
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 15USC5641]

 
                      TITLE 15--COMMERCE AND TRADE
 
                 CHAPTER 82--LAND REMOTE SENSING POLICY
 
   SUBCHAPTER IV--ASSESSING OPTIONS FOR SUCCESSOR LAND REMOTE SENSING 
                                 SYSTEM
 
Sec. 5641. Assessing options for successor land remote sensing 
        system
        

(a) Assessment

    Within 5 years after October 28, 1992, the Landsat Program 
Management, in consultation with representatives of appropriate United 
States Government agencies, shall assess and report to the Congress on 
the options for a successor land remote sensing system to Landsat 7. The 
report shall include a full assessment of the advantages and 
disadvantages of--
        (1) private sector funding and management of a successor land 
    remote sensing system;
        (2) establishing an international consortium for the funding and 
    management of a successor land remote sensing system;
        (3) funding and management of a successor land remote sensing 
    system by the United States Government; and
        (4) a cooperative effort between the United States Government 
    and the private sector for the funding and management of a successor 
    land remote sensing system.

(b) Goals

    In carrying out subsection (a) of this section, the Landsat Program 
Management shall consider the ability of each of the options to--
        (1) encourage the development, launch, and operation of a land 
    remote sensing system that adequately serves the civilian, national 
    security, commercial, and foreign policy interests of the United 
    States;
        (2) encourage the development, launch, and operation of a land 
    remote sensing system that maintains data continuity with the 
    Landsat system; and
        (3) incorporate system enhancements, including any such 
    enhancements developed under the technology demonstration program 
    under section 5633 of this title, which may potentially yield a 
    system that is less expensive to build and operate, and more 
    responsive to data users, than is the Landsat system projected to be 
    in operation through the year 2000.

(c) Preference for private sector system

    If a successor land remote sensing system to Landsat 7 can be funded 
and managed by the private sector while still achieving the goals stated 
in subsection (b) of this section without jeopardizing the domestic, 
national security, and foreign policy interests of the United States, 
preference should be given to the development of such a system by the 
private sector without competition from the United States Government.

(Pub. L. 102-555, title IV, Sec. 401, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4175.)
