains
tured on the Martian surface. As Earth's
vast regions of sand dunes, gorges carved
assets dwindle, Mars may offer resources
by running water, a polar ice cap, huge
mankind will need.
volcanos and gigantic canyons. Olympus
TYPICAL NUCLEAR PROPULSION MISSION
TOTAL MISSION: 870 DAYS
gravity, psychological stress from long term isolation, and equip-
2014-SHORTENED TRANSIT
ment degradation.
As a result of the challenges of a Mars trip, several hundred
tons of equipment and fuel are required for a Mars expedition.
Thus, we will require a conventionally powered heavy lift launch
capability to minimize assembly in Earth orbit. From Earth orbit
DEPART EARTH
to Mars, nuclear propulsion technology will allow reduced
weight, approximately one-half that of chemical systems, and
achieve faster interplanetary trip times. At Mars, we will need
Earth-independent operations, since round trip communications
times will vary from 10 to 40 minutes. We will need improved
DEPART MARS
e
long-term life support systems that operate for lengthy time peri-
ods without resupply.
EARTHRETURN
The planetary surface of Mars provides challenges different
from those of the Moon. The planet is large - about one-third
ARRIVE MARS
the size of Earth. It has a diverse topography, with 80,000-foot
volcanos and canyons as long as our continent is wide. Mars'
atmosphere is mostly carbon dioxide and is known to have peri-
MISSION TIMES
odic dust storms. These features will require unique power sys-
tems, landers, rover vehicles and human habitats.
OUTBOUND
160 days
STAY
550 days
RETURN
160 days
NAME
"Space Exploration is the ultim
investment in America's Fu
ay Bun
The Synthesis Group Reports are available from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C.20402
Artwork courtesy of Robert McCall ©, Alan Chinchar © and Carole Highsmith ©
Artwork/photographs in this report which are not furnished by a federal agency are protected by a copyright and are reproduced betein with EF mission of the copyright
owner. No right to reproduce or use the artwork/photographs without the express permission of the copyright owner shall be implied m the clusion herein
What we learned fron
was just the beginnin
US
10 years ago, as
plays a key role in the development of
1685
Rockwell International
military and commercial aircraft.
1861
readied NASA's Space
Fishing nets that let
Shuttle for its first
dolphins go free.
launch, a voyage of
As a tuna net encircles its catch, a dolphin
10TH
was already
rises seeking an escape. Its passage to
freedom is aided by a technique developed
well under way.
while fabricating safety nets for workers
When Columbia soared into space on
maintaining the Shuttle. Using a new rope
April 12, 1981, its launch opened a limitless
that grows much heavier in water, tuna nets
frontier-fulfilling the age-old dream of a
sink deeper and resist forming hazardous
spaceship that can fly time after time. One
pockets. So dolphins swim more safely until
decade later, the Shuttle fleet has launched
escaping over a special mesh panel too fine
41 percent of all the mass ever placed in
to trap them.
orbit by humans. Yet its missions total just
4 percent of all spaceflights.
The Shuttle has carried more than
500 experiments that benefit Earth-based
processes. It's brought home the rewards of
space more frequently than any manned
vehicle in history. Through the work
of thousands of people at Rockwell, its
hundreds of subcontractors and NASA,
these achievements are building a
Exotic materials
legacy that will affect us all well into
for new electronics.
the 21st century.
Software that gives tomorrow's
A voice translator that slips in your pocket?
Lightweight night-vision glasses that guide
aircraft a flying start.
sailors to safety? Tomorrow's electronic
Intended to travel at nearly 17,000 mph,
breakthroughs will rely on ever faster and
America's National Aero-Space Plane is
less power-hungry circuits. Aboard the
part of today's race for
Shuttle, the Rockwell materials processing
technological leadership.
lab has permitted advanced materials
research directed toward the manufacture
Refining its aerodynamics
depends on a science called
of such advanced chips.
Computational Fluid Dynamics.
Evolved by Rockwell during the
Tools to combat oil spills.
Shuttle's design phase, this advanced
As oil spread into Alaskan waters from
form of computer simulation now
a ruptured supertanker, authorities rushed
building it
a network of inflatable barriers to the scene.
Giving satellites a second chance.
Designed to contain the oil for burning, each
barrier was sheathed in a material used to
A control-system failure left NASA's Solar
protect the Shuttle against the fierce heat of
Max satellite unable to study the sun. Then
reentry. Rockwell's experience fabricating this
repairs performed by astronauts on board
insulation helped speed its adoption by
the Shuttle returned this valuable space
pollution-control specialists.
observatory to action-just in time to record
an historic solar flare. The Shuttle's ability
6000
to deploy and recover spacecraft such as
Engines that go
Solar Max and the Hubble Space Telescope
to extremes.
helps ensure that these tools for studying
the Earth and the universe can fulfill their
When all three ignite at launch,
0
potential for exploration.
Rockwell's Space Shuttle Main
Engines unleash the power of 23
Hoover Dams. Building the most
423
Bringing space within reach
F
powerful liquid-fueled rockets
of us all.
in history meant creating
After orbiting for nearly six years,
hardware suited to
a container holding 12 million
unprecedented temperature
tomato seeds was retrieved by
extremes: from the - 423° F of liquid
a Shuttle crew. Distributed to
hydrogen fuel, to exhaust at +6,000° F,
a million schoolchildren for
above the boiling point of iron.
experiments, the seeds
exemplify how the Orbiter's
Finding facts that
frequent flights open space to
researchers of all kinds.
fight disease.
What we've seen
The diagnosis was unclear.
But by tapping a vast
so far is just the beginning.
medical database with her
These achievements are simply a glimpse
PC, the physician scanned
of what's to come. As with any voyage of
years of medical literature
exploration, the most astounding and
to identify a rare condition in
beneficial discoveries are those we cannot
minutes. Such instant access to
predict. As we move into the second decade
information in science, government and
of Shuttle flights, we look forward to a
business is an outgrowth of lessons in
growing portfolio of such successes.
database management Rockwell learned
They are the dividends we all receive for
while managing the vast number of parts,
investing our support in the future of
specifications and subcontractors involved
manned spaceflight.
in the Shuttle program.
TM
ASTRONAUTS
Rockwell International
NATIONAL SPACE COUNCIL
OF
THE OF SEAL STATES THE UNITED
1990 Report to the President
SEAL
OF THE OF 0 THE
of
HAS
S
/ UN
MEDISTATI
/
THE VICE PRESIDENT
WASHINGTON
JANUARY 4, 1991
Last year President Bush charged the National Space
Developing space launch capability and supporting
Council with nothing less than helping chart a course to a
infrastructure as a national resource
future marked by global prosperity, a robust and protected
A robust, reliable, available, and affordable launch
environment, and unprecedented scientific achievement.
capability is critical to success in space. We are engaged in
He said that, "America's space program is what
reviewing current and needed capabilities to meet the
civilization needs." America, with its tremendous industrial
nation's many objectives. This problem must be approached
and technological resources, is uniquely qualified for
from a nation-wide perspective. It is already clear that our
leadership in space. But more important, our success will be
future fleet will consist of an appropriate mix of federal and
guaranteed by the American spirit - the same spirit that
commercial systems using both manned and unmanned
tamed the North American Continent and built enduring
vehicles. Diversity is important, SO we are encouraging
democracy.
various private and state government enterprises as well as
The National Space Council's task is to bring
international efforts. Supporting the research and
coherence, continuity, and commitment to our efforts in
development of revolutionary new space transportation
space. The President asked us to lead America's national
concepts such as the National Aerospace Plane and
security, civil and commercial space resources in a
evolutionary ones such as the Advanced Launch System are
cooperative effort to chart a prudent, but progressive path
important to a successful future in space.
toward the future. He committed the Council to integrate
the tremendous scientific, private-sector, and technological
Opening the frontiers of space
resources of our nation in a noble cause - harnessing the
The President approved a major Space Exploration
potential of space to benefit our great nation and serve all
Initiative that builds on the successes and expertise built up
mankind.
in the Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle and Space Station
As Chairman, I am pleased to report that the National
Freedom programs by setting the goals of returning to the
Space Council has made important progress in the past year.
moon to stay and exploring Mars. A comprehensive long-
We have translated vision into goals and established a
term program to study the universe is already in place,
conceptual foundation to mesh America's diverse
starting with the Hubble telescope, which, despite its
government programs with private-sector space efforts into a
difficulties, will soon give us a much deeper understanding
coordinated thrust forward.
of the universe. (Moreover, corrections will be made that
Our initial effort was to define the key elements of our
will allow the telescope to reach its full design potential.) It
national space strategy. These five areas are:
includes three more Great Observatories in space. Our
planetary exploration program continues to build on the
spectacular successes of Voyager and Viking. Galileo is on
its way to Jupiter, and Magellan is orbiting Venus.
Spacecraft to explore a comet, Saturn and its moons are
being built. We are committed to the use of government
resources, in cooperation with the private sector, to
encourage dramatic innovation in exploring space and to
infuse every segment of our society with excitement over
the prospects in space. Also important is the groundwork
being laid by the Council for international cooperation, a
natural extension of the cooperation already in place for
Space Station Freedom and the majority of NASA programs
over the last 30 years.
Using space to solve problems on Earth
Ensuring freedom to use space
Americans are highly dependent today on space systems
Space, like the oceans, is a medium of travel, an as-yet
for such commonplace functions as placing long-distance
unexploited repository of natural resources, and a
telephone calls and watching real time news events from
strategically useful domain. To protect the freedom of space
across the globe on the television. But space also provides
we must be able to do three things: First, we must be able to
communication, navigation, and surveillance vital to our
see and monitor all that occurs in space. Second, we must
national security. Further, the world's ecological, climatic
be able to alert and warn owners and operators of space
and energy crises— literally life threatening - cannot be
systems that threats exist. Third, we must develop the
solved without the success of efforts such as NASA's
capability to intervene to protect our and other nations'
Mission to Planet Earth initiatives. The Council's review of
space assets.
Landsat data sales, and its subsequent decision to maintain
federal funding, indicate the direction needed to ensure
In conclusion, we have begun developing strategies for
success in this important area.
implementing a sound program of achievement in each of
Later, based on the understanding space will give us of
these five areas. Our efforts in each case are guided by our
the Earth, space can provide solutions to many of the
belief that a broadly-based, cooperative effort involving the
problems we face. A prime example is the potential, in the
national security, civil, and commercial space sectors is the
future, for the provision of clean, limitless energy to Earth
only sure path to success. The National Space Council is
from space, using materials mined on the Moon.
seeking to infuse our space efforts with the same breadth
that has always characterized our nation's greatest successes
Generating economic well-being and national
- whether in science, technology, or commerce.
competitiveness
The time has come to look beyond brief space
America's industrial and technological leadership
encounters and to commit to a future where Americans and
underpin our economic success and international
citizens of all nations will live and work in space. To ensure
competitiveness. The opportunities for everything from
our institutions, strategies, and programs are on track we
developing Earth-bound industrial capabilities based on
organized an outside advisory committee on the Future of
space technology to creating new industries in space are
the U.S. Space Program that gave us a no-holds-barred
likely to revolutionize America's economy. The Council is
examination of our goals and objectives in space and how
focusing on our commercial space policy to implement new
we plan to achieve them. The report clearly points out the
ideas for cooperative efforts between various industries, the
need for fundamental changes in our civil space program.
government, and civil institutions. Our goal is to ensure the
We will make changes. I am confident that the
consistent, predictable implementation of that policy.
recommendations of the committee will form a solid
Among the promising avenues immediately at hand are
foundation for America's space program for many years to
such things as global cellular telephone systems; inter-
come.
national high-definition television; unprecedented accuracy
In the attached progress report, we have detailed our
in aircraft and marine navigation; affordable position-
review of space policy and related issues in each of the areas
location systems for small aircraft, boats, trucks, and even
described above and have identified the paths for pursuit of
individuals; and direct broadcasting of both radio and
these goals. Necessarily, many of our actions are prelim-
television to millions of homes throughout the world.
inary, but they demonstrate the Council's commit-ment to a
Furthermore, scientific ventures in space not only expand
rational, coherent program in space and recognize that we
our knowledge and understanding of the universe, they lead
are now at the threshold of charting our future. We are
also to the development of technologies and processes that
committed to bringing the tremendous strengths of
impact directly on commercial progress.
America's public and private sectors to bear on this frontier,
rather than constraining or regulating them. We are
committed to cooperation at every level and to making
maximum use of every opportunity. This report tells how we
have begun to implement these commitments.
Oan agen
Contents
The National Space Council
1
Leadership in Space
3
The National Space Council Planning Process
5
Key Elements of National Space Strategy
7
Developing a
Space Launch Capability
and Infrastructure as a
National Resource
9
Opening the Frontiers
of Space
15
Using Space to Solve
Problems on Earth
19
Generating
Economic Well-being
23
Ensuring Freedom to Use Space
for Exploration
and Development
27
Current and Planned Activities
29
Commercial Space Policy
29
Space Transportation Policy
29
The Space Exploration Initiative
31
Mission to Planet Earth Policy
32
Summary and Conclusion
33
The National Space Council
T he National Space Council is
The Vice President invites the
responsible for the coordination of U.S.
participation of the Chairman of the
space policies and strategies and for
Joint Chiefs of Staff, the heads of other
monitoring their implementation. It was
departments and agencies, and other
created by an act of Congress in 1988
senior officials in the Executive Office of
and was established by President Bush's
the President when the topics under
Executive Order No. 12675 on April 20,
consideration by the Council SO warrant.
1989. In signing the Order, the
The National Space Council is
President said that space is of vital
supported by an Executive Secretary
importance to the nation's future and to
appointed by the President. The first
the quality of life on Earth, and he
Executive Secretary of the Council,
charged the Council to keep America
Mark Albrecht, leads an eleven-member
first in space.
policy staff. The Council is further sup-
The Council is chaired by Vice
ported by a sub-cabinet-level inter-
President Dan Quayle, who serves as the
agency Policy Implementation and
President's principal advisor on national
Review Committee (PIRC) composed of
space policy and strategy. Other
senior representatives of each member of
members of the Council include:
the Space Council and chaired by the
The Secretary of State
Space Council's Executive Secretary.
James A. Baker, III
Interagency working groups, chaired by
The Secretary of the Treasury
Space Council staff, prepare policy
Nicholas F. Brady
studies, develop strategy alternatives,
The Secretary of Defense
and provide advice and recom-
Dick Cheney
mendations to the PIRC. The Admin-
The Secretary of Commerce
istration's budget request for FY 1991
Robert A. Mosbacher
will support a dedicated Council Staff of
The Secretary of Transportation
fourteen and a Space Policy Advisory
Samuel K. Skinner
Board of private citizens, authorized by
The Secretary of Energy
the Executive Order which established
James D. Watkins
the Council.
The Director of the Office of
Management and Budget
Richard G. Darman
The Chief of Staff to the President
John H. Sununu
The Assistant to the President for
National Security Affairs
Brent Scowcroft
The Assistant to the President for
Science and Technology
D. Allan Bromley
The Director of Central Intelligence
William H. Webster
The Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Richard H. Truly
9
9
Page 1
T he National Space Council carries
out activities to integrate and coordinate
civil, commercial, and national security
Vice President
space activities and has taken major
steps toward their implementation.
The Council's planning process
consists of four phases:
Secretary of State
Secretary of the Treasury
Define broad goals and objectives for
the U.S. space program;
Determine strategies to implement
those goals and objectives;
Monitor the implementation of these
strategies; and
Resolve specific issues that arise
during the implementation process.
Secretary of Defense
Secretary of Commerce
Secretary of
Secretary of Energy
Transportation
Director of the Office of
Chief of Staff to the
Management and Budget
President
Assistant to the President
Assistant to the President
for National Security Affairs
for Science and Technology
Executive Secretary
Mark Albrecht
Director of Central
Administrator of NASA
Intelligence
9
9
Page 2
Leadership in Space
"I believe that before Apollo
celebrates the 50th anniversary
of its landing on the Moon, the
American flag should be placed
on Mars."
Since signing the Executive Order
The President reaffirmed his resolve
that established the National Space
in his speech at the University of
Council, President Bush has made clear
Tennessee on February 2, 1990: " first
his resolve that this nation will lead the
in space will mean first on Earth. And
world in space. His landmark speech on
America intends to stay No. 1
Our
July 20, 1989, the 20th anniversary of
goal: To place Americans on Mars -
the Apollo Moon landing, established
and do it within the working lifetimes of
America's goals in space exploration:
the scientists and engineers who will be
"
a long-range continuing commit-
recruited for the effort today " A
ment
first for the coming decade -
subsequent speech at Texas A&I
Space Station Freedom - our critical
University on May 11, 1990 put a firm
next step in all our space endeavors.
date - 2019 - on his goal: "I believe
And next, for the new century - back
that before Apollo celebrates the 50th
to the Moon. Back to the future. And
anniversary of its landing on the Moon,
this time, back to stay. And then - a
the American flag should be placed on
journey into tomorrow — a manned
Mars."
mission to Mars
"
9 9
Page 3
"Our future competitiveness
will depend on advancing
technology ...on educating our
young people for excellence in
math and science. The space
program is a sound investment
in ensuring that these key
aspects of American compet-
T he Vice President, too, has
nications which has already begun. And
itiveness are there when we
demonstrated publicly his strong support
of course, in the next century, research
need them."
for the President's space objectives. He
in space could lead to new medicines or
enunciated U.S. National Space
medical treatments of incalculable
Strategy in a major address to the
benefit to mankind "
American Astronomical Society on
Three weeks later, at the Annual
January 10, 1990: "First, we intend to
Meeting of the American Institute of
develop our space launch capability and
Aeronautics and Astronautics in
its related infrastructure as a national
Washington, D.C. on May 1, 1990, the
resource Our second goal is to open
Vice President emphasized, "Our future
the frontiers of space. This includes
competitiveness will depend on
manned and unmanned programs.
advancing technology on
educating
[Third,] the National Space Council
our young people for excellence in math
is committed to intensifying our use of
and science. The space program is a
space to deal with problems on Earth.
sound investment in ensuring that these
[Fourth,] we believe the exploration of
key aspects of American competitiveness
space will enhance our economic well-
are there when we need them."
being and our overall national
competitiveness, and the final ele-
ment of our strategy, of course, is ensur-
ing that our space program contributes
to our nation's security
"
Having defined the Space Council's
DACA
planning process for implementing the
President's goals in space, the Vice
MOON
U.S.
President laid before the American
SOON
people his rationale for a strong and
comprehensive civil space program. At
the U.S. Space Foundation's Sixth
National Space Symposium in Colorado
Springs on April 10, 1990, he said "
in
the next century space may be key to
allowing us to satisfy our energy needs
from space without damaging the envi-
ronment; providing us with increased
access to rare and essential metals and
minerals; and allowing us to develop
new information services which could
further the revolution in commu-
9
9
Page 4
Establish strategies to implement
these goals and objectives through
1
an integrated nation-wide set of
activities.
Establish broad goals and objectives
The Council formulated a Space
for the U.S. space program.
Exploration Initiative. The President
signed the implementing Policy Directive
on February 13, 1990. He also signed a
The Council revised the 1988 National
second policy directive to explore inter-
Space Policy and reissued it as Directive
national cooperation in this initiative.
#1. This new policy was approved by
The Council is also currently formu-
President Bush on November 2, 1989. It
lating a space launch vehicle policy and a
provides the basic goals and overall policy
separate, but related policy on commercial
guidance for the U.S. space program.
uses of space.
The new directive clarifies,
strengthens, and streamlines policy in
selected areas such as civil and commercial
remote sensing, space transportation, space
debris, federal subsidies of commercial
space activities, and Space Station
Freedom
Most importantly, however, it
revalidates the ongoing direction of U.S.
space efforts and provides a broad policy
framework to guide future U.S. space
activities. It reaffirms the nation's
commitment to the exploration and use of
KEY ELEMENTS OF NATION
space in support of our national well-being
and it recognizes that eadership requires
Transport
American pre-eminence in areas of space
activity critical to national security and to
achieving our scientific, echnical,
economic, and foreign policy goals.
4
Resolve specific program or
policy issues arising from ambi-
guities or disagreements in
3
implementing the strategies.
Several program issues that arose as a
result of changing circumstances or
Monitor the implementation of
policy ambiguities were resolved.
The Landsat remote sensing
these strategięs.
program-the Council recomme
reinstating government funding ecause
To monitor implementation of Presidential
of the government's continuing need for
policies, the National Space Council
Landsat data and the inability of the
establishes working groups consisting of
private sector to obtain sufficient business
representatives of Space Council member
for commercial viability.
agencies as well as other affected depart-
National Aerospace Plane policy-here
ments and agencies. These working groups
the Council recommended focusing the
review progress toward accomplishing
program objectives on proving the requi-
Space Council goals and implementing
site technologies, including a flight of a
Presidential space decisions and policies.
test aircraft; and continuing management
They then formulate position papers and
of the program as a national enterprise.
issue papers to be forwarded to the full
The Council approved a U.S.
Space Council for information and action.
Commercial Space Launch Policy pro-
One example of Space Council
viding important guidance for encouraging
implementation monitoring is the activity
the competitiveness of private sector space
following the President's decision to
activities. To achieve this goal the
explore possible international cooperation
Council has specified a coordinated set of
in our exploration initiative. In response,
actions for the next ten years.
a working group was formed consisting of
members from the involved departments
and agencies and chaired by a Senior
Space Council Staff Officer. This group
meets frequently and has prepared agreed
upon guidelines for discussions with
potential international partners. As this
dialogue develops in 1991, the working
group will continue to monitor the dis-
cussions and forward status and decision
memos to the Space Council.
STRATEGY
Solutions
Opportunity
Freedom
Key Elements of National Space Strategy
T
he Space Council's approach for implementing U.S. national space policy divides all space activities into five areas, each of
which may encompass civil, national security, and commercial activities conducted by NASA, DOD, DOE, DOT, other gover-
nment agencies, or the private sector.
The space program serves multiple objectives: preserving the nation's security; creating economic opportunity; developing new
and better technologies; attracting good students to engineering, math, and science; and exploring space for the benefit of man-
kind. The Council's approach is designed to achieve these objectives as an integrated national effort cutting across traditional
lines of civil, national security, and commercial programs.
The five key elements of U.S. National Space Strategy are:
Transport
I
To develop U.S. space launch capability - our transportation to and from space
- as a national resource: the space transportation infrastructure will be to the 21st
century what the great highway and dam projects were to the 20th. We will ensure
that this infrastructure provides assured access to space, sufficient to achieve all U.S.
space goals.
2
To open the frontiers of space through both manned and unmanned
Exploration
exploration: we will build on the successes of Viking and Voyager and proceed to
comprehensively explore the solar system with Magellan, Hubble, Ulysses, and other
ambitious unmanned programs. The President's call to complete Space Station
Freedom, return to the Moon to stay, and the journey to Mars has finally given a
much needed focus to our manned efforts. New ideas will be synthesized into varied
approaches to undertake these premier space flight missions of the future.
3
Solutions
To intensify our use of space in solving problems here on Earth: we already use
space systems to verify arms control treaties and to provide our defense forces with
warning, communications, navigation, meteorology, and other functions vital to our
national security. Satellite communication networks link peoples around the globe
and contribute to the increasingly successful fight against repression and total-
itarianism. Remote sensing from space contributes to a variety of land and ocean use
applications and helps us understand, and potentially mitigate, the process of global
climatic change.
Opportunity
4
To foster our economic well-being: we will capitalize on the unique
environment of space to investigate and produce new materials and medicines and
develop clean and abundant energy for all. The resulting private investment will
create jobs; boost the economy; and strengthen our science, engineering, and indus-
trial base. Along the way, new commercial space markets will be created and existing
industries will become stronger and more competitive in the world marketplace.
Freedom
5
To ensure the freedom of space for exploration and development: there are
currently numerous spacefaring nations, with many others on the way. Space will
become to the future what oceans have always been - highways to discovery and
commerce. But the sea lanes must be open to be usable, and as we know from past
conflicts, they are subject to disruption. Thus, we must ensure the freedom to use
space for exploration, development, and security for ourselves and all nations.
1990
Page 7
The Council's strategy is
designed to achieve these
objectives as an integrated
national effort cutting across
traditional lines of civil,
military and commercial
programs.
DOD
19.38
DOE
.03
NASA
11.17
NOAA
.26
Resources for Space
The total U.S. Government spending on
space related activities is over $30 billion
in fiscal year 1990. To put this in context,
space spending is 2.5% of the almost $1.2
Transport
trillion federal budget. Put another way,
federal space spending is only one half of
one percent of our $5.5 trillion Gross
$8.2
National Product.
Exploration
Most of the funds for space activities are
divided between NASA and the Depart-
$4.22
ment of Defense as portrayed by the chart
above. The chart on the right highlights
the breakout of space expenditures
Solutions
according to the five elements of our U.S.
Space Strategy. As can be seen, well over
$17.2
half of our space spending is directly
devoted to solving problems on earth.
The majority of the remainder of these
Opportunity
funds is spent in developing our space
launch infrastructure to place and operate
$.06
these systems in space.
Freedom
$1.16
(Billions of FY'90 Dollars)
9 9 0
Page 8
Key Elements
Transport
Developing Space Launch Capability and
Infrastructure as a National Resource
T he nation today has a substantial
After the Shuttle accident, the
(including ELV and payload assembly,
and diverse space launch capability, with
President directed DOD to secure addi-
fuel storage, hospital, and fire stations)
human access to space provided by the
tional ELVs to maintain a balanced
remain essential. These facilities not
Space Shuttle, and unmanned access by
launch capability and the ELV produc-
only meet our national needs, but also
four families of expendable launch vehi-
tion lines were resurrected in support of
support the emerging U.S. commercial
cles (ELVs). This "mixed fleet" is the
our national needs. Our current military
launch industry.
result of a major shift in national space
ELV fleet carries many critical assets in
Commercial ELV business had its
policy following the 1986 Challenger
support of our nation's communication,
beginning in the mid 1980s.
accident. The new policy provides
navigation, surveillance, and weather
Arianespace and several U.S. companies
encouragement to the young U.S. com-
missions. There are two primary sites in
began their quest for payloads in order to
mercial space launch industry.
which launch operations occur; Cape
assist in supporting the expanding com-
The Space Shuttle is currently the
Canaveral (east coast operational
mercial satellite demand and the sub-
only U.S. launcher able to carry humans
center) and Vandenberg Air Force Base
sequent backlogs prior to the resump-
into space and is also our largest payload
(west coast operational center). In
tion of shuttle activity. Although the
carrier to low Earth orbit. Further, it
support of these sites, critical launch and
U.S. commercial launch industry is still
offers unique capabilities for the repair
range infrastructure, such as ships, track-
in its infancy, it has already become
and recovery of payloads in space and
ing sites, huge launch structures and
competitive in the international launch
the conduct of human-tended exper-
their associated support equipment, and
service market.
iments. The current space policy limits
a city of support process buildings
its use to these functions which cannot
be performed by other U.S. launchers.
Our ELVs are used for launches of
civil, commercial, and national security
payloads. Our nation's ELV history start-
ed out in the 1950s in support of our
strategic defense needs and then pro-
gressed into meeting our nation's need
for putting man into space. Upon com-
pletion of the Apollo missions and the
emergence of the Shuttle, government
transportation needs were to be shifted
exclusively to the Shuttle, thereby phas-
ing out ELV development and produc-
tion for the government. In May 1983,
the government endorsed and com-
mitted to facilitate the commer-
cialization of U.S. ELVs. In February
1985, the President directed DOD to
pursue an improved assured launch
capability through procurement of a
limited number of ELVs.
The Space Shuttle-reusable
manned access to space
9
9
Page 9
We are already embarked on
what many scientists call the
renaissance of scientific space
exploration.
USAF
The existing commercial fleet, based
D
on these government-developed
E
vehicles, is now in the process of being
T
supplemented by smaller entrepreneurial
commercial launch and launch service
A
providers. These new companies, which
II
have had several flights, hope to estab-
lish a market niche for low-cost launches
of small payloads.
Several state governments are looking
beyond the provision of launch services
to the development of commercial
BSB
space-ports. Florida proposes using facil-
ities at Cape San Blas and Cape
Canaveral; Hawaii is examining the
prospects for a spaceport to service small
or medium launch vehicles; and Virginia
is exploring the establishment of a com-
mercial spaceport at the existing NASA
launch facility on Wallops Island.
To meet the expected needs of civil,
national security, and commercial space
sectors, launch costs must drop
significantly and the reliability,
robustness, and lift capacity of our
launch systems must increase. The Air
Force and NASA are jointly pursuing
research and technologies to support
future decisions on an advanced launch
system. The current focus of this
program is on propulsion technologies
and vehicle concepts, however, the
propulsion technologies are being
developed within the context of a
B
potential family of launch vehicles
which could be much less costly and
more reliable than current systems.
The Delta Expendable Launch Vehicle-a
commercial and government workhorse
9 9 O
Page 10
Key Elements
Transport
Developing Space Launch Capability
and Infrastructure as a National Resource
New Commercial Space Launch Policy
T he Space Council recently
Encourage technical improvements
completed a comprehensive review of
by directing U.S. government
commercial space launching which
agencies to actively consider
resulted in important new policy
commercial needs and factor them
guidelines which will further encourage
into decisions aimed at reducing the
the growth of U.S. private sector space
costs and increasing the
activities.
responsiveness and reliability of
The commercial space launch policy
American launch vehicles.
recognizes the many benefits which a
Foster free and fair trade through
The Titan launch vehicle
commercial space launch industry
negotiations with the European Space
provides to the United States, to include
Agency and other launch providers.
indirect benefits to U.S. national
Provide a framework for dealing with
security. It balances launch industry
non-market economy launch
needs with important national security
providers and for considering the
interests and with those of other
participation of the Soviet Union in
industries and establishes the long-term
the Western market for space launch
goal of a free and fair market in which
goods and services.
U.S. industry can compete.
Ensure that all agreements are
The policy specifies a coordinated set
structured in such a way as to be
of actions for the next ten years aimed at
enforceable.
achieving this goal. The elements of the
Further U.S. missile non proliferation
policy will:
and technology transfer objectives.
The Atlas Launch Vehicle
9
9
Page 11
Artist's concept of the USAF/NASA
Advanced Launch System
9 9 0
Page 12
Key Elements
Transport
Developing Space Launch Capability
and Infrastructure as a National Resource
The National Aerospace Plane
T he National Aerospace Plane
FY 1989. In addition to this govern-
(NASP) program was first announced by
ment funding, U.S. aerospace corpo-
President Reagan in the January 1986
rations have invested a total of about
State of the Union address. Its objec-
$550 million in NASP technology to
tives were to develop and demonstrate
date and are planning to spend a total of
hypersonic and single-stage-to-orbit
about $750 million by the end of the
technologies. The program has signif-
program's technology development
icant potential for national security and
phase.
for furthering U.S. competitiveness and
In April 1989, the Secretary of
aerospace industry leadership in the
Defense, in developing his revised
In April 1989, the Secretary of
twenty-first century.
budget, asked the National Space
Defense, in developing his
The program is structured in three
Council to review the NASP program.
revised budget, asked the
phases: a preliminary technology and
The Space Council conducted an
National Space Council to
applications analysis, a technology
interagency review which concluded
review the NASP program.
development program, and then devel-
that NASP will benefit civil, com-
opment and flight testing of one or two
mercial and national security sectors,
experimental flight vehicles, designated
promote industrial competitiveness, and
X-30. NASP has been jointly funded
enhance U.S. space leadership. How-
and managed by the DOD and NASA,
ever, although the Council recognized
who will have invested together approx-
the significant technical progress that
imately $800 million through the end of
has been made, it concluded that NASP
USA
9 9 0
Page 13
remains a technically challenging pro-
priority research, as opposed to oper-
gram and that its technology is not yet
ational objectives. Unmanned as well as
sufficiently mature to support a decision
manned designs will be considered, and
to proceed with operational vehicle
the program will be conducted in such a
design and development.
way as to minimize technical and cost
Acting on the Council's recom-
uncertainty associated with the exper-
mendations, the President approved the
imental vehicle."
following policy:
The President also approved reten-
"The United States will continue the
tion of an appropriate joint DOD/
NASP program as a high-priority
NASA management structure, and
national effort to develop and demon-
asked the Space Council to review the
strate hypersonic technologies with the
program again prior to initiation of
ultimate goal of single-stage-to-orbit.
vehicle development. These actions set
Titanium composite
The government will complete the
the NASP program on a sound course
material fabrication
Phase II technology development
consistent with national policy objec-
program and plans to develop an exper-
tives. He also directed that NASP
imental flight vehicle after completion
funding be increased to the levels nec-
of Phase II, if technically feasible.
essary to meet the policy objectives.
Performance of the experimental flight
vehicle will be constrained to the min-
imum necessary to meet the highest
Supersonic combustion
Ramjet Engine test
Concept of the NASP experimental prototype
1990
Page 14
Key Elements
Exploration
Opening the Frontiers of Space
The Space Exploration
Initiative is the ultimate
investment in America's
future.
T he Space Exploration Initiative
and about the nature of life itself. We
was a major activity of the Space
will develop new technologies, many of
Council during its first year. When
which will have applications that will
President Bush announced his long-
improve our lives on Earth. We will
range goals for human exploration of the
stimulate science and engineering edu-
Moon and Mars on July 20, 1989, he
cation in this country by inspiring and
asked the Space Council to develop a
motivating our young people. And we
strategy for achieving these goals.
will be setting the stage for eventual
Various detailed programs for perma-
permanent human habitats on other
nent settlement of the Moon and the
planets. Moreover, the Space
human exploration of Mars have been
Exploration Initiative will improve our
proposed for over 20 years as logical
competitive technological position in
extensions of the capabilities we devel-
the world while enhancing our national
oped for Apollo and subsequent Earth-
pride and international prestige. But
orbit operations.
most importantly, the technological
The President's July 20, 1989
capabilities we develop, the new
announcement firmly established the
resources we discover, and the new
nation's long-range goals in the human
industries we find in pursuit of these
exploration of space: to proceed from
ambitious space-exploration goals will
Space Station Freedom to a permanent
power American economic pre-
Above: One concept for a manned Mars
spaceship, featuring artificial gravity,
lunar presence in the next century,
eminence throughout the 21st century.
Center: Lunar Lander
followed by a mission to Mars.
The Space Council was charged by
The Space Exploration Initiative is
the President to define an approach by
the ultimate investment in America's
which his space exploration goals could
future. By responding to the human
be best achieved, including an assess-
imperative to explore, we will reap
ment of the possibilities for international
benefits for ourselves and future gener-
cooperation.
ations akin to those of the voyages by
The Council received suggestions for
Columbus and Magellan. We will
implementing the initiative from
increase our storehouse of knowledge
NASA, the Department of Energy and
about the planets, including our own,
industry firms. The Council also ben-
efitted from a review of these ideas by
The Council recommended that
so ambitious a program would
require a systematic search for
innovative concepts and new
technologies having the potential
to reduce costs, accelerate
schedules, and reduce risk.
An artist's rendition of a large, man-tended
radio telescope in a crater on the moon
A view of Olympus
Mons, Mars highest
mountain, three times
the height of Mount
Everest
the National Research Council. All
will play significant roles in technology
Lieutenant General Tom Stafford (Ret.),
concluded that the President's goals were
development and concept definition and
former Apollo astronaut and distin-
achievable, but the suggested approaches
will continue to work with NASA to
guished space expert. This panel will
varied widely. The Council decided that
develop the SEI.
report to the NASA Administrator and
so ambitious a program would require a
To define our technology devel-
the Space Council in early 1991-rec-
systematic search for innovative con-
opment and architecture development
ommending the alternative architectures
cepts and new technologies having the
programs, the Space Council has char-
and technology development course we
potential to reduce costs, accelerate
tered an Exploration Outreach and
should pursue over the next few years.
schedules, and reduce risk.
Synthesis activity. Throughout the
The Synthesis Group recom-
The Space Council therefore
summer of 1990 a number of govern-
mendations and the work to study the
recommended to the President that such
ment agencies, professional technical
alternative architectures in the coming
a search be conducted and that the
organizations, federally contracted
few years can shape the heart of our
Initiative first focus on technology
research centers, and private citizens
exploration effort. While we are not
development. The Council also con-
developed ideas on the technologies and
embarking on a costly development
cluded that at least several years should
approaches which could enable us to
program now, these efforts will allow us
be devoted to defining two or more sig-
accomplish our exploration goals faster,
to make informed decisions on how and
nificantly different program archi-
cheaper and better.
when to proceed affordably and most
tectures and developing and demon-
The ideas collected by the Outreach
effectively.
strating technologies broadly applicable
effort are being reviewed and analyzed
to space exploration. The President
by a Synthesis Group chaired by
accepted the Council's recommendation
and on February 16, 1990 it issued a
policy directive to that effect.
Concept for a Mars Rover
Concept for a commercial Lunar Outpost
The decision also stated that the
initiative be led by NASA and include a
balanced program of robotic and
manned exploration missions. To take
maximum advantage of existing capa-
bilities, however, the technological and
systems expertise of other relevant
agencies should be tapped. Therefore,
the Departments of Defense and Energy
9
9
Page 16
Key Elements
Exploration
Opening the Frontiers of Space
T he traditional focus of our nation's
exploration missions - Magellan,
It will support instruments to look out at
space science programs has been to
Galileo, and Ulysses - had begun. The
the universe and back at the Earth,
observe and understand the universe by
Hubble Space Telescope was deployed.
including those which will help us
accumulating scientific knowledge of the
The Cosmic Background Explorer
understand the threats to Earth's global
planet Earth, the solar system, and the
(COBE) had successfully examined the
environment.
universe beyond.
background radiation of the cosmos,
Freedom offers a unique facility for
A prime objective of our future plans
collecting data that could change our
developing new technologies, products,
is to open the space frontier. To create
theories about the universe's early
and processes. Among the exciting
the scientific foundation essential for
history. And several space physics
possibilities are the development of new
planning and conducting missions to the
missions had been carried out. We plan
pharmaceutical methods and processes
Moon, Mars and beyond, we must
to launch an average of five or more
and treatments for serious diseases.
collect data on the surfaces of the Moon
space science missions annually through
Research on Freedom will help
and Mars and develop a thorough under-
1996. During the next few years we will
prepare humans for the long-duration
standing of the long-term effects of the
expand our knowledge of the universe
space missions of the Space Exploration
space environment on human beings.
more rapidly than at any other time in
Initiative.
A particularly exciting facet of the
human history.
Freedom could also lead to further
Space Exploration Initiative is the
international cooperation with nearly
opportunities it will offer to explore the
Space Station Freedom
one third of the initial investment in the
surfaces of the Moon and Mars and use
station being borne by our partners in
them for scientific purposes. The Moon,
Space Station Freedom is a major
Europe, Japan, and Canada. The agree-
for example, might be an ideal location
milestone in our planning for the future.
ments signed by Freedom's participants
for next-generation space observatories.
This permanently occupied orbiting base
form a possible framework on which to
We are already embarked on what
will help to maintain U.S. space
build forthcoming cooperative programs
many scientists call the renaissance of
leadership into the 21st century. It will
in mankind's exploration of space.
scientific space exploration. Beginning
play a vital role in science, exploration,
In summary, Freedom will be an
in May 1989 with the departure of the
and space commercialization.
important element in opening the fron-
Magellan spacecraft to Venus, we have
Freedom will provide a world-class
tiers of space, in attracting new private-
launched eight successful space science
multidisciplinary laboratory in space for
sector users of space in such industries as
missions in the past two years. As of
life sciences and materials research
advanced materials and medical prod-
October 1990, three solar system
which simply cannot be done on Earth.
ucts, and in forging closer bonds with
our international partners.
Above Right: a view into the laboratory
module of Space Station Freedom,
Center: robots and crews will team up
Images of Venus from
for assembly and servicing on Space
Magellan spacecraft
Station Freedom, Below: the Space
Station Freedom modular concept
9
9
Page 17
Freedom will be an
important element in
opening the frontiers of
space, in attracting new
private-sector users of
space in such industries as
advanced materials and
medical products, and in
forging closer bonds with
our international þartners.
OSSTT
HQ
ANSA
Key Elements
Solutions
Using Space to Solve Problems on Earth
Mission to Planet Earth
Space already meets many modern
This facet of the use of space is of
day needs. It has been used to improve
particular importance. In recent years we
the quality of life for Americans by
have become aware that human actions
creating new communications, navi-
can affect the environment on a global
gation and other services that knit
scale. "Mission to Planet Earth" is a
people and businesses more effectively
program that focuses our capabilities for
than ever before; by observing the Earth
satellite remote sensing to help us under-
from the unique vantage point of an
stand how the Earth works as an inte-
orbiting satellite; by applying the results
grated system. Its centerpiece is the
of space biomedical research; and by
Earth Observing System (EOS), a fleet
preserving the peace and security of the
of satellites which will provide compre-
U.S. via satellites for surveillance, treaty
hensive, long-term observations of the
verification, communications, and nav-
whole Earth and its component parts.
igation. In the broader context our
EOS is a particularly important issue for
space efforts help people everywhere by
the National Space Council because it is
fueling the world's economic engines;
an effort that cuts across many agencies,
advancing human health through life
such as OSTP, NOAA, EPA, and
sciences research; improving
NASA. The primary goal of these
communications around the globe; and
observations is to serve as the basis for
using the global perspective of space to
developing and refining predictive
observe and predict weather and
models of our planet that can be used to
ultimately to assess and ameliorate
formulate policies for reducing any neg-
changes in our global environment.
ative effects of long-term changes in the
Earth's environment. Because such
policies could have major economic
impacts, it is extremely important that
the predictive models be as accurate and
comprehensive as possible. The Space
Council plans to build on a National
Research Council (NRC) assessment to
address the policy issues inherent in
implementing the EOS satellite system
and its ground support components.
9
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Page 19
Space Medicine
Satellite Communications
Research conducted to ensure
Global communications initiated
astronaut health and safety also benefits
the world's commercial use of space.
the health and well-being of people on
Improving and expanding on space-
Earth. Advances made in space
based communications capabilities and
medicine have been applied to detect-
services have high priority on the Space
ing, diagnosing, preventing, and treating
Council agenda. Research for space
medical conditions everywhere. New
missions is often applied to increase the
and improved surgical techniques,
capacity and flexibility of terrestrial
devices, and medicines have also been
telecommunications services such as live
developed as the result of space research.
overseas television transmissions, trans-
The biological and medical research
oceanic phone calls, and worldwide data
needed for human space exploration will
networks. The Space Council is in the
greatly expand our knowledge base and
midst of a policy review to determine
potential for medical breakthroughs for
how the federal government can best
people on Earth.
foster an environment conducive to the
growth of communications and other
commercial space service industries.
Left: Global Biosphere, Bottom Right:
Nile River, Top Right: artist's rendition
of communications satellite
Right: the Strategic Defense Initiative
will provide technology for strengthening
deterrence_solving problems on earth
9
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Page 20
Key Elements
Solutions
Using Space to Solve Problems on Earth
Satellite communications and
Microgravity Science
navigation have become an
integral part of every kind
Microgravity research is aimed at
of military mission.
attaining a structured understanding of
gravity-dependent physical phenomena
in areas such as materials science,
combustion science, and biotechnology.
Ultimately, microgravity research may
lead to our improving solid-state elec-
tronics and semiconductors, developing
new medicines and vaccines, creating
During the past few years, however, it
metal alloys and composites having
became increasingly evident that priva-
unique properties, and developing new
tizing Landsat would not be commer-
instruments and laboratory techniques.
cially feasible for a long time. Actual
The microgravity environment of the
market experience discredited the unre-
Shuttle and some suborbital vehicles are
alistic revenue expectations on which
currently being used to make small
previous studies had been based. But
research quantities of highly valuable
since government planning was pred-
materials during short duration flights.
icated on commercializing the entire
The space station would allow more
program, this lack of near-term com-
extensive research. The Space Council
mercial viability threatened the conti-
has reviewed plans and directions in
nuity of Landsat data, which had
these programs to ensure that our policy
become valuable to its users, many of
provides the maximum opportunity for
which were U.S. Government agencies.
developing new industries and services.
The Space Council was asked to revisit
Understanding how to grow food
in a closed environment
existing government policy in light of
The Landsat Policy Decision
current, more realistic projections of
revenue growth and the importance of
O
ne of the first tasks undertaken by
federal applications for Landsat data.
the National Space Council was a
The Council's full interagency review
review of the Landsat program.
revealed that government agencies, not
NASA pioneered civil Earth remote
the private sector, do indeed account for
sensing with an Earth Resources
the great majority of Landsat data sales.
Technology Satellite launched in 1972
The Council found that Landsat is an
(later renamed Landsat 1). Subsequent
important, but not critical, source of
Landsats demonstrated this technology
data for such civilian agency appli-
and its applications SO successfully that it
cations as environmental monitoring,
was declared to be operational, and
global change research, economic intel-
program management was transferred
ligence, and law enforcement. The
from NASA to the Department of
Landsat program is utilized by 12 nations
Commerce with the intent of effecting
(and the European Space Agency)
transition of the entire program to the
which paid for and now uses Landsat
private sector.
ground stations.
9
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Page 21
The federal agencies, in aggregate,
control treaty monitoring, and
Long Term Impacts
believe that U.S. national interests are
contributes to global stability by
well served by a continuation of
reducing the possibility of surprise
In the next century, our Planet's
Landsat-type data.
developments, thereby allowing time for
resources will be increasingly taxed.
Based on these findings, the Space
crises to be averted.
Growing demands for energy, raw
Council recommended and the
Satellite communications and
material and finished products cannot be
President approved the policy that, "The
navigation have become an integral part
met without serious environmental
U.S. is committed to ensure the conti-
of every kind of military mission. The
impact. While no one can accurately
nuity of Landsat-type remote sensing
worldwide coverage needs of military
predict how space can help provide for
data to meet civil, commercial, national
functions make them ideally suited for
earthly needs, space holds significant
security, and foreign policy needs." The
support by space systems. The
promise for new sources of energy,
President approved government funding
navigation capability established for the
material and products. As we come to
for the continued operation of Landsat
military is also used routinely and widely
understand the complex interplay of
satellites 4 and 5 as well as funding to
in civil applications. Meteorological
man-made and natural effects on the
complete and launch satellite number 6
satellites provide critical weather
environment, space may play the crucial
in 1992.
information in support of world wide
role in correcting damage which has
military operations. While this
already occurred and prevent future
National Security
application is primarily defense-related,
problems. Space might provide
close coordination is maintained with
T he national security space sector is
unlimited, clean sources of energy.
civil weather satellite programs. As an
Resources and manufacturing in space
a major provider and user of space
example, the Defense Meteorological
may be provided without environmental
systems across a wide range of appli-
Satellite Program has proven invaluable
damage. We might even be able to
cations. For example, the importance of
in tracking hurricanes in both the
intervene to correct environmental
space to national security was clear in
Atlantic and the Pacific. Space may
problems from space.
support of our military operations in
also be used in the future for defensive
Panama and space systems continue to
measures as in the case of ballistic
prove their value daily in support of
missile defense.
Desert Shield. Although security con-
siderations prohibit going into detail,
the absolute necessity for and impor-
tance of space in safeguarding our
national security must be unequivocably
recognized.
Space Systems are a major source of
missile early warning for the nation and
its strategic forces and also support
tactical operations worldwide. Satellite-
Above Right: Washington, D.C. as
derived information also forms the
seen from Landsat, Above Left:
Astronaut "Pinky" Nelson tending
cornerstone of U.S./U.S.S.R. arms-
a crystal growth experiment
Above: Large communications
satellites link all nations across
the globe, Right: Satellite ground
terminals are the gateways for the
global village
9
9
Page 22
Key Elements
Opportunity
Generating Economic Well-Being
Creating New Industrial Capability and Jobs
T he emergence of a separate, non-
materials research and processing in
governmental commercial space sector,
space
whose importance is explicitly rec-
space-based industrial facilities
ognized by the National Space Policy,
payload processing services
holds the promise of generating enor-
spaceport safety management
mous benefits for the nation. Already,
financing services
according to the latest edition of U.S.
commercially developed launch
Industrial Outlook, 1990, " ...commercial
facilities
space sector revenues are expected to
Of these, the space communications
increase to $3.3 billion in 1990 from
industries are the most mature and
The real benefit of
$2.6 billion in 1989 The underlying
fastest growing. 1990 revenues from all
space to the economy
rate of growth is 10%, and most of the
sectors of the international satellite
will be in the creation
revenues are generated by satellite-
communications market were estimated
of new technologies,
related activity. New satellite services
to be in excess of $5 billion. Although
new products, and new
for business are expanding rapidly. All
the international arena is increasingly
services.
areas of space commerce are facing
competitive, U.S. satellite manufacturers
increased international competition."
continue to produce the majority of the
Opportunities for commercial
world's communications satellites,
enterprises exist in:
exports of which are estimated at $1
ground-based infrastructure support
billion this year alone. Ground station
commercial launch services
equipment and terminals for sending and
space insurance
receiving satellite signals is the fastest
space law
growing satellite-related industry and
telecommunications satellites
shipments are expected to increase to
(construction and operation)
$850 million in 1990 from $750 million
remote sensing satellites
in 1989. The United States is a net
(satellite development and data
exporter of satellites, which have among
analysis)
the highest "value added" of all products
position location satellites
built domestically.
One of the most promising
developments in space communications
is the "lightsat". Using new technolo-
gies in sensors, electronics, and com-
puters, a lightsat weighing a few hundred
pounds or less might do the job at much
less cost. Such satellites might also be
launched on a new generation of small
launch vehicles. The United States
leads the world in developing lightsats
and small launch vehicles.
Geostar navigation
system in truck cab
9 9
Page 23
Utilization of Space Technology
The second largest commercial space
T he government contributes to the
As with the great age of exploration
sector is in spacecraft launch services.
space economy by being a customer for
which began 500 years ago, we cannot
For the period of 1990-1993, the
private-sector goods and services.
imagine completely the scientific and
Department of Transportation's Office of
Because of their often unique or
industrial riches and benefits we will
Commercial Space Transportation -
demanding requirements, government
find.
which licenses and promotes commercial
purchases can stimulate expansion of the
The real benefit of space to the
space transportation activities -
market and the industry, thus creating
economy will be in the creation of new
estimates that the U.S. launch service
jobs and generating revenue. An excel-
technologies, new products, and new
industry will generate $640 million in
lent current example of this practice is
services. For example, hundreds of
1990, with annual revenues of at least
government purchasing of commercial
companies are currently investigating
$450 million expected over the next
launch services.
ideas for new space-related commercial
several years. Known commercial
For the long-term no one can predict
enterprises through NASA's 16 Centers
launch contracts from 1990 through
which industries will emerge from our
for the Commercial Development of
1995 currently exceed $1.9 billion, and
space efforts. However, we might get our
Space (CCDS). These consortia of
$1.4 billion are for customers other than
energy from space, find and extract
government, academia, and industry
the U.S. Government. One major U.S.
resources, manufacture medical products
focus market-driven research on those
launch supplier estimates that approx-
and treatments to cure dreaded diseases,
technologies most viable for commercial
imately 20,000 prime contractor and
and produce materials using the unique
development.
major subcontractor jobs are affected by
attributes of space. There is also signif-
U.S. commercial space transportation
icant potential for the development and
activities. In addition, U.S. commercial
use of space technology for non-space
space launch companies report that they
commercial uses. We are on the thresh-
have invested over $700 million to date.
old of a second great era of exploration
- the expansion of human presence
into the solar system.
Right: a perfect
crystal grown in space
of mercuric iodide,
Center: crystal growth
in process
Far Right: super
computer aircraft
imaging
9
9
Page 24
Key Elements
Opportunity
Generating Economic Well-Being
Strengthening the Industry Base
T he National Space Council is
develop product-oriented technologies.
conducting a comprehensive policy
This experience and emphasis on inno-
review to develop guidelines to most
vation should enable U.S. firms to
effectively encourage federal govern-
compete more effectively with their
ment efforts to support commercial space
foreign counterparts. A healthy business
sector activities. The goal of these
environment is encouraged through a
guidelines is to minimize unfair compe-
consistent and predictable regulatory
tition between the government and the
program managed by the Department of
emerging commercial space sector and to
Transportation's Office of Commercial
encourage an environment conducive to
Space Transportation.
the ultimate development of new
commercial, nongovernment-dependent
Technology Development
space markets.
At the same time, these guidelines
A
sound technology base is the
are intended to encourage innovative
fundamental element upon which
efforts by agencies, such as NASA, to
commercial markets, and, ultimately,
continue developing innovative working
new industries, are built. Although the
agreements with the private sector to
goal of federal space policy is to build a
share costs and risks and give the
commercial space sector which is not
commercial space sector, as appropriate,
dependent on government support, the
access to government facilities and other
government can be very effective in
capabilities. Also, the Centers for the
helping to build the requisite technology
Commercial Development of Space
base.
program is a growing and dynamic
This role was recognized in the
initiative which currently involves 56
National Space Council's Commercial
universities and 189 companies, and
Space Launch Policy which directs
helps move emerging technologies from
government agencies to "actively
the laboratory to the marketplace by
consider" private sector needs when
leveraging a broad industry base to
making decisions on improvements in
9
9
Page 25
launch infrastructure and increasing
reliability and responsiveness of space
launch vehicles.
NASA is developing technology for
Space Station Freedom will be a
direct commercial application in several
laboratory for technologies and
areas. For example, the Office of
products useful on Earth
Commercial Programs is sponsoring
research into commercial remote sensing
technology at the John C. Stennis Space
Center.
The Office of Commercial Programs
is also proposing an innovative project
called the Commercial Experiment
Transporter (COMET) which is
designed to stimulate the growth of a
commercial space sector able to prepare,
launch and retrieve small space payloads
developed by the various Centers for the
Commercial Development of Space.
The Department of Defense also
operates an extensive science and
technology complex which significantly
contributes to space technology
development. For example, the Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency
played a major role in providing seed
funding, developmental assistance, and
contracts for launch services which led
to the successful April 1990 launch of
the Pegasus launch vehicle.
Left: supercomputers allow design of advanced aircraft with
less wind tunnel testing, Right: Close-up photo of thermal
barrier coating for advanced engines
9 9
Page 26
Key Elements
Freedom
Ensuring Freedom to Use Space for
Exploration and Development
We already know that space will
warn of attacks upon space assets. In
play an increasing— if not dominant
that regard, we must be able to alert and
role in the global 21st century economy.
warn owners and operators of space
While we hope and will work strenu-
systems that threats exist. This means
ously for a safer world and safer outer
we must improve our technical abilities
space environment, the very fact that
to quickly and reliably characterize the
space is an economic wellspring makes it
purposes of space activities, and we must
a potential area for confrontations. The
be able to communicate warnings rapidly
best way to avoid those confrontations is
to those who can mitigate developing
to have the means to prevent them, and
threats.
if they occur, have the ability to deny an
Third, we must develop the capability
aggressor the fruits of his aggression. For
to intervene to protect our space and
these reasons, we must have the means
terrestrial (land, maritime, and air)
to protect assets of ours and other
operations that may be threatened by
nations.
enemy space assets. We must be able to
To protect the freedom of space we
employ active measures, e.g.,
need to be able to do three things.
antisatellite systems, to stop an aggressor
First, we must be able to see and
before he can use his space systems to
monitor all that occurs in space. While
threaten objects or people in space or on
we have long-standing needs and
the earth.
The Defense Satellite Communication
System provides global command and
systems to track objects in space - the
Access to space can be denied by
control information to U.S. forces
United States now tracks over 7000
many means, including antisatellite
deployed worldwide
objects in space -we will need substan-
attacks on space systems and sabotage of
tial improvements in these capabilities
ground segments. The Soviet Union has
in the years ahead.
an operational antisatellite system
Second, we must develop the capa-
deployed. The U.S. has advanced
bility to protect our nation's space assets.
technology applicable to antisatellite
This protection may take the form of
weapons and research programs.
passive measures to enhance the surviv-
ability of critical space systems and to
IIII
SAB
- 00 00 00
Command Centers operate 24 hours
a day to assess air and space
activities around the globe
9
9
Page 27
Space is very much like the
ocean: freedom of traverse is
necessary for international
commerce and in some
instances vital to the national
security of some nations. As
has happened on the seas in
the past, some nations may
choose in future conflicts to
deny potential adversaries the
use of space.
Worldwide ground radars are the
mainstay for detecting and tracking
satellites
9 9 0
Page 28
Current and Planned Activities
The purpose of the Council's
review is to define policy and
strategic alternatives for the
U.S. commercial space launch
industry.
Commercial Space Policy
Space Transportation Policy
In March 1990, the Council
T he National Space Policy
The National Space Council is
assembled an interagency working group
identifies access to space as a key
conducting a review to see how
to review the implementation of
element in all U.S. space activities. It
effectively these provisions of the U.S.
commercial space policy. The purpose of
states that U.S. space transportation
policy are being implemented, and is
the review is to assess the status of the
systems must provide a balanced, robust,
also developing a comprehensive
emerging commercial space markets; to
and flexible capability with sufficient
national space launch strategy. The
see how well the National Space Policy
resiliency to allow continued operations
review is being conducted in three
was working in this area; and, where
despite failures in any single system.
phases:
appropriate, to develop additional policy
The policy identifies the following goals
Phase I will:
and implementation guidelines.
for the nation's space transportation
Describe current and planned launch
The policy review will develop a
infrastructure:
capabilities (e.g. performance, capac-
working definition of commercial space
(1) to achieve and maintain safe and
ity, adequacy of infrastructure support,
activities; identify the various ways in
reliable access to and from space and
resilience to launch failure, etc.)
which the government interacts with
transportation within it;
Identify space launch needs,
the commercial space sector (e.g.,
(2) to use both piloted and
separating: 1) firm requirements
purchase of goods and services, transfer
unmanned launch and recovery systems
associated with continued operation of
of technology, research and devel-
in a manner which exploits the unique
existing space programs and other
opment, advocate free and fair trade)
attributes of each;
funded programs 2) projected needs
and seek to develop policy guidelines
(3) to encourage the development
for programs or missions which are
within which agencies would respond to
and use of private-sector space
commercial space sector initiatives.
transportation as much as possible
Such a policy framework would greatly
(President Bush recently announced the
increase the level of certainty and
National Transportation Policy which
predictability associated with the private
encourages the use of commercial space
sector's interaction with the
transportation services for government
government.
space missions to the fullest extent
The goal of this interagency
possible); and
assessment of commercial space, the
(4) to reduce the costs of space
most comprehensive ever undertaken, is
transportation and related services.
to ensure that the government takes
appropriate steps necessary to create an
Pegasus being launched
environment conducive to the
formation of new space markets and
industries, rather than merely expanding
the commercial sector's capacity to
supply government needs.
9
9
Page 29
Results of the Council's
analysis will be incorporated in
a comprehensive space launch
strategy to guide future
government actions.
under consideration but have not yet
Phase 3 will assess all combinations
been approved or funded, and
of these policies, procedures and
3) projections of commercial launch
investments, including appropriate
needs.
revisions in agency management
Compare current and planned space
structures or in the current assignment
launch capabilities with these space
of space launch roles and missions.
launch needs and identify mismatches,
Results of the Council's analysis will be
if any.
incorporated in a comprehensive space
Phase 2 will identify and analyze
launch strategy to guide future
alternative government actions to
government actions.
resolve mismatches and meet U.S. space
launch objectives, such as:
Additional policy guidance, if
needed.
Development and acquisition of new
systems or infrastructure.
Investments in research and
technology, including the
government's role, if any, in
development of technology for
commercial application.
Investments in advanced ("leapfrog")
technologies which offer the
potential for large improvements in
cost, performance or reliability.
Modifications to procedures which
might reduce launch costs or increase
launch capacity.
Left to Right: The
Space Shuttle, The
McDonald Douglas
Delta, Orbital Sciences
Pegasus, Sounding
Rocket for Research, The
General Dynamics Atlas,
The Martin Marrietta
Titan Above Right:
Artist"s conception of
the USAF/NASA
Advanced Launch Vehicle
9
9
Page 30
Current and Planned Activities
The Space Exploration Initiative
T
he Space Council's activities in
consider in deciding on the U.S.
this Initiative were described in some
approach.
detail earlier. The Council believes SEI
The Council concluded that the
is central to our future in space, and will
Space Exploration Initiative will be of
maintain a continuing dialogue with the
profound significance to all mankind;
Congress, NASA, universities, industry,
and that international cooperation in
and federal laboratories on their
this endeavor is feasible and could offer
activities dealing with this initiative.
significant benefits to the United States.
Acting on the recommendations of
International Cooperation
the Vice President and the National
The Council explored the feasibility
Space Council, the President announced
of international cooperation in the
on March 30, 1990, that:
Space Exploration Initiative in parallel
The United States will take a
with establishment of a program policy.
sequential and orderly approach to
This interagency review examined past
decisions on involving specific
experience in U.S./foreign space pro-
countries consistent with decisions
gram collaboration, capabilities of
made on the overall Space
foreign spacefaring nations, the benefits
Exploration Initiative.
and risks of international cooperation,
The United States will seek an
and various options for the President to
exploratory dialogue with Europe,
Canada, Japan, the Soviet Union, and
other nations, as appropriate, on
international cooperation on the
Initiative.
The exploratory dialogue will focus
solely on conceptual possibilities for
cooperation.
The dialogue will be based on
guidelines expeditiously prepared by
the National Space Council, and will
Left from top: Space
be consistent with the National Space
lab module being
Policy.
serviced, Shuttle bay
showing international
The National Space Council will
space Tab module,
ensure interagency coordination and
artist's rendition of
materials processing
review during the development of
module in shuttle bay,
international cooperation on the
space station module
interior, Above:
Initiative, and provide recom-
Canadian robotic arm
mendations to the President as
appropriate.
The Space Council has now
convened a working group on the
guidelines for exploratory dialogue.
9
Page 31
The Earth Observing System-the window
into the environment
Mission to Planet Earth Policy
Concern about environmental
support possible. The Space Council
one large observing platform. Finally,
change is high in people's minds
tasked the National Research Council to
the Council assessed and endorsed the
throughout the world. To respond to
respond to the following questions:
proposed EOS Data Information System
this concern, U.S. scientific agencies
(1) Does EOS collect the
approach. The Committee on Earth and
have begun the U.S. Global Change
environmental parameters that are
Environmental Science (CEES), a part
Research Program (USGCRP), whose
reflected in the USGCRP research
of the Federal Coordinating Committee
objective is to understand, model, and
priority framework?
on Science, Engineering and Technology
predict changes in our planet's
(2) EOS is premised on the
(FCCSET), is examining the NRC
environment. The predictive models
assumption that it is essential to collect
report on the EOS program in the
developed by the USGCRP can form a
data on various environmental
context of the total USGCRP.
basis for policies to mitigate harmful
parameters simultaneously. How
environmental changes and prevent
important is data simultaneity to the
future problems from developing. A
ultimate utility of the data? Can the
critical element of this program is
requirements for simultaneity be applied
NASA's Mission to Planet Earth (MPE).
more narrowly than proposed?
MPE's objective is to collect the data
(3) Depending on the outcome on
needed for the USGCRP's climate
the question of simultaneity, are the
models. The program includes both
EOS platforms, as currently configured,
small satellites (known as Earth Probes)
the optimum means for collecting this
and large Earth Observing System
data, or are there better alternatives that
EOS represents a major
(EOS) satellites, as well as suborbital
are more cost-effective or timely? These
commitment of resources over
observation techniques. EOS currently
alternatives could include, for example,
20 years. It will be the largest
plans for six satellites over 15 years, with
smaller multiple platforms flying in
scientific program ever
two in orbit at any given time, to be
formation or additional near-term
undertaken.
launched starting in the late 1990s. In
precursor missions that are capable of
addition to the two U.S. EOS satellites
flying subsets or preliminary versions of
and replacements, the European Space
EOS instruments.
Agency and the Japanese will each
(4) Does the proposed EOS Data
launch one environmental monitoring
Information System represent the
satellite and follow-on replacements.
appropriate approach to support the
EOS represents a major commitment
long-term data collection and
of resources over 20 years. It will be the
monitoring effort? (EOS will produce a
largest scientific program ever
data flow at least ten times larger than
undertaken by NASA. EOS is a 1991
any previous space or ground system).
new start.
The National Research Council has
Because of the central role played by
provided its input on these questions.
EOS in the USGCRP, the National
The Council endorsed the EOS
Space Council has begun an in-depth
program, indicating it was responsive to
study of the program. The objective of
the USGCRP research priorities. The
this study is to ensure that EOS and
NRC also agreed with the need to
other space-data collection and analysis
collect certain data simultaneously, and
systems will provide the USGCRP with
supported the requirement for at least
the most timely and cost-effective
1990
Page 32
validating, expanding and articulating
the National Space Strategy and
extending its guidance to specific
opportunities throughout the space
community.
Our efforts are guided by several
specific principles. First, the United
States plans to develop and pursue its
opportunities in space. Space
exploration and the application of space
technologies is as much an imperative
for the continued development of the
nation as was exploration of the
continent by our forefathers.
America's future is inevitably and
irrevocably linked to our efforts in
space. This reality underlies the
Council's sense of urgency in
approaching its tasks.
Second, one of the greatest strengths
of this nation is its ability to meld the
efforts of its technological, industrial,
academic, and governmental
institutions toward a common cause.
The Council's policies and plans for
space capitalize on this strength by
seeking to map a course that
harnesses the innovative,
creative and analytic
prowess of all American institutions.
can be realized only if all Americans
sound footing once and for all. Only
Cor
ently, the Council treats each
commit themselves to U.S. leadership
such a foundation can effect an
goal, each objective, and each initiative
of a global campaign to explore space,
efficient transition from a space effort
as a joint undertaking.
understand and appreciate it, and
geared toward research to one that
Finally, the Council's actions
harness it in service to mankind.
applies the potential of space to solve
recognize that what is needed is not
Today, America is faced with
mankind's problems and assure our
leadership in space per se, but
tremendous, all-pervasive challenges -
nation's future.
leadership in using space to address
in medicine, in energy, in industrial
To begin the process of establishing
important human concerns. Space
competitiveness, in national security, in
that sound footing, the council
off
imited potential for improve-
the environment, and elsewhere. How
implemented its charter by setting up a
ment in almost every area of human
well we meet these challenges will
plan that identified four phases: setting
endeavor; such as in medicine, where
determine how we and all citizens of
broad goals and objectives for America
microgravity may offer new and
the world live in the future. The real
in space, establishing strategies for
undreamed of pharmaceuticals and
questions that confront us are whether
achieving those goals and objectives,
cures in industry, where productivity
we appreciate their urgency, whether
monitoring the implementation of
may increased and made more
we understand the potential of space in
those strategies, and resolving specific
affordable; and in national security,
meeting them, and, understanding that
program or policy issues.
where space capabilities allow us to
potential, whether we as a nation are
To undertake these functions we
verify arms treaty provisions and
willing to make the major
articulated America's space strategy as
counter threats to the nation's well-
commitments necessary to engage in
a set of critical elements for attaining
being pace also offers tremendous
the exploration of space with the
the benefits space offers. In the
potential for new sources of needed
dedication and seriousness that these
preceding pages we have defined these
materials and clean, unlimited energy.
challenges demand.
major elements and outlined the
Th excitement and challenge of the
Fortunately, America and the world
various investigations we have
space program, both manned and
now have new opportunities to
conducted or are in the process of
robotic can be a powerful motivator
consider and act on these challenges.
undertaking. The sole purpose of all
for people to enter science,
The relaxation in world tensions and
our activities is to determine where we
en
and technology fields.
the resulting spirit of cooperation
are and where we must go to take
T
learly shown during the
permeating all of Europe, extending
maximum advantage of the
Apollo moon program, when advanced
even to the Soviet Union, offer
opportunities offered by space
degrees in these fields rose dramatically
unprecedented opportunities for
exploration and exploitation.
in response to the program's invest-
realigning our nation's scientific and
ments. The Space Council plans to
technical resources toward space and
continue to emphasize education as an
for achieving true cooperation among
integral part of the space program.
nations. Surely now is the time to
The President and Vice President
capitalize on these opportunities.
have given America a clear vision of a
It is with these thoughts in mind
bright prosperous future. It is a vision
that the National Space Council has
based on the unlimited potential of
undertaken its efforts during the past
space to benefit mankind; but one that
year. While the Council recognizes the
urgent need for increased commitment
in space, it also appreciates the
unrelenting need to put our national
and international space activities on a
S
2
SPACE TECHNOLOGY: BENEFITING MANKIND
TM
ASTRONAUTS
USA
Pilot (4-6) Curriculum
OCTOBER
I. Hydroponics
II. Moonsuits
NOVEMBER
I. Space Technology
II. Optics
DECEMBER
I. Gravity
II. Growing Crystals in Space
**JOUNC*
TM
October Pilot (4-6)
ASTRONAUTS
USA
I. HYDROPONICS SOILLESS GROWING
INTRODUCTION
During the month of October, Pilot level Young Astronauts will learn
to manipulate variables in hydroponic activities. These experiments were
designed to enhance Young Astronauts' appreciation for the space technology
developed to help provide residents of space stations with growing plants
for nutritional and environmental needs. Preparing and analyzing data
charts enable students to participate in the process of science and
develop critical thinking skills.
Also this month, Young Astronauts will have fun making and consuming the
results of a demonstration of the cooling process used in the development
of the moonsuits that astronauts wore on the Moon. These same principles
and mechanics of cooling provide hours of "normal" living for people who,
because of medical conditions or occupational hazards, need to be kept
physically cool.
P-1
**JOUNC*
TM
ASTRONAUTS
October Pilot
USA
ACTIVITY ONE
GROWING PLANTS IN WATER : INTRODUCING VARIABLES
BACKGROUND
Some researchers believe that growing vegetable plants in water (soilless)
and feeding nutrients directly to the plant's root allow for a more healthy
plant, since the root does not have to search for nutrients and water.
SAFETY
Nutrients should be handled by the teacher. Children should be cautioned
about washing hands and keeping the nutrient away from the face.
OBJECTIVES
Young Astronauts will
1. Observe vegetable plants growing in water.
2. Observe vegetable plants growing in soil.
3. Compare hydroponically-grown plants to those grown in soil.
4. Define and demonstrate the use of variables.
5. Graph the rate of growth.
6. Investigate the effects of adding a vegetable plant nutrient to
the vegetable plant growing in water.
7. Draw conclusions based on the experiments.
PROBLEM
How do hydroponically-grown plants compare with plants grown in soil?
MATERIALS
root vegetable plant (sweet potato)
plant nutrient
stem vegetable plant (potato)
water
bulb vegetable plant (onion)
containers of choice (paper cups,
pots, milk cartons, etc.)
PROCEDURE
1. For root vegetable: (sweet potato)
a) Put a firm small sweet potato in a jar of water with pointed
end down.
b) Add enough water to cover half the sweet potato.
c) Stick toothpicks in potatoes and rest them on jar.
d) Put jar in warm, dark place.
e) When tiny roots and stems appear, place jar in sunlight.
P-2
**JOUNC**
TM
October Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
2. For stem vegetables: (potato)
a) Use small potato or cut large potato in sections. Each section
must have an "eye".
b) Place potato with "eye" up in sandwich bag.
c) Add 2 cm of water.
d) Tape or tack bag on board.
3. For bulb vegetables: (onion)
a) Place the onion bulb in sandwich bag with root section in
bottom of bag.
b) Add 1 cm water to bag.
c) Tape or tack bag to board.
4. Add nutrients to one group of plants in water.
5. Plant one group in soil, after rooting in water.
6 Allow third group of vegetable plants to remain in water only.
EVALUATION
1. Compare and record the growth patterns.
2. Construct a graph showing the effect of each variable upon the
growth pattern.
3. Which of the three experiments produced the healthiest plant?
P-3
**NOUNC*
TM
ASTRONAUTS
October Pilot
USA
EXTENDED ACTIVITIES
1. Investigate other variables: temperature, artificial light, different
soil mixes and/or water mixes.
2. Grow a root vegetable "hanging garden" from turnips, beets or any
other root vegetable plant.
a. Select a nice fat beet.
b. Cut off the leaves and stems.
c. Hollow the beet out from the pointed end.
d. Push 1/2 of a toothpick into 3 sides of the beet, but not all
the way in.
e. Tie heavy thread to each toothpick end and knot the strings
together at the top.
f. Hang the beet on a hook or nail
it will become its own
hanging basket.
g. Keep the hollowed-out section filled with water.
P-4
**JOUNC*
TM
October Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
USA
ACTIVITY TWO
GERMINATING SEEDS IN WATER
BACKGROUND
This activity enables students to observe in detail the germination of
seeds and to note the differences in germination of "monocot" and "dicot"
seeds under various environmental conditions.
OBJECTIVES
Young Astronauts will
1. Observe in detail the structure of seeds.
2. Name and identify monocot and dicot seeds.
3. Determine environmental conditions under which monocot and
dicot seeds germinate best.
4. Record and communicate findings through graphing, drawings
and/or oral reports.
PROBLEM
Does the structure of a seed determine its sprouting time?
MATERIALS
lima beans (dicot)
Zip loc bags/plastic
magnifying glasses
corn seeds (monocot)
containers
growing medium-water
paper towels
microscopes
metric measurement tools
PROCEDURE (Pairs or Teams)
(1) Soak several lima beans and corn seeds overnight- before observing.
(2) Observe external structures and make drawings. (3) Carefully open
and observe internal structure--- make drawings. (4) Place remaining
whole seeds into selected container and add water. (5) Observe sprouting,
record, measure. (6) Vary temperature, moisture, oxygen.
EVALUATION
1. Which seed sprouted first? (germination time)
2. Which seed grew faster?
3. Analyze your drawings to determine results.
P-5
**VOUNC**
TM
ASTRONAUTS
October Pilot
USA
EXTENDED ACTIVITIES
Plan a vegetable garden.
1. (Beans and Corn). Based on the results of your findings, which vegetable
would you plant first in order to have the highest yield? Why?
2. If nights were much longer than days, which vegetable plant (bean
or corn) would you plant first in order to receive the highest
yield? Why?
3. Explain "winter wheat".
P-6
**JOUNC*
October Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
ACTIVITY THREE
GROWING VEGETABLE PLANTS HYDROPONICALLY FROM SEEDS
BACKGROUND
Current research involves growing plants from seeds in a special space-
like environment. Wheat and soybeans have been grown hydroponically in
this environment--- where scientists monitor a number of conditions.
OBJECTIVES
Young Astronauts will
1. Measure the height and weight of selected seedlings grown under
different conditions and in different environments.
2. Predict the average height and weight of selected seedlings grown
with and without a nutrient, sunlight VS artificial light, light vs
darkness.
3. Draw conclusions about the requirements for growing healthy
selected seedlings based on selected data.
4. Communicate the results through writing, speaking, consulting
charts and graphs.
PROBLEM
What are the best conditions for growing selected seedlings hydroponically?
MATERIALS
mung beans
plastic sandwich bags
oats
nutrient
barley
grow light
lima beans
germinator (if possible)
corn
metric measurement tools
paper towels
SAFETY
Students should wash their hands after handing nutrients and seedlings.
Hands are to be kept away from the face.
PROCEDURE
(1) Fold a paper towel and place it in the ziploc bag. (2) Plant at least five
of your selected seeds in the bag. (3) Add six to eight teaspoons of water.
(4) Fold the bag. (5) With a paper clip, attach a small piece of paper. Write
the date, the name of the seed, and how much water. (Add water when
P-7
**JOUNC**
ASTRONAUTS
TM
October Pilot
USA
needed). (6) Decide the variable or combination of variables you wish to use:
light or dark; nutrient or plain water, etc. You may need more than one bag
and more than one set of seeds. (7) Record all data giving dates, etc, using
chart below as guide.
EVALUATION
Each group (singles, pairs or groups) will carry out evaluations based
on their selected seeds and variables.
1. What conditions produced negative results?
2. What conditions produced positive results?
EXTENDED ACTIVITIES
1. You are given a module in which to grow vegetables hydroponically.
Which vegetables, and under what conditions would you plant seeds
in order to reap the highest yield?
P-8
**JOUNC*
TM
October Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
USA
HEIGHT OF SEEDS GROWN IN WATER (in millimenters)
Day 2
Day 4
Day 6
Day 8
Day 10
Seed 1
Seed 2
Seed 3
Seed 4
Seed 5
Seed 6
Seed 7
Seed 8
Seed 9
Seed 10
Average
Height
Seeds Grown in plant minerals & water
Growth in millimeters
Average seed growth by Day 2
Average seed growth Day 2 to Day 4
Average seed growth Day 4 to Day 6
Average seed growth Day 6 to 8
Average seed growth from Day 8 to 10
P-9
TM
ASTRONAUTS
October Pilot
USA
II. MOONSUITS: A Cool Idea
(a)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Astronauts who walked on the Moon had to wear special clothing to protect
their bodies. NASA scientists developed spacesuit underwear that lowered
body temperatures by circulating a cooled fluid through a system of tubes.
In 1987, nearly 20 years later, that technology was used to save a young
boy's life. Born without sweat glands that allow excess heat to escape
from our bodies, the boy's activities were severely restricted. Any activity
or environment that caused his temperature to rise was life threatening.
The boy was given a cool suit patterned after the NASA space underwear.
The suit contained a system whereby cooled fluid was circulated by a
battery-powered pump through a series of tubes in a head cap and wraparound
torso vest. The suit reduced the boy's body heat by 50 percent and
lowered his heart rate to an acceptable level.
Others have benefited from different versions of the cooling suit. They
are used by people in occupations that can raise body temperaturess to
dangerous levels and threaten heat exhaustion, stroke or even death.
P-10
**JOUNC*
TM
October Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
USA
ACTIVITY
"CHILL-OUT" : ICE CREAM IN A BAG
BACKGROUND
The amount of heat present in any body or environment is an important
factor. Many chemical and physical reactions will only occur at certain
temperatures. In some cases, too much heat can be dangerous. The ability
to cool a material can be very important and can have a variety of effects.
OBJECTIVE
The Young Astronauts will explore and observe the effects of cold
(cooling) on milk.
PROBLEM
How will cooling affect milk?
MATERIALS
1 cup measure
milk
ice
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon
sugar
salt
measuring spoons
vanilla
cups
gallon freezer bag
pint freezer bag
PROCEDURE
1. In a pint freezer bag, mix the following:
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Seal the bag.
2. In the gallon bag, mix the following:
2 cups ice
3 tablespoons salt
the pint bag (sealed)
Seal the bag.
3. Mix for 15 minutes. Gently shake the gallon bag so that the smaller
bag moves around in the ice and salt mixture.
4. Observe the contents of the smaller bag. Describe what is happening.
5. Taste the results.
P-11
**OUNC*
TM
ASTRONAUTS
October Pilot
USA
EVALUATION
1. Discuss what happened.
Why did it happen? How did it happen?
EXTENDED ACTIVITIES
1. Try this activity with other liquids.
2. Measure and record the temperature of the milk mixture at different
times during the experiment.
P-12
**JOUNC*
November Pilot (4-6)
ASTRONAUTS
USA
I. SPACE TECHNOLOGY : Heart Monitoring
AORTA
HEART
(to body arteries)
PULMONARY ARTERY
(to lungs)
PULMONARY
VEIN (from
lungs)
RIGHT
ATRIUM
"
LEFT ATRIUM
VENA CAVA
body vein
THB
LEFT VENTRICLE
from body
SEPTUM
4
RIGHT VENTRICLE
INTRODUCTION
In November, Pilots will learn about the human heart, its structure and
its healthy functioning. Young Astronauts will explore the effects of
space travel on the human heart.
Also this month, Pilots will explore the fascinating world of optics. The
study of light plays a key role in the scientific work astronauts perform
in space. Lasers help map distances on Earth as well as in space. Space
technology developed in the field of optics has enabled us to "see" the
physical universe much better. Treatments and medical procedures developed
as a result of analyses of experiments done in space have revolutionized
the approach to vision problems.
P-13
**JOUNC*
TM
ASTRONAUTS
November Pilot
The Heart
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Space travel is hazardous to the well-being of astronauts. One problem
associated with prolonged space travel is the effect of weightlessness on
the human body, especially the heart.
Weightlessness causes the blood and other bodily fluids to move to the upper
body. This causes the heart to enlarge to handle the increased blood flow.
Muscles, including the heart, are particularly vulnerable to deterioration
on long space flights. Any weakening of the heart threatens the functioning
of the entire cardiovascular system, which can affect every organ in the body.
NASA scientists developed a complicated monitoring system for astronauts
that communicated the performances of body systems and organs under
weightlessness. This technology was used in the design of a broad line
of computerized medical electronic systems which helped revolutionize
medical care. Some examples are the pacemaker, which regulates the
heartbeat through electrical stimulation; heart rate monitors; systems
that allow doctors and nurses to monitor a patient's vital signs from a
distance; and angioplasty, a non-surgical procedure for unclogging the
arteries.
A communications system developed by NASA for space communication
between Earth stations and satellites also had important implications for
medical treatment. It led to the development of an advanced pacemaker
that can be regulated to meet the patient's physical needs. The implanted
device has two parts that work together to coordinate the beating of the
heart's chambers, allowing the patient to lead a normal life of physical
activities.
P-14
*YOUNC*
November Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
USA
ACTIVITY ONE
BACKGROUND
The heart is an organ that works like a pump. It keeps blood moving through
the circulatory system. Your heart is about the size of your fist. To help
you imagine the size and location of your heart, make a fist with your left
hand and place it slightly left of the center of your chest.
Your heart is divided into two upper and two lower chambers. The two upper
chambers of the heart are called atria (AY tree uh). Each one is called an
atrium. The lower chambers are called ventricles. The right and left sides
of the heart are divided by a thick wall called the septum. You have an atrium
and a ventricle on the left side of your heart and an atrium and a ventricle
on the right side. Your septum is in the middle.
Blood enters the heart from the body through a large vein called the Vena
Cava. It first goes to the right atrium and then passes through a heart
valve into the right ventricle. From the right ventricle, blood travels
through the pulmonary arteries into the lungs to receive oxygen. The blood
returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins to the left atrium and then
goes through a heart valve to the left ventricle. This ventricle is the
strongest part of the heart. It pumps the blood into the aorta, the main artery
of the body. The aorta carries the blood to the rest of the arteries of the body.
Find the atria, ventricles, septum and aorta in the drawing of the heart.
Your heart is made of cardiac muscles and other tissues. When the cardiac
muscles of your atria and ventricles contract, blood is forced throughout
the blood vessels of your body. Your blood transports food and wastes to and
from your body cells.
OBJECTIVES
Young Astronauts will
1. Describe the heart and its function.
2. Make a model of the heart and identify by color code and/or flag
the aorta, the atria, ventricles and septum.
MATERIALS
clay, Play Doh, or silly putty
newspapers
toothpicks
PROCEDURE
(1) Mold the clay into a model of the heart. (2) Color code and flag the
aorta, atria, ventricles and septum.
EVALUATION
Use your clay model to name and identify the divisions of the heart.
EXTENDED ACTIVITIES
1. Explain the function of the heart.
2. Name ways to keep your heart healthy.
P-15
**NOUNC*
ASTRONAUTS
November Pilot
ACTIVITY TWO
NATURE OF MUSCLE TISSUE
BACKGROUND
Muscles are made up of fibrous tissue bound tightly together. This muscle
tissue is made up of cells which can contract. Some muscles are voluntary,
some muscles are involuntary. Voluntary muscles move when you tell them to
move. Involuntary muscles can move without conscious thought. But sometimes
a voluntary muscle becomes an involuntary muscle.
OBJECTIVE
Young Astronauts will
1. Demonstrate the use of voluntary muscles.
2. Describe when voluntary muscles become involuntary muscles
(shivering is an example).
3. Explain how we develop strong, healthy muscles.
4. Describe and diagram muscle fiber.
MATERIALS
straight pins
magnifying glasses
small piece of beef
microscopes
paper towels
PROCEDURE
(1) Place the paper towel on a table or a desk. (2) Put a small piece of beef
on the paper towel. (3) Use the straight pin to pick and separate the long
thin strands that are fibers of muscle tissue. (4) Place a small, thin piece
of muscle fiber on a slide under a coverglass. (5) Draw what you see under the
microscope. Does it look like the following diagram?
EVALUATION
1. Diagram the muscle cells.
2. What makes muscles expand and contract?
P-16
**JOUNC*
TM
November Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
HEART MUSCLE TISSUE FIBERS
EXTENDED ACTIVITIES
1. Describe other ways in which voluntary muscles become involuntary
muscles.
2. Make a working model of a muscle.
P-17
**JOUNC**
ASTRONAUTS
November Pilot
ACTIVITY THREE
MICROGRAVITY AND HEART FUNCTIONS
BACKGROUND
In a microgravity environment, muscles and blood vessels lose their strength.
There is a loss of muscle tone and muscle nitrogen. Since the heart is a
muscle, the effects of weightlessness on muscles is an especially serious
problem.
To overcome muscle deterioration, astronauts must exercise regularly.
OBJECTIVES
Young Astronauts will demonstrate the effects of muscle tone loss.
PROBLEM
What is muscle tone?
PROCEDURE
(1) Bunch and tie several red rubber bands together, roughly in the shape of
a heart. (2) Each day stretch your heart model in each direction for 5 minutes.
(3) Each day, record the measurement of the model before stretching and after,
as well as the length of the stretch.
EVALUATION
1. What happened to your heart model?
2. What happened to the muscle tone?
EXTENDED ACTIVITY
Think of other ways to demonstrate muscle tone loss.
P-18
**JOUNC**
November Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
USA
II. OPTICS : USING LIGHT
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Our Sun provides the Earth with energy in the form of light and heat. The
total array of energy waves is called the electromagnetic spectrum. The part
of the spectrum which we can see as light is the visible spectrum from red
to violet. The invisible part beyond the red is called the infrared and is
felt as heat. The Sun's radiation is so powerful that its radiation could
hurt us if the Earth's atmosphere didn't block out most of the harmful rays.
When light waves are bent, they separate into the colors the spectrum. This
is called refraction. In nature, we see refraction taking place when we see a
rainbow.
Much of the space-based research and many of the resulting developments,
including those with practical uses here on Earth, have centered on light.
One of the most amazing discoveries from this research is the laser, a device
that amplifies the radiation of visible light frequencies, allowing them to
travel in a narrow beam in one direction and on the same wavelength.
Laser technology based on NASA research has resulted in safer, non-surgical
procedures for treating disease, more accurate measurements of long distance
points and improvements in eye surgery. For example, at one time the removal
of cataracts in the eye required surgery and a lengthy hospital stay. Today,
most cataracts are removed by laser treatment on an out-patient basis and the
person can go home in several hours.
NASA research led to greater understanding of how the eye works and of how
a person can control eye movement. This knowledge is being used to develop
techniques that help improve common vision problems such as nearsightedness
and farsightedness.
P-19
**JOUNC**
ASTRONAUTS
November Pilot
ACTIVITY ONE
OPTICS : THE SUN'S SPECTRUM
BACKGROUND
The light we see from the Sun is called white light. White light is made up
of different colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet)
which we can readily see through an object called a prism. A prism "breaks
up" the colors so that we see a layered band of colored stripes. This is called
the visible spectrum, a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The colors
of the spectrum are arranged in order of wavelengths from red to violet. On
the red end of the visible spectrum is invisible light or infrared and on the
blue end of the spectrum the invisible light is ultraviolet.
OBJECTIVES
Young Astronauts will
1. Identify and order the colors of a spectrum.
2. Describe color intensity.
3. Describe white light.
PROBLEM
What colors make up white light?
MATERIALS
prism or glass of clear water and mirror white sheet of paper
crayons or colored markers
light source
PROCEDURE
(1) Hold a prism up to the light source so that the light shines into the paper
through two sides of its triangular surfaces. (2) Turn the prism at different
angles until a spectrum (rainbow colors) appears on the white paper. (3)
Observe the colors of the spectrum. (4) Draw and color the spectrum.
NOTE: If prisms are not available, place a mirror in a glass of clear water,
lean the mirror to one side. Place the glass in the light. Hold the white paper
so that the light reflects from the mirror onto the paper (keep the paper
very still).
EVALUATION
1. What are the colors of a spectrum? Name the colors in order.
2. What does Roy G. Biv stand for?
EXTENDED ACTIVITY
Construct a color wheel.
P-20
**JOUNC*
November Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
ACTIVITY TWO
HOLOGRAMS : OPTICAL IMAGES
BACKGROUND
Holography is a lensless photographic method that uses laser light to produce
three-dimensional images. By the use of coherent light waves (waves that are
of the same phase), images are usually formed on a photographic plate. These
images do not usually bear any resemblance to the original object and
therefore must be reconstucted by illuminating them with coherent light. The
resulting image is called a hologram.
OBJECTIVES
Young Astronauts will
1. Describe the images and colors that are produced.
2. Name colors that were reflected.
3. Name colors of the spectrum that were equally reflected.
4. Describe the holograms when seen at different angles.
SUGGESTIONS FOR FINDING HOLOGRAMS
Art supply stores/catalogs, optical supply stores, photographic supply catalogs,
science equipment catalogs, sports cards.
MATERIALS
strong flashights
white light holograms
PROCEDURE (work in pairs)
(1) Hold the hologram in front of the flashlight. (2) Slowly tilt the
hologram back and forth, left and right. (3) Tilt the holograms. Record
the colors of the spectrum seen at different angles.
EXTENDED ACTIVITIES
1. Substitute color filters or filter paper for the hologram.
2. Collect and make a list of holograms that you can find on books,
cereal boxes, credit cards, etc.
P-21
**JOUNC*
ASTRONAUTS
November Pilot
ACTIVITY THREE
MEASURING DISTANCES: YOUR WALK MINUTE
BACKGROUND
Over twenty years ago, the Apollo astronauts left a reflecting target on
the Moon. Scientists on Earth aimed a large beam at the reflector. By
measuring the time it took the beam to travel back to Earth, scientists were
able to calculate time, distance and speed, which enabled them to figure
out, with greater accuracy, the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
Today NASA scientists use the laser, which is directed through telescopes,
not only to get accurate measurements of the distance between the Earth
and Moon, but also to measure with great accuracy the movement of the
Earth's continental plates and to track the speed of satellites in orbit.
OBJECTIVE
Young Astronauts will measure walking over a specific period of time.
PROBLEM
What is your average walking speed?
MATERIALS
stopwatch
measuring tape or meter stick
string
marker (baseball bases)
PROCEDURE
Form groups of four and assign to each group member the task of walker,
time keeper, measurer and recorder.
(1) Choose a place to walk and measure your walking speed. (2) Map out
your walking course (playground, athletic field). (3) Walk for one minute.
Measure the distance you walked. Record the distance. (4) Repeat step 3
twice. (5) Make two additional one-minute walks on the same walking course.
Measure and record the distance each time. (6) You should now have three
recorded distances that you have walked along the same course. (7) Add the
three distances. Divide the sum of the distances by three. This will give
you the average. This is your walk-minute. Ex: Tim walked 40m, 45m and
45m. The total is 130m. Divide by 3. The average walk is 43m. (8) Now find
the averages for others.
P-22
**JOUNC*
TM
November Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
USA
EVALUATION
1. What was your average walking speed in a minute?
2. What was the fastest average walking speed in your group?
3. What was the lowest average walking speed in your group?
EXTENDED ACTIVITY
Find the average walking speed of the entire class. Graph your results.
P-23
ASTRONAUTS
November Pilot
USA
LASERS : EYE SAFETY
BACKGROUND
There are different classes of lasers. Low power lasers, like those used in
supermarket checkout line scanners, are harmless and cause no health problems.
More powerful lasers can cause eye and other bodily damage. It is important
never to look directly into the laser beam or its reflection.
Scientists have developed safety lenses that protect the eyes against
certain types of laser light. People who work with strong, intense light can
develop blind spots if they do not wear protective lenses.
OBJECTIVE
Young Astronauts will locate blind spots in their eyes.
PROBLEM
Where are your blind spots?
SUGGESTION
How should one measure this distance?
MATERIALS
white plain index cards
pencil or black marker
PROCEDURE (work with a partner)
1. Place two black dots on your card about 7 centimeters apart.
2. Hold the card in your right hand. Close your left eye and stare at the
left dot with your right eye. Move the card out to arm's length and
slowly bring the paper toward your right eye.
3. When the dot on the right disappears, have your partner measure the
distance from your eye to the card. Record your distance. This is your
blind spot.
4. Repeat the steps 2 and 3 with your right eye closed. Now let your
partner try it.
EVALUATION
1. What is the blind spot distance in your left and right eye?
2. Are the distances the same or different?
P-24
**JOUNC*
December Pilot (4-6)
ASTRONAUTS
USA
I. GRAVITY
A
0
INTRODUCTION
In December, Pilots will involve themselves in the push and pull of Earth
forces, first by investigating measurements of gravity and mass, and second
by observing the formation of crystals. The gravitational differences
between space environments and Earth environments have allowed scientists
to design shuttle experiments that produce large, pure and perfect crystals.
These crystals have many applications in electronics, industry and science
on Earth.
P-25
**JOUNC*
ASTRONAUTS
December Pilot
USA
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Gravity is one of the most common forces recognized by man. Gravity is the
pull the Earth exerts on all matter within its field of influence. This
area is known as Earth's gravitational field. The farther one moves from
the Earth, the weaker the force becomes.
Spacecraft and astronauts orbiting the Earth are in an environment of
microgravity. The force of gravity that pulls the spacecraft toward Earth
is matched by the craft's forward speed. This causes them to "fall freely"
in space.
The advent of the space shuttle opened a new era in microgravity science
and applications. Scientists were able to study the effects of microgravity
on the human body and its functions. The result has been the development of
new techniques in areas such as cardiology which have benefited thousands
of people.
Research in crystal growth also has been pushed forward by developments in
space exploration. Astronauts have been able to grow large, pure and
nearly perfect crystals in shuttle experiments. Such crystals are
needed in sophisticated industrial and electronic devices.
Microgravity space experiments also are yielding information that will have
important implications for fields such as optics, electronics and chemical
processing.
P-26
*NOUNC*
December Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
USA
ACTIVITY ONE
MEASURING FORCES
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A force is any push or pull on an object. Weight is the amount of force (pull)
the Earth exerts on an object. We call this force gravity, and it is a property
of all matter. The Earth exerts a force of gravity on every object on or near
its surface. The larger the object the greater the force of gravity.
A spring scale can be used to measure the force of gravity or find the weight
of something. This measurement is expressed in units called "newtons (N)."
Weight and mass are different. Weight is a force and mass is the amount
of matter (stuff) in an object. For example, the mass of a one kg. bag of
potatoes is one kg. The weight of the one kg. of potatoes is 9.8 N. A D-size
battery has a mass of about 102 g. It weighs about 1 N.
P-27
**JOUNC*
ASTRONAUTS
TM
December Pilot
OBJECTIVE
Young Astronauts will demonstrate the ability to measure the effect
of gravity.
PROBLEM
How can you measure the force of gravity?
MATERIALS
spring scale
rope string or cord
wood block
PROCEDURE
(1) Obtain a spring scale and a one-meter length of string. (2) Tie one end
of the cord around the object. (3) Tie a small loop in the other end of the
string. Attach the spring scale to the loop. (4) Drag the object across your
desk top. Note and record the readings on your spring scale when the object
starts to move and after it is moving. (5) Using the spring scale, lift the
object off the desk. Again note and record the reading on the scale in a
table. Compare the amount of force needed to start, drag and lift the object.
EVALUATION
1. Make a list of forces.
2. Which force do you think is largest? Smallest?
3. Define the terms newton and force.
P-28
**JOUNC*
December Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
USA
ACTIVITY TWO
MASS AND WEIGHT
OBJECTIVE
Young Astronauts will discover the difference between mass
and weight.
PROBLEM
How is weight different from mass?
MATERIALS
5 different objects (such as book, shoe,
string
eraser, wooden block, etc.)
balance/scale
PROCEDURE
(1) Estimate the weight of each of the chosen five objects in newtons and
record it in your notebook. (2) Obtain a spring scale and a long piece of
string. (3) Weigh each object and record the weight. (4) Repeat Procedures
1-3 using balance/scale. (5) Compare the measurements.
EVALUATION
1. Which object weighs the most?
2. Which object weighs the least?
3. How is weight different from mass?
4. How can an object be weightless but not massless?
P-29
**JOUNC*
ASTRONAUTS
December Pilot
ACTIVITY THREE
FALLING OBJECTS
BACKGROUND
Falling is caused by gravity. Near the Earth a falling object falls
(accelerates) at a rate of 9.8m/s (meters per second squared). That means
that the speed of the falling object increases by 9.8 meters each second.
This value is called the acceleration of gravity. All objects falling near
the Earth fall at the same rate when there is no air or other matter to slow
the fall of the object.
OBJECTIVE
Young Astronauts will graph and interpret data on gravity.
PROBLEM
What is the acceleration (increasing speed) of a falling object?
TABLE ONE
Time of Falls (s)
Speed (m/s)
1
9.8
2
19.6
3
29.4
4
39.2
5
49.0
6
58.8
MATERIALS
graph paper
pencil
ruler
PROCEDURE
(1) On a sheet of graph paper make a graph using the data given in table 1.
Label the time on the horizontal axis from 1-10 seconds. (2) Label the
speed on the vertical axis from 0-100 m/s. (3) Plot the speed for each
second of time as given in the table. (4) Draw a line to connect the points
you have plotted.
EVALUATION
1. How could you use your graph to find the speed at 8 seconds?
2. What is the speed at 9 seconds? 10 seconds?
P-30
**JOUNC*
TM
December Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
EXTENDED ACTIVITIES
(1) The more massive the object, the greater the force of gravity, so the
force of gravity on the Moon is less than Earth's gravity. Explain how
the speed of falling objects is different on the Moon.
(2) The force of gravity on the Moon is one-sixth of that of Earth. How high
would you jump on the Moon if you could jump 4 feet on the Earth?
P-31
**JOUNC*
ASTRONAUTS
December Pilot
USA
II. GROWING CRYSTALS IN SPACE
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Most minerals are formed as crystals. Crystals of different minerals have
different shapes. The crystal shape (geometric pattern) is always the same
for a given mineral, although the crystals may vary in size.
The study of crystals is of great importance to the field of metallurgy,
since the properties of metal alloys frequently depend upon the structure
of the component elements.
Astronauts grew crystals aboard Spacelab and the shuttle. Crystals grown
in space are very pure and nearly perfect because they do not have to combat
Earth's stronger force of gravity. These crystals can be used to make new
forms of metals that are very light and very strong. Pure, nearly perfect
crystals are required in computers, lasers and numerous other optical and
electronic devices. Growing crystals in space permits a purity and uniformity
that cannot be equaled on Earth.
The development of liquid crystals-- a form of matter between liquids and
solids--- represents another space technology application. The color change
characteristic of liquid crystals has produced temperature indicators,
digital thermometers, disease diagnosis, hot/cold indicators and other devices.
P-32
**JOUNC*
December Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
ACTIVITY ONE
GROWING CRYSTALS: COOLING QUICKLY, COOLING SLOWLY
BACKGROUND
Most minerals are formed as crystals. Crystals of different minerals have
different shapes. The crystal shape (geometric pattern) is always the same
for a given mineral, although the crystals may vary in size.
OBJECTIVE
Young Astronauts will observe the effects of rate of cooling on the
formation of crystals.
PROBLEM
How does the rate of cooling affect the formation of crystals?
MATERIALS
string
water
teaspoon
2-2/3 cup sugar or salt
bolts, nails or paper clips
pyrex beakers
hot plate (or heat source)
pencils
SAFETY
Adult Supervision Required.
PROCEDURE
(1) Put 1/4 cup of water in each of the pyrex beakers. (2) Heat beakers of
water on hot plate until the water boils (Caution : Glass will break. Pyrex
will not break). (3) Add 2/3 cup of sugar slowly to each beaker of boiling
water, stirring as sugar is added---until all the sugar is dissolved. (4) Turn
off hot plate. (5) Tie a bolt, paper clip or nail on to one end of the string.
(6) Wrap or tie the other end of the string around a pencil. (7) Suspend
the bolt, paper clips or nail in the sugar solution by resting the pencil
across the top of the beaker. (8) Repeat with other beaker. (9) Place one
beaker on a window sill (or other location where it will not be disturbed).
(10) Place other beaker in a cold place (refrigerator, ice chest). Do not
disturb. Do not touch solution.
EVALUATION
1. Observe and compare crystals growing in two different locations.
2. Where do the crystals grow first? How do the crystals grow?
3. What are the differences between crystals formed in slowly cooling
solutions and solutions cooling rapidly?
EXTENDED ACTIVITY
Repeat the same experiment with salt.
P-33
**JOUNC**
ASTRONAUTS
TM
December Pilot
USA
THE SIX BASIC CRYSTALLINE SHAPES
HALITE (salt)
CALCITE
in
Hexagonal System
Cubic System
RUTILE
SULPHUR
YOUR
Tetragonal System
Orthorhombic System
EPIDOTE
AMAZONITE (or Amazon stone)
ap
nap
- '++
Triclinic System
Monoclinic System
P-34
**JOUNC*
TM
December Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
USA
EARTH'S TREASURES: DIAMONDS
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Diamonds are the hardest known substance. Diamonds can only be cut with
another diamond. Millions of years ago, perhaps as long as 100 million
years ago, hot liquid rock beneath the Earth's surface was subjected to
extreme heat and pressure. Carbon under this kind of extreme pressure became
diamonds.
Other properties of diamonds are just as dramatic as their hardness. Diamonds
are: resistant to wear: friction-free; transparent to visible, infrared and
ultra-violet lights immune to attack from a majority of chemicals; and
can be used as a thermal conditioner and an electric insulator.
Approximately 75% of all diamonds mined are used in industry. Many tools/
instruments are made from diamonds: blades for grinders, cutting wheels,
optics, etc. Industrial/commercial application is widespread, but in most
instances the cost of diamonds is prohibitive.
Space technology has led to the development of a process of coating and
chemically bonding an inexpensive supporting material with a thin film of
diamond-like carbon.
As a result, the cost of such "diamonds" is far less prohibitive for commercial
and industrial purposes, optical instruments, glasses and other consumer
products.
P-35
**JOUNC**
ASTRONAUTS
December Pilot
USA
ACTIVITY TWO
IDENTIFYING MINERALS: MOHS' SCALE OF HARDNESS
BACKGROUND
The hardness of a mineral is determined by its relative resistance to being
scratched. Diamonds are the hardest of all minerals because they will scratch
any other mineral when rubbed against it. Talc is the softest of all minerals
because all other minerals scratch it.
OBJECTIVES
Young Astronauts will
1. When given specific minerals, test them for hardness.
2. Explain and demonstrate the MOHS' Scale of Hardness, that follows.
PROBLEM
What is the approximate relative hardness of selected minerals on a scale
of 1-10?
MATERIALS
copper penny
mineral chart
nail file
rock collection
small pyrex plate
PROCEDURE (work in pairs)
(Do not confuse hardness with brittleness. If a mineral is harder than
number 7, but softer than number 8 on the hardness scale, it will have a
hardness of 7.5). (1) Place selected minerals on a small pyrex plate for each
student. (2) Put copper pennies and nail files on a common tray for all
students to use. (3) Test given minerals for hardness and record results
on a rock hardness chart.
EVALUATION
1. What were the hardest minerals?
2. What were the softest minerals?
EXTENDED ACTIVITIES
1. Collect minerals and test them for hardness.
2. Make a rock collection.
P-36
**JOUNC*
TM
December Pilot
ASTRONAUTS
USA
MOHS' SCALE OF HARDNESS
Mineral
Simple Test
1. Talc
1. Fingernail scratches it easily.
2. Gypsum
2. Fingernail scratches it.
3. Calcite
3. Copper penny just scratches it.
4. Fluorite
4. Fingernail file scratches it easily.
5. Apatite
5. Fingernail file scratches it.
6. Feldspar
6. Fingernail file does not scratch it; it scratches window glass easily.
7. Quartz
7. Hardest common mineral; it scratches steel and hard glass easily.
8. Topaz
8. Harder than any common mineral.
9. Corundum
9. It scratches topaz.
10. Diamond
10. Hardest of all minerals.
P-37
**JOUNC*
ASTRONAUTS
December Pilot
ACTIVITY THREE
FERRO-MAGNETISM
BACKGROUND
One of the most characteristic properties of iron is its ferro-magnetism
strongly magnetic in the presence of a magnetic field set up by a permanent
magnet or an electric current.
OBJECTIVE
Young Astronauts will
1. Test and observe ferro-magnetism.
2. Test and record the "life" of temporary magnets.
PROBLEMS
1. Is the ferro-magnetism greater in an iron nail or a steel nail?
2. Does iron or steel retain temporary magnetism longer?
MATERIALS
iron nails
permanent magnets
steel nails
PROCEDURE
(1) Stroke a permanent magnet with an iron nail in the same direction.
(2) Stroke a permanent magnet with a steel nail in the same direction.
(3) Stroke the nails for the same length of time.
(4) Record the results on a chart.
EVALUATION
1. Look up electromagnets and make one.
2. Test the iron and the steel nail. Are your results the same?
3. Is an electromagnet a temporary or permanent magnet? What happens
when the current is removed?
P-38
*YOUNC**
TM
ASTRONAUTS
USA