APPENDIX F-2
(Continued)
THE WHITE HOUSE
National Science and Technology Council
September 19, 1996
FACT SHEET
NATIONAL SPACE POLICY
Introduction
(1) For over three decades, the United States has led the world in the exploration and use of outer space. Our
achievements in space have inspired a generation of Americans and people throughout the world. We will main-
tain this leadership role by supporting a strong, stable, and balanced national space program that serves our goals
in national security, foreign policy, economic growth, environmental stewardship, and scientific and technical
excellence. Access to and use of space are central for preserving peace and protecting U.S. national security as
well as civil and commercial interests. The United States will pursue greater levels of partnership and coopera-
tion in national and international space activities and work with other nations to ensure the continued
exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.
(2) The goals of the U.S. space program are to:
(a) Enhance knowledge of the Earth, the solar system, and the universe through human and robotic exploration;
(b) Strengthen and maintain the national security of the United States;
(c) Enhance the economic competitiveness and scientific and technical capabilities of the United States;
(d) Encourage State, local, and private sector investment in, and use of, space technologies;
(e) Promote international cooperation to further U.S. domestic, national security, and foreign policies.
(3) The United States is committed to the exploration and use of outer space by all nations for peaceful purposes
and for the benefit of all humanity. “Peaceful purposes” allow defense and intelligence-related activities in pur-
suit of national security and other goals. The United States rejects any claims to sovereignty by any nation over
outer space or celestial bodies, or any portion thereof, and rejects any limitations on the fundamental right of
sovereign nations to acquire data from space. The United States considers the space systems of any nation to be
national property with the right of passage through and operations in space without interference. Purposeful
interference with space systems shall be viewed as an infringement on sovereign rights.
(4) The U.S. Government will maintain and coordinate separate national security and civil space systems where dif-
fering needs dictate. All actions undertaken by agencies and departments in implementing the national space
policy shall be consistent with U.S. law, regulations, national security requirements, foreign policy, international
obligations, and nonproliferation policy.
