[Editorial headnote: This directive resulted from a comprehensivereview of U.S. space policy and programs undertaken during theearly months of the Carter administration. It dealt primarilywith the relationships among the civilian and national securityportions of the national space program; its policy guidance withrespect to the national security aspects of the effort were highlyclassified. The review was carried out under the auspices of theNational Security Council, and established a National SecurityCouncil Policy Review Committee chaired by the Director of theWhite House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Frank Press,as the mechanism for space policy formulation. Available in NASAHistorical Reference Collection, History Office, NASA Headquarters,Washington, DC. Page references to original document in brackets.]
May 11, 1978
Presidential Directive/NSC-37
SUBJECT: National Space Policy (U)
This directive establishes national policies which shall guidethe conduct of United States activities in and related to thespace programs and activities discussed below. The objectivesof these policies are (1) to advance the interests of the UnitedStates through the exploration and use of space and (2) to cooperatewith other nations in maintaining the freedom of space for allactivities which enhance the security and welfare of mankind.
1. The United States space program shall be conducted in accordancewith the following basic principles. (U)
[2] a. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]
b. The exploration and use of outer space in support of the nationalwell-being and policies of the United States. (U)
c. Rejection of any claims to sovereignty over outer space orover celestial bodies, or any portion thereof, and rejection ofany limitations on the fundamental right to acquire data fromspace. (U)
d. The space systems of any nation are national property and havethe right of passage through and operations in space without interference.Purposeful interference with operational space systems shall beviewed as an infringement upon sovereign rights. (U)
e. The United States will pursue Activities in space in supportof its right of self-defense. (U)
f. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]
g. The United States will pursue space activities to increasescientific knowledge, develop useful civil applications of spacetechnology, and maintain United States leadership in space. (U)
h. The United States will conduct international cooperative space-relatedactivities that are beneficial to the United States scientifically,politically, economically, and/or militarily. (U)
i. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]
j. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]
[3] k. Close coordination, cooperation, and information exchangewill be maintained among the space sectors to avoid unnecessaryduplication and to allow maximum cross-utilization, in compliancewith security and policy guidance, of all capabilities. (U)
2. [remainder of page deleted during declassification review]
[4] 3. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]
4. The United States shall conduct civil space programs to increasethe 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 foreignpolicy objectives. The following policies shall govern the conductof the civil space program. (U)
a. The United States shall encourage domestic commercial exploitationof space capabilities and systems for economic benefit and topromote the technological position of the United States, exceptthat all United States earth-oriented remote sensing satelliteswill require United States Government authorization and supervisionof regulation. (U)
b. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]
c. Data and results from the civil space programs will be providedthe widest practical dissemination, except where specific exceptionsdefined by legislation, Executive Order, or directive apply. (U)
d. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]
[5] e. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]
f. [paragraph deleted during declassification review]
5. The NSC Policy Review Committee shall meet when appropriateto 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 fororderly and rapid referral of open issues to the President fordecision as necessary. The PRC will meet at the call of the Chairmanfor these purposes, and when so convened, will be chaired by theDirector, Office of Science and Technology Policy. (U)
/signed/
Jimmy Carter