PROGRESS OF RECOVERABLE SATELLITE STUDY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP89B00708R000500140014-5
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 22, 2009
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: September 10, 1957
• Content Type: MEMO

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SUBJECT:,, PROGRESS OF RECOVERABLE SATELLITE STUDY
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COPIES TO: S. M. Greenfield, R. W. Buchheim, J. H. Huntiicker, H. A.
Approved For Release 2009/10/22 : CIA-RDP89B00708R000500140014-5 ;"
Lieske, C. Gazley, E. C. Heffern, F. T. Smith, E. J. Barlow
W. B. Graham, R. H. Prick
The current recoverable satellite study is :still in the formative
stages. However, as a result of discussions about a new operational and
design philosophy with people at RAND and BMD, certain requirements for
the study have become clear:
1)- Since the Lockheed satellite is in-the Air Force R and D
program, its overall and component performance should be
regarded as the standard case in this study.
2) A point which must receive careful consideration is the
'suggested relationship between a recoverable satellite
program and this existing program.
In performing the necessary comparisons and describing possible;
courses of action, three reconnaissance systems will have to be ti ated:
A). The Lockheed visual recce system.
B) The Lockheed satellite modified to contain a new payload,
consisting of a'camera and film recovery technique.
C). An entirely new satellite stage.
Possible conclusions of the RAND study might-be a recommendation tlo
cancel A and initiate B or C, or continue A and add B to the program
as a backup. It is assumed that budgetary constraints would not permit
the development of both A and C.
Two criteria are suggested for the comparison of these systema. First
is the quality and quantity of the pictures given to the interpreters.
Second is the complexity of the development problems. The first criterion
is fairly well understood, and methods exist for computing the pho'to'graphic
performance and simulating pictures. The second criterion is poorly~under-
stood and techniques for performing the necessary comparison are. vague.
Reliability, development 'time, and cost must be discussed in terms, of
system complexity.
Finally, the reconnaissance task must be defined and the relative
military suitability of each configuration established.
M L M 0 R A? N D U M "w cnenged to
AUTHQ,;; TY
M. E. Davies
AFFECTWG THE NATIONAL OEFENb UP THE UNITED
? ~~ STATES WITHIN THE MEANINC OF THE ESPIONAGE
789 AND 794.
U4 LAWS. TITLE 18 U.S.C.. SECTIONS
Downgrn.~. d RI 3 year i ~f? THE TRANSMISSION OR REVELATION Of WHICH IN
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