QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT SATELLITE SYSTEMS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP71B00529R000200040004-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 17
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 7, 2002
• Sequence Number: 4
• Content Type: REPORT

25X1 .
MY elf U HL II
Approved For Release 2002/n
NRO REVIEW COMPLETED
7/02: CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
SATELLITE SYSTEMS
1 July 1968 through 30 September 1968
I. CORONA PROGRAM
A. J-1 System Status
1. J-49 Summary
On 18 September 1968 J-49,(Mission 1048) was
successfully launched. This was the first J-1 system
to use the 3/4 speed timer with a planned orbit life
of 16 days. All systems functioned normally until
rev 175; at that time a T/M commutator supplying the
major portion of the diagnostic data. from the payload
ceased to function. On rev 182 (approximately 30%
into "B" bucket) the forward-looking instrument
failed; an exhaustive investigation of the failure
is under way. The aft-looking instrument functioned
normally throughout the mission.
2. The CORONA Resident Office plans to use SO-230
film in future J-1 missions. The increased speed of
SO-230 over 3404 will permit the use of smaller slits
and thus reduce smea.r.
Mission 1102 (CR-2) used tag ends of SO-230 in
both cameras (2000' in one and 2500' in the other).
The SO-230 has a, grainier appearance than 3404, but
close examination shows no degradation of image
quality (Itek Report No. BOS-COR-9624-68-70, Evaluation
of SO-230 Film for Use with the CORONA System, dated
25 June 1968, contains a detailed analysis). Mission
1046 (J-48) used a full load of SO-230. An out-of-
focus condition developed which grew in intensity
throughout the mission; the PET report concluded that
the cause was emulsion buildup on the rails.
Eastman Kodak and
determine if SO-230 was
Eastman Kodak. reported
Itek
the
that
conducted studies to
cause of the anomaly.
they were unable to
25X1
6521-68
25X1
25X1
Page One
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 Approved For Release 200210 7102 IA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004=5.
differentiate between the surface or dusting
characteristics of SO-230 and other high
definition aerial films.
J-50 successfully completed HIVOS testing
with a full load of SO-230; no film problems
were noted. J-43 will use a full load of SO-230
during its HIVOS test and will be carefully
examined for dusting; however, no Dr. "A"
chamber run is scheduled. If no abnormal dusting
is noted at the conclusion of the J-43 HIVOS test,
the Resident Office will fly SO-230 in Mission 1049
(J-50) in early 1969.
B. J-3 System Status
1. CR-4 Summary
During the period of 7 through 21 August, CR-4
(Mission 1104) was successfully launched, operated,.
and recovered.
a. The forward-looking instrument used
the first third generation lens, producing a
maximum ground resolution of 5 feet along track,.
8 feet across track, and an MIP of 115 for the
mission. This system produced the best photo-
graphy achieved to date in the CORONA Program.
b. 3404 film was used in the aft-looking
instrument (#308). Fifteen thousand two hundred
and fifty-seven feet of 3404 type film with a tag
end of 800 feet of SO-180 film
I I was used in the forward- ent
Twenty-five foot ground resolution was
the best obtained with the SO--180 film; however,
the SO-180 photography can be used with conjugate
B&W photography and provide stereo dimensions.
The major portion of the SO-180 photography was
affected by corona static markings. This was
probably due to a problem in the Pressure Makeup
Unit system. However, sufficient unaffected
imagery was present to evaluate the intelligence
potential of the SO-180 film. There was a slight
blue-green cast across the first three and one-
half frames of each SO-180 operation. Density of
the blue-green cast is proportional to sit-time
is attributed to loss of
11of'the length of
off-spooled, unexposed film which is suspended
from supply cassette.to camera between operations.
u is. L, u iT
6521-68
page Two
2aX1
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000~000004~5
the SF05 filters were used in the sysw . i1 Q
d
e
SF05 used during Mission 1104 was note
the Mission as being of inferior quality.
Therefore, only one operation of denied area
of the film exposed through the
? pnotio~,.L .p.~y wa.~ ,,......... ----
;reported that the image quality of that portion
SF05 was poor.
A pressure Makeup Unit (PMU) - The CR-4
of a leaky; regulator
that permitted excessive gas aepieia.uAL .~?-~-~--
t the Mission At the end of the
Proposals and Future Changes
Glass Filters -.CR-14 and up will use
a.
glass filters. (Glass filters will provide: more:
lt
)
s
.
uniform and predictable resu
times throughou lator'..:
Mission (during SO-180 operation), the regu
w~ en_ti stn r~nrnna-free
causes pru:j;:~uica vuvv++++ --
ranze. This contributed to the static discharge,,;;
,recorded on the SO-1Su xiim.
Special Tests
eg5 was tested in HIVOSI
focused and that the UTJ3 in CR-5 was within
results of this test conxxrmea tiuac wv-u W__ r~--~---
f
,b. Film
f l,atness Specifications.
mt, i ec ed or f i m atness wring
(1) SO-205: The CORONA Resident
O-Rfice plans to use SO-205 film for~^ hen
type. emulsion on an ultra thin base film.
(2) SO-121: Five hundred feet of
i n1 -,411 f l %r in the aft-looking camera
50
e
d
of CR-5'. The aft-looking camera was selec ~
) is more compatible with SO-121
i
on
generat
than the forward-looking (3rd generation lens);
le
rather than into.:rtne...sun).-is: pref. a
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 ;Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71B00529R0002000400fl4-5
photographically. The theoretical
resolving power is approximately 1/4
of 3404 and has an aerial exposure
index of 12 (compared to 2.4 for 3404).
The greatest reduction in resolution
would be from various filters needed for
color correction. Eastman Kodak is
developing a method of color correction
and processing which would produce
approximately a 20% increase in resolving
power of S6-121. Operationally the
resolving power of SO-121 should be
approximately 60 lines/mm. Using Kodak's
new technique, resolutions of 70 to 80
lines/mm can be achieved.
Nos. 316/317 -.September 1968
it 318/319 - September 1968
737 738 July 1968
81: 820 August 1968
817 818 September.1968
D. Missions Completed During This Quarter,,
Mission No. 1104
Booster No. 515
Agena No. 1644
Payload No. CR-4
Instrument No.. ; 308/309
SI No. ~.' --
DISIC No.. S/N-7
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
Deliveries To A/P
1. Instrument Deliveries
 25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
Missions Planned For Next Quarter
Date 30 October :L968
Mission 1105
Payload CR-5
Meetings and Briefings
1106
CR-6
1. PET Meeting for Mission 1047 was held at NPIC?
Review of 50-380 analysis.
c. Planning for SO-121 on CR-5.',
d. Review of 50-180.
b. Status of bi-color.
4. Program Managers' Meeting was held at A/P on.,`
.on 23 and 24 July 1968.
Committee (Ad Hoc Committee) met on 13 September 1968
at NPIC. The following topics were discussed.at.the
on 10 and 11 September 1968.
3. CORONA Photographic Experiments Evaluation
2. PET Meeting for Mission 1104 was held at NPXC?,
meetings
6. August 1968. The following topics were discussed:
a. Preliminary 369-1971 flight schedule.,
b. Cam and filter delivery . s0hedules..for
Glass:filters.
Focus optimization.
Power supply distortion.
.6521-68
25X1
D. Missions Completed During This Quarter
DRCG No.
618
Flight Date
7 August 1968
Feet Payload Flown
31787
Feet Payload Recovered'
31787?
32000
27337
Recovery Dates 14, 22 August 1968 6:,`. 27 September 1905b-
future J-3 missions.
605
18 September 1968,
2 October 1968
11, December 1968
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 25X1 Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
Next 19 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 25X1.:
Approved Fc#r Release 2002/07/02 : CIAERDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
6521-68 25X1
TAB A, Section 1
OXCART
DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY AND PROGRESS
(1 July 1968 - 30 September 1968)
I. GENERAL
Due to'SCOPE COTTON Decision 20 (Phase-out OXCART
effective 30 June 1968), OXCART development actions have been
discontinued. Distribution and storage of OXCART assets is being
completed through project SCOPE COTTON.
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 TOP SECRET
Approved Fob
6521-68 .
II
TAB A, Section 2
OXCART
OPERATIONAL SUMMARY AND PROGRESS
1 July 1968 - 30 Sept.ember 1968
I. GENERAL
Due to SCOPE COTTON Decision 20 (Phase out OXCART
effective 30 June 1968), OXCART operations have been discontinued.
II. PILOT AND.A-12 AIRCRAFT LOCATIONS
(As of 30 September 1968)
Palmdale, California (storage)
A-12 Aircraft
*Includes one trainer (#124), two flight test (#121 and #122) and
five operational aircraft (#127, #128, #130, #131, #132)..
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 TOP SECRET
Approved Flor Release 2002/07/02 CIA RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
6521-68
B, Section 1
.rAB
IDEALIST
DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY AND PROGRESS
(1 July 1968 - 30 September 1968)
I. AIRFRAME
A. A U-ZR technical meeting was held at LAC, Burbank,
to review the status of significant problems' affecting the U-2R
progress as well as the status of the aircraft performance as
affected by excessive weight and drag and engine thrust
deficiencies. A detailed report (IDEA 0746-68) has been written
summarizing the significant results of this meeting.
B. U-2R FLIGHT TEST AND OPERATIONAL TRAINING
SUMMARY (THRU 30 SEPTEMBER 1968)
J. A. S
FLTS
1-051 14
2 - 052 17
3 - 053 22
4 - 054 27
5 - 055 19
6-056 8
7 - 0 57 15
8 -'058 16
9-059 6
TOTAL 144
TIME
J. A. S
TOTAL
FLTS
TOTAL
TIME
43.5
82
264.4
65.1
47
174.1
80.2
58
174.8
75.8
48
149.0
64.1
33
99.6
25X1
14.1 21 47.1
51. 3
55. 9
11: 0
1027. 2
TOP SECRET
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 Approved Forl
DP71 B 000200040004-5
6521-68.
B, Section 1
II. PROPULSION
Operation of a J75 engine on the East Hartford test stand has
resulted in the development of an apparent fix to the engine oil
pressure fluctuation problem. This involved the installation of a
specially designed orifice in the pressure regulation sense line
between the main oil pump and the boost pump. It was apparently
a pressure interaction between the two pumps which acted through
the sense line to cause the oil pressure fluctuations. Two of these
orifices have been utilized in installed engines on a trial basis.
More than 56 flight hours have been accumulated to date with no
report of oil pressure fluctuations.
Flight verification tests were conducted during this period
with A-1 and A-2 camera systems as well as with the H camera,
B-1 and B-2 cameras, DELTA III and T-35 tracker. The IRIS I
COMPASS ARROW, rotating optical bar camera, borrowed from
USAF assets has been flight demonstrated in the U-2R. An "H"
hatch was used to confirm compatibility requirements and design
characteristics for the IRIS II configuration scheduled for delivery
in December 1968. Camera production is on schedule. Flight
tests conducted under high humidity conditions at McCoy AFB,
Florida with a B-2 configuration yielded satisfactory results.
IV. LIFE SUPPORT
B. U-2R Life Support System
1. S-1010 PPA Fittings /Altitude Chamber
Indoctrinations - The following individuals were fitted and
given indoctrination:
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 Approved For R~
I
2. Parasail Evaluations
The S-1010 PPA/U-ZR Seat Kit were evaluated with
respect to their protective and safety features related
to parachute descent, water entry, parachute canopy
release and suit flotation durin arasail evaluations
conducted during 8-10 July
1968. Results were very sa is ac ory.
3. U-2R Air Conditioning
A meeting was held on 6 August 1968 to review and
discuss the U-2R air conditioning system deficiencies,
modifications and test data. The deficiencies have
apparently been resolved by the latest modifications,
no further problems are anticipated.
4. Underwater Escape Evaluations
An evaluation program was conducted at Miramar NAS,
San Diego, California, on 7-8 August 1968 to evaluate
and develop procedures for emergency egress from a
submerged U-ZR cockpit, to evaluate the 5-1010 PPA
and U-2R seat kit under submerged conditions, and to
evaluate the training value of such an exercise for pro-
ject pilots involved in U-ZR carrier operations. Specific
escape procedures were developed and U-2R life support
equipment proved to provide excellent protection under
such emergency conditions. A training program will be
established for all project pilots.
5. S-1010 PPA Refit and Evaluation Program
A series of problems regarding comfort and possible
safety of the S-1010 PPA were noted during July and
August 1968 by the Detachment G commander. A meeting
was held at Detachment G on 5 August 1968 to outline a
course of action to resolve such problems. A suit refitting.
effort was undertaken by Detachment G life support personnel,
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
TAB B, Section 1
 TOP SECRET
Approved For 116266 100-110710-1 - C1 T_
P71 B0050200040004-5
6521-68
TTB__ B, Section 1
followed by cockpit and/or inflight evaluations. These
efforts did not yield completely satisfactory results, and
additional efforts and evaluations were conducted during
the period 26-30 August 1968. All project pilots,
I mnow have completely safe
assemblies and the majority of comfort problems
have been resolved.
g. Developmental Efforts
The David Clark Company is presently working on
the development of several modifications/ changes to
the S-1010 PPA to improve comfort, reliability, safety
and ease of maintenance. Included are the following:
1. Incorporation of a full-size sunshade.
2. Improved helmet microphone mounting.
3. New antisuffocation valve which can ,be
manually closed.
4. Methods for reducing lateral torque of
neck ring subassembly. .
5. Insulation pads for suit vent system for
protection from frostbite due to aircraft
air conditioning modifications.
V. GENERAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
A. Drag Reduction Program
1. The wind tunnel program has demonstrated
clear gains in drag reduction and the necessity for an
appropriate analytical model to provide specific design
criteria for the diffusers to obtain further drag reductions.
Development of the analytical model is underway.
2. The DD/ S& T, D/NRO, Dr. Jones and Dr.
Allen of NASA, Ames, and LAC personnel were all
TOP SECRET
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 Approved For Release
CIA_RDP7iBOO 29R000200040004-5
6521-68
briefed on the drag reduction program. NASA will
schedule wind tunnel test time during the next quarter
to test a larger scale model at higher Reynolds numbers
and Mach numbers.
C. PROPULSION
1. High Altitude Engine Relight Program
A program has been initiated with Pratt & Whitney and Lock-
heed to develop a system for improving the altitude relight
envelope of the J75-P-13B engine in the U-2R aircraft through
use of oxygen injection. The program at Pratt & Whitney is
progressing well. All hardware is to be. delivered by early
October with engine endurance testing beginning two weeks
after delivery of hardware. A fuel control has been modified
by Hamilton Standard and bench tests began in September.
Some delay may occur in the scheduled date for delivery of
hardware to Lockheed due to an aircraft interference problem,
with some of the oxygen supply lines. The date of delivery
of hardware to Lockheed will be revised when the interference
problem has been resolved. The target' date for resolution of
this interference problem has been set for 1 October 1968.
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 Approved For Release 200
X2000200040004-5 25X1
6521-68 25X1
TAI3 B, Section 1
25X1
D. HAZE ATTENUATION STUDY
During September, four flight tests were conducted
at Albuquerque, New Mexico with S0l21, 50230, and 3400
films using various combinations of polarizing and haze
filters. Results of these tests will be analyzed by NPIC
to determine the value of the polarizing filter for opera-
tional use.
VI. MISCELLANEOUS
A. Methane Fuel Technology
A briefing by=_ I of R&D was 25X1
held with Mr. Joe Jones ssistant Secretary of the Air Force
for R&D) on 13 September 1968 on methane fuel technology for
airbreathing engines. The program which R&D had originally
proposed to NRO for FY-68 and FY-69 was reviewed with Mr.
Jones. This involved a four phase effort leading up to test
operation of a complete engine using methane fuel. Mr. Jones
indicated interest in NRO funding for a limited portion of this
effort. After a visit by PSD to P&W (FRDC) during October for
an updating of the overall P&W Methane effort, a briefing will
be assembled for presentation to NRO by OSA, outlining a
proposed program.
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 Approved For RO
1 B00529R000200040004-5
LJ6521-68 25X1
TAB B, Section 1
Late in the quarter, problems were encountered in
the U-2R development effort of the Constant Speed Drive
Alternator, the Alternating Current Generator and the.
At 25X1
the , ime o is report, these problem areas are being
evaluated, and will be corrected as rapidly as possible.
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 TOP SECRET
Approved For Release 20J2/07/02 - - R000200040004-5 25X1
6521-68 25X1
TAB B, Section 2
IDEALIST
OPERATIONAL SUMMARY AND STATUS
(1 July 1968 - 30 September 1968)
I. OVERFLIGHT SUMMARY
The IDEALIST/ TACKLE flights which were formerly placed
(See 303 Committee Minutes dated 21 March 1968) on a mission-by-
mission approval basis were suspended by Secretary of State in the
July 1968 econnaissance Forecast. As of 30 September 1968,
the IDEA IST TACKLE mission involving overflights of China continues
to be stood-down.
II. GENERAL
A deployment exercise to McCoy AFB, Florida was
conducted by Detachment "G" during the period 16 September
1968 through 27 September 1968. The purpose of the exercise
was to evaluate and validate the U-2R (test vehicle: Article 058)
while operating in an environment of high-humidity. Minor
problem areas associated with operations conducted in high-
humidity conditions were noted, and appropriate corrective
actions have been taken to eliminate the operating problems.
Overall results of the tests conducted by the U-2R during this
exercise are satisfactory and it can be concluded that the U-2R
is capable of satisfactory operations in a
high-humidity environment.
25X1
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5
 Approved For Release 20
6521-68
B, Section 2
III. U-2R DELIVERY STATUS (ALL DATES 1968)
DELIVERY
Aircraft 3
Aircraft 4
Aircraft 5
Aircraft 6
Aircraft 7
Aircraft 8
Aircraft 9
TOP SECRET
ROLLOUT
12 January
13 February
27 March
29 April
17 July
5 August
21 August
FIRST FLIGHT
17 February
29 March
8 May
18 May
29 July
20 August
9 September
IV PILOT AND AIRCRAFT STATUS (AS OF 30 SEPTEMBER 1968)
DETACHMENT "G" (EDWARDS AFB)
Pilots
Aircraft
DETACHMENT "H"
Aircraft
25X1
25X1
25X1
2 U-2G
6 U-2R
25X1
25X1
ACCEPTED
29 April
12 June
29 May
11 June
29 August
5 September
21 September
Approved For Release 2002/07/02 : CIA-RDP71 B00529R000200040004-5