d.

e.

Measuring soil moisture content (Schmugge, and others, 1976),

Measurement of free water in melting snow, and

f. Surveys of potential geothermal areas.

Several passive microwave radiometers have performed successfully from space platforms. For example, a 19.3 GHz (1.55 cm) scanner was installed on the Nimbus-5 satellite together with a microwave spectrometer viewing the Earth at wavelengths of 1.4, 0.96, 0.56, 0.55, and 0.51 cm (Gloersen and others, 1973, a and b). The U.S.S.R. satellite, Cosmos 243, was equipped to measure radiation at four wavelengths between 0.8 and 8.5 cm (Basharinov and others, 1974). NASA has undertaken airborne collection of passive microwave data to advance knowledge of applications, particularly in the field of sea ice (Gloersen and others, 1973a and

1973b), as has the U.S.S.R.

Possible applications of data acquired by active microwave (RADAR)

systems aboard Earth satellites include:

a. Mapping the distribution of sea ice and thickness (Parashar

and others, 1974),

b. Mapping the distribution of oil slicks (Kotlarski and Anderson,

d. Producing "all weather" images of the Earth for geologic and

The all-weather capability of the microwave systems has already led to use of aerial radar systems for geologic and planimetric mapping. The

largest operational radar survey to date (approximately 8.5 million km2) was undertaken by Brazil (Projecto RADAM, 1973). Radar systems have been used to collect three-dimensional data that can be converted into topographic information and to construct planimetric maps, but with limited precision (Van Roessel and de Godoy, 1974). Radar data acquired by aircraft have also been merged with Landsat data, producing an image with improved image information and interpretability (Harris and Graham, 1976). An opportunity to identify certain organic substances is suggested by the basic physics involved in the molecular rotational relationships that exist at these wavelengths, but this opportunity remains to be explored.

Apollo 17 carried a radar system and was designed to produce a subsurface profile of the lunar surface by operating at a series of wavelengths; Skylab carried a combined radar altimeter and scatterometer (a device to measure backscatter of the sea surface at a variety of angles) (Moore and others, 1974). Seasat-A, scheduled for launch in May 1978, will acquire limited radar data of the near coastal waters and land areas of the continental United States. The European Space Research Organization has undertaken a feasibility study for a radar imaging system for use from space (Skenderoff and others, 1974).

The above is a matter of record. In the past two years, planning for space industrialization has expanded. Recognition of its "meat and potatoes" promise has spread. Public awareness of its genuine potential has grown. It has been found that soberness and balance can also be inspiring.

Peoples everywhere will judge the contributory potential of space industrialization not by the brawn of unbridled imagination, but by the skill with which imagination is tempered with responsiveness to human needs and to economic, as well as technological, realities.

One crucial factor governing my reasoning then, as well as now, is the imperative to maximize the use of the Space Shuttle during the early phases of space industrial developments. The Shuttle and its immediate derivatives are a prerequisite for the initial steps referred to before and listed in the first part of this presentation. During the formative phase of the Shuttle, it was wise of NASA to resist pressure or temptations to build a smaller version than is now under development. On the other hand, the Shuttle could not meet the transportation requirements associated with more ambitious steps expected to become otherwise feasible in the 1990s.

In response to your request then, I furnished in my 1975 document an extensive list and discussion of the criteria for future space programs, the potential contribution to our society (and others) and the

needed emphasis in program content. Additional material is presented on the subsequent pages.

INTRODUCTION

Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee.

Thank you for requesting my contributions to your
Hearing on Future Space Programs in January 1978.

In my contributions to the Hearings of your Committee on Future Space Programs in 1975 I presented my opinion of the direction and emphasis that future space programs should take. In a 168-page document "Space Industrial Productivity New Options for the Future" I offered an in-depth justification for the priorities advocated by Of the three principle alternatives (a new overarching space exploration concept; a new overarching space utilization concept; no overarching concept) I argued for the second in the form of developing space industrial productivity on a pragmatic and cost-effective basis.

me.

This process would begin with those services and value generations that offer relatively lowest initial investments, favorable returns soon and thereby stimulation of job opportunities (greater labor intensity), job security, attraction of private capital, improved export capacity and other economic benefits. It would then proceed on the initial momentum so generated to progressively more ambitious projects.

The first steps were to include sensory information (advanced information transmission and sensory data acquisition), near-Earth orbital manufacturing and the use of Space Light reflectors. Based on the momentum of successful initiation of these steps; based on the practical experience (orbital industrial operations, assembly of large structures etc.) acquired thereby; based on the infrastructure (transportation, automated equipment, habitats, safety/survival systems, etc.) developed thereby; and based on the knowledge acquired by concurrent research programs (especially toward controlled fusion systems) it would then be possible to undertake large and more costly projects associated with energy, lunar industrialization and urban facilities (Astropolis).