PUB00144 ‎(2)‎

• Year: 2006
• Title: Western States Water Council - Breckenridge, CO., July 19-21, 2006
• CWCB Section: Administration
• Description: Western States Water Council - Breckenridge, CO., July 19-21, 2006
• Publications - Doc Type: Water Policy

Western States Water Council
Water Resources Committee Minutes

Washington, D.C.
March 28, 2006

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After looking at how Landsat has been managed and data acquired over the years, it has been a
series of "one off systems." Dr. Marburger suggests it should be something that is a continuous
operation mode. The operations piece has not been a problem. Leadership is sorely lacking. We don't
have strong advocates for Landsat in the government. We want to identify or assign the leadership for
Landsat. We will formalize a structure to perpetuate Landsat.

The thermal band is listed as an option in the current design structure. The old thermal
technology requires a separate sensor. It has contributed to 40% ofthe costs of the Landsat platform.
We have to look at all possible options.

For both national and international purposes, the thermal band should be included. We always
have to wrestle with OMB for money. I encourage you to continue communicating with your
congressional folks for money. We have a lot of anecdotal information as to the benefits, but that doesn't
work much at OMB.

Dale Frink: What advantages will Landsat 8 have over Landsat 7?

Gene: They will be somewhat the same. They will be backward compatible. The resolution sensors are
better. Decisions have not yet been made on all the details.

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Peter Evans: How soon might this leadership structure be made? And will that affect the ability to
launch?

Gene: What happens after Landsat 8 is a more long-term leadership and management issue. We are to
have a letter to OMB by June telling them whether our plans will have budget implications for FY07 or
FY08. We will have that available soon.

Karl: On the budget issue, by formalizing the mission, hasn't Congress already said, "Thou shalt do
this?"

Gene: We are not looking for money to support Landsat 8. It is a question of how that will play out.
OMB can pull money back at any time. If things go as planned, there should not be any problem, but the
money is not yet appropriated.

Karl: What can we do to make sure OMB understands this?

Gene: That is part of my job. The states know what to do, and I encourage you to continue.

Chris: Can you comment about Constellation?

Gene: We can talk about the U$., or our partnership with other countries. We prefer not to give up
owning one instrument for many reasons.

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