In general, the types of NASA-generated information and material requiring protection in the interest of national security lie in the areas of applied research, technology or operations.

Classifiers shall identify the level of classification of each classified portion of a document (including subject and titles), and those portions that are not classified.

A compilation of items that are individually unclassified may be classified if the compiled information reveals an additional association or relationship that meets the standards of classification under the Order; and is not otherwise revealed in the individual items of information. As used in the Order, compilations mean an aggregate of pre-existing unclassified items of information.

NASA shall establish controls over the distribution of classified information to ensure that it is dispersed only to organizations or individuals eligible for access to such information and with a need-to-know the information.

The effect of security protection on program progess and cost and on other functional activities of NASA should be considered. Impeditive effects and added costs inherent in a security classification must be assessed and weighed against the detrimental effects on the national security interests which would result from failure to classify.

Restricted Data or Formerly Restricted Data is so classified when originated or by operation of the law, as required by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. Specific guidance for the classification of Restricted Data and Formerly Restricted Data is provided in “Classification Guides” published by the Department of Energy and or Department of Defense.