SPACE SCIENCE AND APPLICATIONS IN THE 1970'S 



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Substantial return on past and current investments in space through clear and 

 immediate benefits to the society on earth in the form of greatly expanded services 

 and direct contributions to solution of earthbound problems. 



The subcommittee stressed the need for more space systems for educa- 

 tion and medical satellite services — like the highly successful Applica- 

 tions Technology Satellite which had been used for this purpose in 

 India, Alaska, and other areas; and earth resources surveys. The report 

 also made this recommendation: 



NASA should develop and implement a comprehensive cost benefit analysis for 

 each major program which will include the relative social and economic benefits as 

 well as the potential for public support and international cooperation. 



In 1976, the Fuqua subcommittee took several steps to implement 

 the report. Following 27 hearings, the subcommittee recommended and 

 Congress agreed to set up a new line item in the budget for "Earth 

 resources operational systems" — the new Landsat satellite (which 

 was formerly termed the Earth Resources Technology Satellite), and 

 the user systems like the Departments of Agriculture and Interior. 

 Among the other items recommended by the House subcommittee and 

 approved in conference with the Senate was $3 million to start work 

 on the large space telescope. 



Representative Wes Watkins (Democrat of Oklahoma), second from left, converses with 

 three Speakers of the House, all of whom played a role in the formation of the Science Com- 

 mittee. From left, former Speaker Carl Albert of Oklahoma, whose resolution established the 

 Science Committee; Watkins; former Speaker John W. McCormack, who chaired the select 

 committee which created the Science Committee; and Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr., who 

 authored the report from the Committee on Rules which established the Science Committee. 



