U.S. CODE

U.S. Code

§ 16653. Independent assessment of Landsat-NPOESS integrated mission

(a) Assessment

In view of the importance of ensuring continuity of Landsat data and in view of the challenges facing the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System program, the Administrator shall seek an independent assessment of the costs as well as the technical, cost, and schedule risks associated with incorporating the Landsat instrument on the first National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System spacecraft compared with undertaking various alternatives, including a dedicated Landsat data “gap-filler” mission followed by the incorporation of the Landsat instrument on the second National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System spacecraft. The assessment shall also include an evaluation of the budgetary requirements of each of the options under consideration.

(b) Report

(1) Deadline

The Administrator shall transmit the independent assessment to the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this chapter unless, prior to that date, NASA cancels plans to fly the Landsat instrument on the first National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System spacecraft.

(2) Cancellation

If NASA cancels such plans, the Administrator shall—

(A) not later than 7 days after a cancellation decision, inform the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, in writing, of the cancellation; and

(B) not later than 90 days after the transmittal of the cancellation notice, transmit to the Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a plan for undertaking a dedicated gap-filler mission or alternative means for ensuring the continuity of Landsat data, which shall include consideration of a low-cost constellation of small satellites.

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