AN INTERNATIONAL AEROSPACE INFORMATION-SYSTEM - A COOPERATIVE OPPORTUNITY

Scientific and technical information (STI) is a valuable resource that represents the results of large investments in research and development (R&D) and the expertise of a nation. NASA and its predecessor organizations have developed and managed the pre-eminent aerospace information system. We see information and information systems changing and becoming more international in scope. In Europe, consistent with joint R&D programs and a view towards a united Europe, we have seen the emergence of a European Database concept. In addition, the development of aeronautics and astronautics in individual nations has also led to initiatives for national aerospace databases. Considering recent technological developments in information science and technology, as well as the reality of scarce resources in all nations, it is time to reconsider the mutually beneficial possibilities offered by cooperation and international resource sharing. This paper raises for consideration new possibilities for unifying the various aerospace database efforts towards a cooperative international aerospace database initiative that can optimize the cost/benefit equation for all participants.