THE WHITE HOUSE [GRASS ual May ll, 1978 Presidential Directive/NSC-37 TO: The Vice President The Secretary of State The Secretary of Defense The Secretary of Interior The Secretary of Agriculture The Secretary of Commerce The Director, Office of Management and 3ucget Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs Director, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Director of Central Intelligence Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Director, Office of Science and Technolocy Policy SUBJECT: National Space Policy (U) This directive establishes national policies which shall guide the conduct cf United States activities in and related to the space procrams and activities dis- cussed below. The objectives of these policies are (1) to advance the interests of the United States through the excrloration and use of space and (2) to cooperate with other nations in maintaining the freecom of space for all activities which_enhance the security and welfare of mankind. “ lL. The United States space program snall be conducted in accordance with the following basic principles. (WU) rich pee SXGDS (2) ye lBar Coctessifed/Retesond sa La. LES By the Nations! Secwetty Counc’s
EE aR be The exploration and use of outer space in support of the national well-being and policies of the United States. (U0) ce Rejection of any claims to sovereignty over outer space or over celestial bodies, or any portion thereof, and rejection of any limitations on the fundamental right to acquire data from space. (U) a. The space systems of any nation are national property and have the right of passage throuch and operations in space without interference. Pur- poseful interference with operational space systems shall be viewed as an infringement upon sovereign rights. (0) a. The United States will pursue activities in space in support of its right of self-defense. (U) —— ee - . fe - . _ . : oy ~ . “7 Ge The United States will pursue space activities to increase scientific knowledge, develop useful civil apselications of space technology, and Maintain United States leadership in space. (WU) h. The United States will conduct inter- national cooperative space~-related activities that are beneficial to the United States scientifically, politi- cally, eccnomically, and/or militarily. (U} a:
ke Close coordination, cooperation, and informa- tion exchange will be maintained among the space sectors to avoid unnecessary duplication and to allow maximum cross- utilization, in compliance with security and policy guidance, of all capabilities. (3)
: yamlacgi $(2) met 4. The United States shall conduct civil space programs to increase the body of scientific knowledge about the earth and the universe; to develop and operate civil applications of space technology; to maintain United States leadership in Space science, applications, and technology; and to further United States domestic and foreign policy objectives. The following policies shall govern the conduct of the civil space program. (U) ae The United States shall encourage domestic commercial exploitation of space capabilities and systems for economic benefit and to promote the technological position of the United States, except that all United States earth- oriented remote sensing satellites will require United States Government authorization and supervision or regulation. (0) co — be a Cc. Data and results from the civil space procrams will be provided the widest practical dissemination, except where specific exceptions defined by legislation, Executive Order, or directive apply. (U) erent eee - ~Ge
- A ‘ —_— 5. The NSC Policy Review Committee shall meet when appropriate to provide a forum to all federal agencies for their policy views; to review and advise on Proposed changes to national space policy; to resolve issues referred to the Committee; and to provide for orderly and rapid referral of open issues to the President for decision as necessary. The PRC will meet at the call of the Chairman for these purposes, and when so convened, will be chaired by the Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy. (U) “\ - | ADOHIE?