Remotely Sensed Data: Technology, Management, and Markets

摘要

The report examines U.S. plans for managing the prodigious quantities of data expected from current, planned, and future remote sensing satellites. In particular, it explores the Earth Observing System Data and Information System, which NASA is developing to manage and process the data from its Earth Observing System of satellites. It also analyzes the factors affecting the growth of the market for privately generated remotely sensed data. The recent entry of private firms into the development and operation of remote sensing systems affords U.S. firms the opportunity to develop a new space industry, supplying high-quality data to worldwide markets. The circumstance raises questions about the appropriate role of the U.S. government in assisting this fledgling industry in competition with foreign governments and companies.