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HUP SLUKET 13526 E.O. connect TOP SECRET 4 E. NASA will assure the Shuttle's utility to the civil users. In coordination with NASA, the DoD will assure the Shuttle's utility to national defense and will integrate national security missions into the Shuttle system. Launch priority will be provided for national security missions, F. Expendable launch vehicle operations shall be con- tinued by the United States Government until the capabilities of the STS are sufficient to meet its needs and obligations. Unique national security considerations may dictate developing special-purpose launch capabilities. (0) G. For the near-term, the STS will continue to be managed and operated in an institutional arrangement consistent with the current NASA/DOD Memoranda of Understanding. Responsi- bility will remain in NASA for operational control of the STS for civil missions and in the DoD for operational control of the STS for national security missions. Mission management is the responsibility of the mission agency. As the STS operations mature, options will be considered for possible transition to a different institutional structure. (U) H. Major changes to STS program capabilities will require Presidential approval. CUT III. CIVIL SPACE PROGRAM 5 The United States shall conduct civil space programs to expand knowledge of the Earth, its environment, the solar system, and the universe; to develop and promote selected civil applications of space technology; to preserve the United States leadership in critical aspects of space science, applications, and technology; and to further United States domestic and foreign policy objectives. Consistent with the National Aeronautics and Space Act, the following policies shall govern the conduct of the civil space program. A. Science, Applications, and Technology: United States Government civil programs shall continue a balanced strategy of research, development, operations, and exploration for science, applications, and technology, The key objectives of these programs are to: U (1) Preserve the United States preeminence in critical major space activities to enable continued exploita- tion and exploration of space. you TOP SECRET cy of copies TAN AFORN