SUMMARY:

Following the NASA/FBC Coordination Agreement of 1972, the Bureau has provided NASA with numerous technological advancements based on our research, including the Black Rock lining now found in all space-faring vessels. In return, all data gathered during space missions is made available for Bureau researchers to analyze.

Recently, certain individuals have raised the concern that this relationship does not adequately benefit the Bureau, either intellectually or financially. A thorough examination of the costs accrued by both organizations has shown that the expense of NASA's recent launch of the [REDACTED] far outweighs any spending related to the processing and delivery of Black Rock. From its Medium Earth Orbit, the [REDACTED] will provide the Bureau with an unparalleled resource for remotely monitoring and photographing AWE sites, a resource that would be lost if the partnership ends.

It is the opinion of this committee that maintaining a cooperative relationship with our colleagues at NASA is of vital importance.

Refer to file 3-81-4812 for full report.