MINUTES OF COMMITTEE ON IMAGERY REQUIREMENTS AND EXPLOITATION MEETING M-109, 15 OCT 1970

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79B01709A000900070003-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 21
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 26, 2002
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: October 15, 1970
• Content Type: MIN

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COMIREX-M-109
15 October 1970
COMMITTEE ON IMAGERY REQUIREMENTS AND EXPLOITATION
NRO & DIA REVIEWS COMPLETED COMIREX-M-109
15 October 1970
Following is the index of the Minutes of the 15 October 1970
COMIREX meeting:
Section I (Briefings)
None
Section II (Approval of Minutes)
Page 4 COMIREX-M-105, M-106, and M-107
Section III (Operations)
Page
4
Satellite Schedule
Page
5
Report on Aircraft and Drone Activities
Page
6
Consideration of Draft Report f
of Imagery Satellite Schedule a
or U
nd Co
SIB
ver
--Review
age Prospects
FY 71 and Beyond (COMIREX-D
COMIREX-D-14, 6/3B)
-14.
6/3
A and
Page
10
Draft Program for Planning Ex
(COMIREX-31. 5/5B)
ploita
tio
n FY 1973-1977
Section IV (Action Items)
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Section V (Other Business)
Page 13
Page 13
Section VI (Subcommittee and Working Group Reports)
None
Secretary's Note
Page 14
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DIA Request for Use of Sanitized KH-4 Imagery
in Support of CINCPAC OPLANS 27 and 42
(COMIREX-D-2. 6 /6)
Tabs
A Satellite Operations Schedule
B Report on Aircraft and Drone Activities
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COMMITTEE ON IMAGERY REQUIREMENTS AND EXPLOITATION
CIA:
N
av
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:
Cdr. H. W.
Gam
ber
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State:
Mr.
L. A.
Moyer,
Jr.
A
ir
F
orce:
Col. J. C. W
ayn
e
DIA:
N
SA
:
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Army:
Mr.
J. C.
St-. Cyr
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Office of the Chairman:
Executive Secretary
CONSULTANTS PRESENT
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NR O:
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Security:
SUBCOMMITTEE AND WORKING GROUP REPRESENTATION
or KI-erlease 2001 102/ RA-T DP79B017094000900070003-4
C OMIREX-M-109
Auditorium,
15 October ITtO
1000.1330
MEMBERS AND STAFF PRESENT
ICRS:
EXRAND:
ALTERNATES AND OBSERVERS PRESENT
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DIA:
Air Force:
Col. S. Meahl, Jr.
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*For part of meeting.
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Section I (Briefings)
Section II (Approval of Minutes)
COMIREX-M-105, M-106, and M-107
1. COMIREX-M-105 and COMIREX-M-106
covering the regular meetings of 3 and 17 September 1970
were approved. Since COMIREX-M-107 had not been
available for review prior to this meeting, it was agreed
that approval would be implied if no comments were called
in to the Executive Secretary, by c. o. b. Wednesday,
21 October.
Section III (Operations)
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Satellite Schedule
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1. istributed copies of the satellite
operations schedule as of 15 October 1970. A copy is attached
at Tab A.
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Report on Aircraft and Drone Activities
COMIREX-M-l09 25X1
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I/T; T-KH) 25X1A
3. Reports presented on aircraft and drone activities
in the Far East, the Middle East cease-fire zone, and Cuba,
and on coverage of special targets in the Far East are summarized
in Tab B.
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/3A and COMIREX-D- 14. 6/ 3B) G
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Consideration of Draft Report for USIB--Review of Imagery
Satellite Schedule and Coverage Prospects FY 71 and Beyond
(COMIREX
D
14
6
effect coordination today on the portions of subject report
distributed at last week's special meeting (COMIREX-D-14. 6/3A),
He noted that additional materials, including a draft cover
memorandum and certain revised sections of the study reflecting
data provided by the NRO last week on flexibility factors and
supplemental platforms (COMIREX-D-14. 6/3B), had been dis-
tributed just prior to the opening of today's meeting. No attempt
would be made to coordinate these at this session. He would,
however, solicit general views on the points discussed in the
covering memorandum.
Section IV (Action Items)
2. The Chairman felt it would not be productive to'
attempt a line-by-line review of the basic study for editorial
changes. He asked members, however, to identify any inaccuracies,
disagreements in emphasis, qualifications that should be made, or
areas that require clarification as the major sections were reviewed.
There were still portions of the study incomplete, such as the need
for additional discussion of an interim capability for imagery
satellite coverage during crisis situations.
presented in the study. He did not feel, however, that the NRO
could formally concur in the selection of options or the conclusions
reached, since these were matters of COMIREX discretion for this
study. Stressing that neither USIB nor COMIREX ever expected
that the NRO would be held responsible for conclusions reached
in the study, the Chairman said there was a definite requirement
for the NRO to either validate the background data included or
indicate appropriate revisions in order that USIB members might
have a correct understanding of the factors affecting flexibility
and what options may be feasible. I noted the options
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presently covered in the paper would not necessarily represent
all of the alternatives potentially available. Hypothetically, a
wide range of option combinations and trade-offs exist. They
can only be firmly delimited and precisely identified in terms
of a specific requirement. The NRO had, therefore, provided
information only on the particular range of options requested.
The Chairman observed he has operated on the assumption that
the NRO Consultant and the NRO Staff, in looking at problems
COMIREX is addressing, would use judgment and initiative to
provide any information that is clearly relevant whether or not
specifically asked for. I replied that, since the
COMIREX study is designed as a general survey, the NRO has
furnished information on options or alternatives that are currently
available "on the shelf". Once a specific problem is firmly defined,
it might be possible to submit specifications to a number of con-
tractors who would then be able to develop additional alternatives.
4. With regard to the draft cover memorandum, the
Chairman emphasized it must be made clear that the basic question
is not one of cost and benefits of an interim system as opposed to a
near-real-time system, but rather whether there are any additional
interim measures that can be developed to provide some crisis
coverage insurance until the introduction of a near-real-time
system. Another point to be included is a statement indicating
the direction of the NRO's system development efforts with respect
to search, surveillance, and timeliness has been fully responsive
to USIB requirements. Further, it must be made clear that USIB
has not expressed a requirement for the kind of interim crisis
capability that is being addressed in this paper. USIB did con-
sider the crisis response problem in July 1969 and at that time
established the requirement for development of a near-real-time
system. The Board did not then, however, nor has it since,
formally levied a requirement for any limited capability interim
system.
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5. It was also necessary to recognize that there
exists in the short term certain unique problems with regard to
imagery satellite crisis coverage about which little could be
done at this time. In the period beyond the next 18 to 24 months,
however, until the availability of near-real-time in 1975, there
are gaps which conceivably could be filled by a system or
agreed the paper must recognize this problem but should not attempt
to advocate procurement of any particular system. It was agreed
that sufficient information and guidance are not yet available to
address a specific interim requirement.
to evaluate what combination of system characteristics, availability
time, and cost might satisfy an interim requirement. Mr. Moyer
6. The DIA representative commented on the importance
of insuring that findings in the cover memorandum correlate with
the facts presented in the basic study. In this regard,
observed that the tables and text of the study will also be closely
checked to assure consistency and accuracy in the final version.
A major problem still to be worked out with the NRO, however, is
that of developing a realistic and practical presentation of future
launch schedules.
7. Colonel Wayne raised the point that the Committee's
report must be responsive to both aspects of concern to Dr. Cline,
and address not only crisis coverage but also fulfillment of the
search requirement. The Chairman noted that the paper attempted
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15 October 1970
to do this. As to adequacy of search, for example, the
Members' comments on various aspects of the
draft included suggestions for added information, acknowledge-
ment of the expectation that any system will have a failure from
time to time, a nation of the methocblogy for accounting
accomplishmen It was also agreed that,
insofar as possi e, r snouiLa ct the best practical
estimate of dates for system launches. The Chairman
said these dates woul e e d open until final typing and, if
necessary, would be prefixed by an appropriate qualifying phrase
to reflect the fluid situation existing.
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9. The~e was agreement to include a statement on the NRO
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a
I I referred to the NR preference for winter or summer
missions bas
d
the requirement or continuity o
coverage an t e opportunity to have a satellite on orbit at regular
intervals remain overriding considerations.
10. With regard to defining nominalr best., and worst-
cases for comparative purposes, I ioted these must of
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necessity be based on some arbitrary assumptions. He asked
the NRO to review the comparative situations discussed in the
draft to insure they were realistic and represented a fair
presentation of the outlook.
11. In closing, noted that in view of the
pressing need to have the final report forwarded to USIB as soon
as possible, it would be difficult to circulate another complete
draft of the basic study for detailed coordination. He invited
continuing participation by the members in the drafting and
review process going on in his office. They should forward
or telephone any comments or inputs as soon 'as available
and were invited to visit his office at any time to review any
portion of the draft. He asked that members, after they have
had an opportunity to review the sections of the study distributed
today, notify if they felt a meeting on them would
be necessary. In any case, a special meeting would be scheduled
early next week for detailed review and coordination of the covering
memorandum. The series of tables being prepared as an annex to
the basic study probably will not be sent out for coordination since
they are factual and intended solely for background reference.
Draft Program for Planning Exploitation FY 1973-1977
(COMIREX-D-31.5 /5B) (T-KH)
12. The Executive Secretary noted that the format and
content of the initial draft for the Program for Planning Exploitation
FY 1973-1977 are similar to those employed in previous years.
Members are asked to study the draft and consider the extentto
which it is responsive to the charge placed on COMIREX under
the National Tasking Plan.
commented on the usefulness
document, which, at the T-KH level, indicates
number of launches expected during eacn_-TTsc7T"ar.
I cautioned that the mission projections are
estimates for use in long-range planning for exploitation and
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should not be considered as actual launch schedules. Other
data will be provided separately for short-term (FY 72)
planning purposes.
14. noted that the0infor-
mation included in the draft had been rovided by the NRO and
-1101-rizerl for use at the T-KH level.
NRO
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He also pointed out that a text or Section III
-(Basic xp of anon Program) of the draft was not yet available
since work on the basic program was still under way in EXSUBCOM.
15. The CIA Member queried as to the proposed timing
for action on the paper. I explained there are two categories
of potential customers for the information. One, the working
managers in the exploitation community, will already have advance
access to the compiled data as a result of the draft distribution.
The other is USIB itself. The NTP charge is that COMIREX will
forward to USIB for approval by 1 October of each year ". . . a
'Program for Planning the Exploitation of Reconnaissance Imagery'
for five fiscal years in the future.... " Although the Committee
early this year coordinated a document on this subject covering
FY 1971-75 (COMIREX-D-31. 5/4), it was not felt to have met the
requirement expressed in the National Tasking Plan and was not
forwarded to the Board. Cumulative statistical data was not avail-
able at that time to permit development of a meaningful five-year
projection. (See COMIREX-M-86, pages 10 and 11. )
16. Members were asked to review the draft and
attached extracts from the NTP. Further discussion on this item
would be scheduled for a subsequent meeting.
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Section VI (Subcommittee and Working Group Reports)
Secretary's Note
DIA Request for Use of Sanitized KH-4 Imagery in Support of
CINCPAC OPLANS 27 and 42 (COMIREX-D-2.6/6) (T-KH)
.1. Telephonic concurrence in the SDWG recommendation
to approve DIA's request for use of sanitized KH-4 imagery in
support of CINCPAC OPLANS 27 and 42 was received from all
COMIREX members. DIA was notified by the Chairman, SDWG,
of COMIREX approval of this request on 12 October.
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Executive Secretary
Committee on Imagery Requirements and Exploitation
Attachments
Tabs A and B
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Report on Aircraft and Drone Activities
(1-14 October 1970)
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DATE MSN NO. AREAS/TARGETS
2 Oct Q661/761 Haiphong Port/NVB
6 Oct Q633A/764 Ben Thuy TSP/Quang Khe TSP
SAM Sites
7 Oct Q646/766 Haiphong Port/Cam Pha Port
Kien An Afld
9 Oct Q662/767
10 Oct Q655/768
12 Oct Q654/769
12 Oct Q663/770
14 Oct Q588/771
Cam Pha Port
Hon Gai Port/Kep Afld
Haiphong NVB
Cat Bi Afld/Kien An Afld
Rte 15/101/103
Vinh Afld SAM Sites
Bai Thuong Afld/Ben
Hon Nieu Anchorage
Thuy TSP
SUCCESSFUL - 7
LOST - 1
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RESULTS
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COMIREX-M- 109
15 October 1970
Tab B
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Tab B
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Date Mission
A
reas/Targets
Results
3 Oct GA205C
La
os
50%
4 Oct GA206A
La
os
85%
5 Oct GA207
La
os
87%
14 Oct GA208D
La
os
UNK.
GIANT SCALE
Date Mission Areas/Targets Results
3 Oct S293 N. Vietnam/Laos 50%
7. Oct S295 N. Vietnam/Laos 70%
IDEALIST /TACKLE
There were no IDEALIST/TACKLE missions during the period.
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Tab B
Coverage of Special Targets in South China and North Vietnam
a. Surveillance Coverage of Lines of
Communication (LOC) Targets to Detect the Introduction
of Chinese Forces into North Vietnam (see COMOR-D-25/207,
4 March 1966)
For Re a.se 2003102127S-;WF DP79B01709ABG0900070003-4
During the period 1- 14 October, surveillance
coverage was reported on seven of the 320 LOC targets
in South China and North Vietnam. The targets covered,
all in North Vietnam, are listed below:
TARGET
DONG HOI AIRFIELD
CAM PHA PORT FACILITIES
HA.I YEN COASTAL TRNSHP PT
MOST RECENT COVERAGE
QUANG KHE TRNSP PT SONG GIANG
HA NOI ARMY BKS W MAI DICH
HA DONG ARMY BKS A VEH MAINTENANCE
LAO CAI RR CLF YD
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Tab B
b. Coverage of North Vietnam to Detect
Possible Introduction or Deployment of Offensive
Missile Systems (see COMOR-D-25/200, 23 May 1967,
and COMIREX-D-25.3/2, 20 November 1967)
See grid maps on pages B-6 and B-7 for
coverage of North Vietnam to detect possible
introduction or deployment of offensive missile
systems for the time periods listed below;
Period of Coverage
24 Sep 30 Sep
1 Oct - 7 Oct
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Number of Missions on Which
Information Not Yet Available
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DATE
MSN NO.
RESU
LTS
3 Oct
G138
86
%
6 Oct
G139
85
%
9 Oct
G140
85
%
11 Oct
G141
80
%
12 Oct
G142
92
%
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ber 1970
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High Resolution Coverage of North Vietnam
(80% or more cloud-free) Dale of Report: 7 October 1970
CHINA
CHINA
Weekly
Every three weeks
Area Coverage Requirements Area Actually Covered
Missions: Giant Scale: 287, 17 Sept.
291, 23 Sept.
LAOS
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24-30 Sept.
10-30 Sept.
Priority Targets
o Railroad yard
^ Port
tKep
DEMILITARIZED
ZONE
VIETNAM
0753, 25 Sept.
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High Resolution Coverage of North Vietnam
(80% or more cloud-free) Date of Report: 14 October 1970
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CHINA
Area Coverage Requirements
Weekly
Every three weeks
Area Actually Covered
1.7Oct.
17 Sept. -7Oct. ^
Priority Targets
o Railroad yard
^ Port
Missions: Giant Scale: 297, 17 Sept.; 291, 23 Sept.;
293, 3 Oct.; 295, 7 Oct.
Q761, 2 Oct.
LAOS
CHINA
GULF
OF
IONKIN
EMI JITARIZED
L ZONE
SOUTH a
VIETNAM
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