In support of this book, I developed a comprehensive dataset containing the data sharing policies for all unclassified remote sensing satellites that were successfully launched between 1957 and 2016. This appendix describes in detail the process for creating the dataset and coding the data sharing policies.
The database builds on the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review Tool (OSCAR) updated on July 5, 2016.1 Additional unclassified Earth observation satellites were added to the database based on a comparison with the NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive (NSSDCA) Master Catalog, the FAA compilation of commercial remote sensing satellites in the 2015 Commercial Space Transportation Forecasts report, and additional outside research.2 Reconnaissance satellites, satellites that failed during or shortly after launch, and those that did not carry Earth observing instruments—for example, data collection and relay satellites—were removed from the database.
The database includes the designation of a “Lead Country” and “Participating Countries.” Information for these variables was determined based on the lead agency listed by WMO and additional research on the specific mission. In some cases, satellites were developed as joint projects, with no country officially taking a leadership role. In these cases, leadership was randomly assigned to one of the two countries, with the same leader kept for all satellites in the same series. When satellites were developed by commercial or university groups, this designation was placed in the “participating countries” column. This makes it possible to identify the country in which the company operates.
The database also includes information on the data sharing policy, official or unofficial, governing access to data from each satellite in the database. In cases in which the data could not be located and inquiries to agencies or affiliated researchers were unanswered, the data policy is listed as “unknown.” Data was coded as “unavailable” if it was confirmed that data is not made publicly available. For data that was available, the data policy is coded as commercial, restricted, or open. This information was gathered through analysis of documents, websites, Internet portals, and personal communications related to each satellite and instrument.
The data sharing policy covering the satellite is coded as “commercial” if the data is sold at prices above the marginal cost of fulfilling the user request. It should be noted, however, that some of these satellites provide low-cost or free access to data for selected users, typically as a result of public-private partnerships or special programs.
The data sharing policy for any satellite for which access, use, or redistribution of data is significantly restricted for purposes other than commercial sales was coded as “restricted.” Examples of restricted policies are those that require submission of a data access request or detailed proposal and approval by agency or mission officials, those for which access to the data is restricted to particular uses (e.g., noncommercial), or users (e.g., citizens), and those that significantly limit reuse or redistribution of the data.
Data classified as “open” follows the definition used by the Group on Earth Observations. It includes data that is available without charge or restrictions on reuse, but may be subject to conditions of registration and attribution when the data are reused.
For a small number of cases (fewer than 10), two or more instruments on the same satellite are subject to different data sharing policies. In these cases, the satellite is categorized as commercial if data from at least one instrument is sold; otherwise, it is categorized as restricted.
1. WMO OSCAR, “Space-Based Capabilities (Oscar/Space),” World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review Tool (OSCAR), https://www.wmo-sat.info/oscar/spacecapabilities.
2. NASA, “Nasa Space Science Data Coordinated (NSSDC) Archive,” http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/SpacecraftQuery.jsp.US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Space Transportation (AST) and the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC), “2015 Commercial Space Transportation Forecasts” (2015).