[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 1, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52745-52746]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-21148]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Doc. No. 150819745-5745-01]
RIN 0648-XE132


Notice of Availability of the Draft NOAA Commercial Space Policy

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of availability of a Draft NOAA Commercial Space Policy; 
request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: As a science-based services agency, the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) strives to understand and predict 
changes in weather, climate, oceans, and coasts, and to provide 
critical environmental intelligence to the American public, decision 
makers, and our partners. NOAA accomplishes this, in part, through the 
use of observations obtained through a range of systems, including 
satellites, ships, ground, and in-situ networks.
    NOAA's space-based Earth observations are both important and 
challenging to obtain. In recent years, the commercial sector has 
invested increasing amounts of capital and resources to develop new 
technologies, and to build, launch, and operate satellites and ground-
based systems. In order to respond to an ever-growing demand for 
environmental information, NOAA seeks to maintain an observing 
enterprise that is flexible, responsive to evolving technologies, and 
economically sustainable, while supporting and upholding NOAA's strong 
commitment to public safety and the international data sharing system 
upon which NOAA depends for global data.
    This policy establishes the broad principles for the use of 
commercial space-based approaches for NOAA's observational 
requirements, and opens a pathway for new industry to join the space-
based Earth observation process. As a part of this effort, and to 
ensure we examine potential solutions, NOAA is seeking comments, 
suggestions, and innovative ideas from the public on Draft NOAA 
Commercial Space Policy. Through www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-0109, the public can view the Draft 
NOAA Commercial Space Policy, submit ideas, review submissions from 
other parties, and make comments and collaborate on ideas.

[[Page 52746]]

    All comments are welcome. In particular, NOAA would like comments 
on in the following areas:
    1. Does this policy adequately support the continued success of 
NOAA's public safety mission?
    2. Does this policy allow for the development of viable business 
models for potential providers of commercial data?
    3. Does this policy sufficiently consider the impacts to the 
private weather industry, academia, and other stakeholders?
    4. Does this policy appropriately reflect the importance of U.S. 
data policy and international data sharing commitments?

DATES: Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on October 1, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2015-0109, by any of the following methods:
    Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via 
the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-0109, click the ``Comment Now!'' icon, 
complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
    Mail: Submit written comments to: NOAA, c/o Mr. Troy Wilds, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, Suite 51032, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20230.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NOAA. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily 
by the sender will be publicly accessible. NOAA will accept anonymous 
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain 
anonymous).
    Additional information as well as instructions on how to submit 
comments can be found at the following Web site: www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-0109. The Draft NOAA Commercial Space 
Policy can also be viewed here.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Troy Wilds, NOAA Office of the 
Under Secretary, U.S. Department Of Commerce, National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Suite 51032, 14th and Constitution Avenue 
NW., Washington, DC 20230. (Phone: 202-482-3193, [email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The DRAFT NOAA Commercial Space Policy can 
be found at: www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-0109.

    Dated: August 21, 2015.
Manson K. Brown,
Deputy Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[FR Doc. 2015-21148 Filed 8-31-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P