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Dt::?,J,:"1:i1,,i::::NT Cf' Tl-:E A,R FORC'.:: 

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

Rt.PLY ro ATTN o~, AFRDS 

SUBJECT, System Comparison (U) 2 8 FEB 1963 

To, SAFRD (Dr. Flax) 

1. ( 0/S.4:!t) We have compared the costs, performance and schedules for 

Air Force Program 417 and the NASA/ESSA TIROS Operational Satellite (TOS) 

program, The information on which the review is based has been assembled 

from available NASA/ESSA program documents. We have not coordinated this 

letter -with NASA or ESSA. 

2, (S/UOPORH) The following assumptions are made: 

a, Development, maintenance and operation costs of similar systems are 

assumed comparable, 

b, Data quality is a function not only of the sensor, but the entire 

system including ground readout terminals and data· processing subsystems. 

c, Impact of encryption is equally severe for all systems. The 

current NASA position is that all R&D satellites will be shut off on 

direction rather than carry encryption devices. ESSA is not planning 

use of any encryption devices through 1973, 

d, Civilian and rn:i.litary needs for broad scale global weather data, 

analysis and prognosis are common, NOMSS -will meet milita!'y needs for this 

type of data except for frequency of observation, 

e. The TIBOS-M and Improved TOS (ITOS) satellitos through 1973 are 

designed for operation only at ascending node times of 0900 or 1500 hours. 

Any other operation time will require development of a new spacecraft at 

a cost of at least $18 million (TIROS-M spacecraft development cost) and 

about two years time. 

3, ( §l }311:R) Attachment 1 5.s the la test available SUll1Illary of the NASA/ESSA 

programs, Attachment 2 shows the latest launch schedule. Attachment J 

is ;1, draft of the recent DOD/NASA cost analysis in the meteorological 

::;atcllitc program area. Attachment 4. s1llllll1n.rizes rec::trring costs for the 

two programs and their performance is comDared in Attach.~ent 5, Paragraph 

12,l of Sect:i.on 12 in the Pro.gram 417 joint service plan su=a.rizes the 

of ;:. ri..i 7 7 tgry !D::::d~Borological sat~11.:: tfJ s:,vst2n:. 

~J.s:-;jfied Space .Projects 

.,lumhcr . --------- ----- Oisc!nscd t.; for!!I;;ri 1:aHans 

or t:,c~r 1 :.:;~:?.:.e~t:1fr1es,. 

'·~·-,;~ ~:--":•,:3 

D~:~~11grC4i8d, at 12 y;:::: ir;t,:;r,.:cr!$; 

.Not a-J.tcmaU~r.:d)·l c.l:·. :-~,-..... :"•-d. 1 

--.--·---1 

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, I i ,, i. ; 1,L. w i ,~ 1 

a. At present, ESSA plans only one Tlll.OS-M/IXOS spacecraft on-orbit 

through 1974 at a l500 ascending node time. 

b. The 800 NM altitude of the ITOS satellites generates a problem in 

transmitting tactical qualj.ty data ( .5 NM resolution) ,from the satellites to 

ground terminals. At present, it appears that the space-ground communications bandwidth required to handle the proposed ITOS~D 1/2 111 resolution 

data will exceed the state-of-the-art in the 1973 time period. 

c, Based on the recent DOD/NASA cost savings analysis of the meteorological satellite area it was reool.lllllended that the planned system of one 

civilian satellite (TIROS/ITOS) and three Progra.nt 417 (Block V) satellites 

be continued for the near term. 

d. A conf'lict ln priorities results if the ITOS satellite coverage 

capability is limited becau.ee of partial subsystein failures. The primary 

ITOS coverage priority is the Continental U.S. The. tactic.a.l military area 

of interest is overseas. Thus, an additional satallite 'W'OUld have to be 

la:unched for military coverage during crisis periods in the event of partial 

ITOS satellite failures. ESSA is presently not planning this kind of backup. 

e, NASA/ESSA plans for spacecraft power necessary for accom:rnodation of 

military needs are vague at present, 

4. (B;M) Our conclusion is that Program 417 can satisfy mi.litary meteor-· 

ological satellite requirements at about 1/3 to 1/2 the on-orbit costs of 

the ITOS system wilich is dedicated to national/international users. 

WALXER R. HEDRICK, JR. 

Brigadier General. USAF 

Director ot $pace 

~CS/Research aMd Development, 

2 

5 Atch 

1. Summary (U), 

2, Launch Schedule (U). 

3, Cost Analysis (S/SAR) 

4, Summary of Recurring Costs (S/SAR), 

5, Summary of Perfol'lllance ( S /SA:R) • 

~ -. .,_ '"""' 

' I 

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A ... ,OSPirnRIC MEASliRE:V!ENTS FROM SATE. rES 

"\\11en y-0u can measure what you are speaking ab<)llt 

and express It in numbers, you Jmow something about it; 

but whon you .cannot measure it, when y<1u cannot express 

it in numbcts, your knowledge is of a meager uh$allsfaclory kind.", Lord Kelvin 

Man's quest to undcrst:md, predict, and cope with his 

envfronrrwnt dcptinds on his ability to measutc it and to 

apply those measurements to models or hypotheses. 

Sinca m:,n's cnvil·onment is global and its changes arc 

effaot.,d by, a 1.;lobal distnbution of the individual pa,:,ametcrs, to understand and predict depends on a global 

observation. 

Man's ability to measure his environment has steadily 

increased in thepasttwo centuries with the use of barometers and anemoim~ters. It has advanced not only in 

quantity but also in type with ability to caicul11te atmosphertc constituents and tempera~ure profiles. 'It .has 

advanced by means of various tools or platforms such as 

balloons, buoys, and aircraft. The advent of the space 

age has eulumced man's ability to obtain the needed type 

and quantity of atmospheric measurements, Data obtained 

ATS 

by satelliics ci;rmplemcnt measurements from other platforms as a source of information to enable complete · 

global observation and to help unde,-stand and predict 

atmospheric phenomena. 

Atmospheri;a measl.lremcnts made by using satel1ltea 

as a platform have bor.m those of cloud imaging and radiation and the measurements which can bo inferred er 

ucduccd from these. Satellites us~d so far are the TIROS, 

Nimbus, a11d ATS (I~iguro 1). Tho current operational 

meteorological satellites (ESSA's), hascd on TIROS-typo 

spacecraft, a.re spin-stabilized platforms placed in a sunsynchronous near-polar orbit to provide comple~e g-lobal 

coverage o,f the ea;tth .and its atmosphere oncii each day. 

These sate!iites provide both global and local readou.t of 

the cloudcoYer and.some measure of reflected and emitted 

solar radiation. Ali improved operational system now 

under development will provide, in addition to global aild 

local readout of daytime earth's cloudcover by TV cam-, 

eras, observations of day aru:l nighttime cloudcover through 

the use of an infrared radiometer, T'nis will provide two 

observations in the day and one at night ove,- the complete 

earth, 

~~~~ .~···.-.f= 

. . ,---

TIRO$ WH£EL "' ,. )' 

,,' 

-1 

FIGURE 1. NASA METEOROLOGICAL SATELUTES 

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not c-n.ly f~How 

Al'il) 1-.:0:,tOGI-LANl FOR 

nu,, o.,,. \·i!ND SPE,.;L 

r-.cb!jon 1;c, ':'i.rru:·· e:Im:d::.. s:.~stcit.'.1 r,:.;rm.i.t.s to 

t.-:ick -,nr: o\:-r:'..·rve -,~he, st·ruch' r-r~ of rr :1:.c :~n::;c.;-,Jc phrmon: -t~La 

~·-l"t-~; U. Nevel O-:::-eo:-,o-;n..7v,1e 

FIGUf:E 3, P.aov;s10l:,AL SATELLlT.8 :CE 

Cl:JLRT, .JVN.:-~ 

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'\nd'.to i;;t11dy tile cHmntolo;;y of clot: st<)ms :m,:.! move- as feasible and as pra, .I as vis::al ;;cann:r,;; 1;:nir.;i the 

1nc:its;.,ot1 o. l{lobul ln1sis. T~-~~s k·:ids 1.0 t'.1c Ccv~·tlop:-ncnt C.:y. l!1 ~C.C~t:0n. t:°;csc aata can be :r.:e::-;,:-e::.cd to pr1:,~·IGe 

of l't.."lt.'l'(~:-i.c'l~ ntn,i?spht:r..:is for U3l! ia r.1:1.:1y fields :Ll"ld to rc-f1ecte0-surtaoo tcrnpcto.lurcs 1 cith(;r ~roar:d or cloud-

,._; u,•,,;,, r,,,t nnd i n;1 e,f tll<' cll<'l'i'.Y fliJx fr,,rn Je,w to high v,p. F11nl,<, r inf<: r(:nco or cor rc,l:tti<m with oth(, r measure~ 

IHt,ltvl(,:.,., rnent;; will penn.it dctcrr.ninatir,n of the cloud h-01;~t and, 

to some extent, oC the eloud lypc. a parameter thilt ill vital 

Snow cover and sea Ice can be readily idcntl!h.>d 111 in numc,rous application!! or cloud measurcmen::s. Toe 

s2td!itc photographs. Char:s of ice b0und:i.ries (Figure availability of surface t.cmperatu:-e in cloud-free areas 

:"..:.:.:: :.1.::r ... ~~i ... ;r.<:r r..~ :;J.::·.: ::. .: ·-: .• :~-5 ~:$ ~ :i.:. .: ;..-- .::~ :- L":.~ ~ J :J'. 

To~ .:unti:11.l.-ed pe.tfarmruice of ::h-2 sa.tcl:it'3 -and the study 

of t.1.e visual im:l{.:cs will provide the ha.sis for a ·better 

understanding of the atmo,;phcric processes on a global 

basis. 

t?:;:.:.:::! 4: .l]~,:--i~·s- =....li:·f" s.:.~ye-::!$ -~: ::-:~z::. :7.:.:--:~.:.:~ C"'~:1~·•nr: 

r:c;: c.:::iy ~J '..!. :~rn.~;,J.tt~ fit?Id bt:.t ~o :O :..1.e ci1r~c-:ibn o! 

movement. 

Several of the sensors to be flown on Nimbus B2 and D, 

a:; well as the vertical tcmr;craturc profile radiometer 

planned for a fu.ture improved operational spacecralt, will 

provide radiation measurements from which the vertical 

distribution of temperature can be inferred or computed 

on the oil.sis of correlations with other measurements. 

Some will also furnish data fo,r use in calculating the distribution of ot.'1et ahnospheric constituents such as wilter 

vapor and ozone. These :measurements, important in the 

synoptic methods of atmospherit: analysis, are vital to the 

dynamical or numerical weather-prediction program which 

'--· promises to provioe atmospheric circulation analyses and 

- forecasts for periods much longer than currently possible. 

{F;om: G, Wa,ne<:h, L. M. McMillen, ond L J. Allisoo, "Otean Current, ond S.o Swface Temper<1tures Observations from Meteo,olog.i.cal 

Satellites." NASA Technical Note (ta be published, 1969).) 

FIGURE 4. 

From a correctiVe .standpoint, satellite observations 

have shown that the average albedo of the earth and its 

atmosphere js some 5 percent below calculations based 

on extrapolations of land-based measurements. This 

diffcrcnco may be explained by the over-estimate of total 

cloudcover from la.nd".'based observations as opposed to 

the observations made from satellites orbiting outside the 

atmosph,ere and v~wing the total cloudcove.r, 

Incorporation of the APT system into weather-satellite 

systems'has provided the local user with a wealth of information in real time, Forecasting is less ~curate, the 

longer the time frDm the observ11tians and analyses used 

as its basis. A real-time picture of a eloud structure 

decreases the time ptiriod and increases forecasting 

2.ccuracy. 

The~e are only a few applications of data from the 

current operational system. U we now look to the application of the· systems flown on the research spacecraft, 

and the capahllities of tb.ose specifically planned, we need 

little imagination to recognize their potentials ii) Jill op'-

er.rtional syt,tern, The high-resolution infratiid radiometer flown on Nimbus and the radiometers planned for the 

improved operational systems make observation .at night 

The mere number of variations of sensors that can obtain 

these measurements is evidence of their importance: The 

IRIS (infrared interfororneter spectrometer) io a Michelson-type interfe1•ometer designed to measure the earlh1s 

spectral radiances In th(l 5- to 20-micron wavelength 

interval, with a spectral resolution equivalent to 5 reciprocal centimeters, These radiances will be used to 

determine the characteristics of ozone and water vapor 

and to infer the temperature strocture of the atmosphere. 

The SIRS {satellite infrared spectrometer) is a Fa.stieEbert grating spectrometer designed to measure earth's 

spectral radiances in the carbon dioxide absorption band 

for inferring the temperature structure of the atmosphere 

(Figure 5). The V'rPR (vertical temperature profih1 

ro.diomcter} contai,ns 8 filters (6 in the carbon diolddc 

band, 1 in the water vapor band, and 1 in the ,vindow). It 

is intended solely to infer temperature profiles. 

In addition to these sensors, there are the quasisatellite instruments like IRLS and OPLE which can collect and rapidly distribute in ,situ measurements from 

remote stations, buoys, ba~ons, etc. IRLS (the interrogation, recording and. location system) is designed to 

obtain near-real-time data generated by unmanned instrumented platforms in the atmosphere {balloons) /1.lld 011 

the earth's surface (buoys), Data from these platforms 

are automatically transmitted to orbiting spacecraft for 

subsequent readout at ground stations. The data c !l-n be 

used to locate tho station; and, if the station (such as a 

balloon) is moving with the wind, the wind can be calculated. OPLE is a system similar to IRLS with the major 

exception thut position is determined by the U.S. Navy's 

ground-based Omega navigational system. The OPLE 

(Omega position-location experiment) is compatible With 

geosynchronous satellites, whereas IRLS is compatible 

with polar-orhiting spacecraft. 

Recent exploration of the ATS-1 images of cloudcover 

(Figure 6) on an hourly basis has demonstrated the potential of defining winds in the ~OJ)ical areas J.nd tb.e 

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Orbit (Nomin:il) 

Prclaunch 

l-.imbus F 

ATS F 

ATSG 

In orbit 

Lnunch 

Date 

-

-

Inclination 

(degrees) 

-

-

]'.c'lt'VisicmJnfra!i"d Qb,;crvntior;nl §.atcllitn 

Metcorologicn1 Sonaor Remarks Altitude Complement 

(n.m.) 

- - - - - -

T'.ROS 

OT 

TOS 

ITOS 

ESSA 

ATS 

D/N 

S&LR 

B&\V 

- Qperational IIROS - (ESSA-funded spacecraft in TIROS program) 

- :[IROS Qpcrationnl ~ystcm (ESSA-funded operational program) 

- lmprov,~d Til{OS Operational System - (ESSA-funded operational program) 

- fnvironmcmtal .§.cionces SAtolliw - (THl.OS OT-lil & OT-3 - TOS & ITOS 110.tallit"a) 

- ~pplicauon I_echnology .§_atcllite 

Qay and !l_ight capability 

- .£.LO red and local .r_eadout capability 

- Black & :,yhitc 

ATMOSPHERIC SENSORS 

------------------------.,.-----·----------------------+ 

• RADIOMETRIC 

MRIR - .}_!edium .:fl:esolution .!!Ifrared .:fl:adiomotcr 

(5-degree field-of-view, 30-nm r.esolution) 

5-channel scanning instrument flown on 

TIROS & Nimbus with varying sensor spectral bands (microns), as follows: 

TIROS II & III 

6.0 - 6.5 

8 - 13 

0.2 - 6 

8 - 30 

0.6 - 0.75 

KimbusII 

6.7 

10 11 

14 16 

5-30 

0.2 - 4.0 

TIROS IV 

6.0 - 6.5 

8 12 

0.2 - 6.0 

0.55 - 0,75 

Nimbus B-2 

6.7 

10 - 11 

14 - 16 

20 23 

0.2 - 4.0 

Application: Cloudcover mapping 

Storm tracking 

Surface temp. 

Cloudtop heights 

i Radiation balance 

TIROS VU 

14.8 - 15.5 

8 - 12 

0.2 - 6.0 

8 - 30 

0.65 - 0.75 

Tropospheric water vapor 

Stratospheric temp. and circulation 

Wide-Angle Cone - A low (350 nm)-resolution unchopped radiometer to measure Jhe equivalent 

blackbody temperature and aloedo of the earth 

within its 50-degree field-of-view 

·rrnos n. III & IV 

Application: Radiation balance 

Omniclireotional A pair of hemispheric shells, one 

white and one black, to measure long- and shortwave radiation over the entire earth's disc 

TIROS III, IV & VII 

Application: Radiation balance (long-wave 

emission - albedo) 

FPR (!::lat _!?lo.ta _!!;adiometer) A variation o! the 

omnidirectional radiometer 

ESSA II, V, VII - TOS-G - TIROS-M - ITOS A,B,C 

Application: Same as omnidirectional 

HRIR - !!igb B_csolution lnfrarcd :fiadiometcr (scanning) - with spectral bands (microns) as follows: 

Nimbus I & II Nimbus B 

3.5 - ,.1 (5-nm res) 0.7 - 1.3 (D) (5-nm res) 

3.5 - 4.1 (N) (5-nm res) 

TIROS M & ITOS 

0.62 0.73 (VIS) (2-nm res) 

10.5 - 12.5 (IR) (4-nm res} 

Application: Cloudcover mapping 

Storm tracking 

Surface temp. 

Cloudtop height {absolute emission 

measurements, nighttime only) 

IRIS :. J_nfra]led Interferometer .§pcctrometer 

Nimbus B-2 5-20 micron, spectral resolution 

5 cm- 1 

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f N'ir:1·,,,1s D t5~~1 - i\O n1icro"', spcctro.l rcsolut.ion 

., 

SIRS _§atellitc .!_nfr.tlkd !ipcctromotor 

Nimbua B-2 - 8 ch::mncls (7 in C0 1 , 1 in 11-

micron wit:dow - spectral resolution 5 cm -l 

Nimbus D H channels (7 in CO 2, Gin rotntional 112O, 1 in 11-micron wincuw. c1pcctrnJ resolution 5 om - 1 

Applio:uion: Vt\l'tico.l tomp. pro!ilell (Nimbus 

B-2) 

Vertie~! profiles, temperature & 

Ill O (Nimbus D) 

THIR I_empero.ture !:!:umidity _!!1frared 

.!!_adiomctcr 

Nimbus D - 10.5 - 12.5 micron, 4-nm reiSolution 

6.5 - 7 .0 micron, 12-nm resolution 

Application: Cloudcover mapping 

Storm tracking 

Surface temp. 

Cloudtop heights 

Air mass discrimination - vertical 

motion 

Jct stream location 

FWS - Kilter :'?{edge _§:>ectrometer 

Nimbus D - 1.2 - 2.4 microns 

3 .. 2 - 6~4 microns 

Application: Determine liquid water or ice content o! clouds (1.2 - 2 .4) 

Vertic11.l temp. profile (4,3 CO 2 

bund) 

Vertical H2 0 profile (6,3 H~O band) 

MUSE Monitor of Qltraviolet §_olar J;norgy -

Measures solar radiation on 6-100 A 

wide spectr11.l intervals from 1200 A to 

2600 A 

Nimbus B-2 ti D 

Application: Energy input inlo the stratosphere 

BUV - Back.scatter Ultraviolet Spectrometer 

to measure i;:;-tcnslty of solar radiation 

reflected by atmosphere in l4 intervals, 

each 10 A wide over spectrum from 2600 

to 3400 A 

Simbus D 

Applicr.tion: Vertical distribution of ozone 

e PLANNED FOR I'l'OS 

VHRR - Y.ery [!.igh fu!solution Jy.diometer -

O ,5 nm resolution 

O .6 - 0 .7 microns vis:i::il c.'ia:mcl 

5:-;cc:~·~c or,c r~;,v::.;:d 3?.:lCccra.;"i no; 

assigned 

Appllcation: Cloudcovcr mapping 

Storm trncklng 

Surface tcmr,. 

Clou<.!tor, heights 

Albedo 

VTPR - Vertical Temperature Profile Rudiumcter 

:- 8 ehann-;;ls m the co:; band, lin tho 

H2 0 rotation bl!Ild, 1 in the 11-micron 

window. Fiold-0£-viow ia 2 degrees; 

linear resolution is 25 miles 

Application: Vertical temperature profiles 

Proposed - Very High-Resolution Radiometer 

for Synchronous Altitudes 

A scanning radiometer operating in the 10.5 to 

12,6-roicron spectral region containing an 8-inchapertura diameter casscgra..in telescope and a cooled 

(80°K) detector to provide subsatelllte ground resolution o! approximately 8 nm 

Application: Cloudcovcr mapping 

Storm development/tracking 

Surface temp. 

Cloudtop heights 

Upper level winds 

o CAMERA SYSTEMS 

1/2" VJ,l) - standard TIROS vidicon - 500-line 

W - Wide-angle lens - 104° (74° side to 

side) 

M - Medium-angle lens - 78° (56° side to 

side) 

N - Narrow-angle lens 12.7° (10° side 

to side) 

TIROS and ESSA I 

AVCS - Advanced Vidicon Camera System - I" 

:;;:dicon - 800 line ::-,45 - .65 microns. 

Nimbus I, II - ATS II ESSA Ill, V, VII -

TOS-G - TIROS-M - ITOS A, B, & C. 

APT - ~utomatic ~cture .I_ransmission - l" 

v1dicon - 800 line 0.45 0 .65 microns. 

to side) O .45 0 .65 microns provide 

readout only. 

TIROS VIll - Nimbus I, II - ESSA II, IV, 

VI, vrn - TOS-H - TIROS-M ITOS A,B, 

c. 

IDCS - Image _Qisseclor £am.era §y&tem - 0.45 -

0.65 microns. - 760 line 

ATS III - Nimbus B-2, D 

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cnm LOGY OF METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITi. 

,, Dcsii;naiion Orbit <Nominal) 

Launch Moteorolo~ical Sensor I I 

Remarks 

' Date Inclination Altitude Complement Prcl:mnch In orbit 

! (degrees) (n.m.) 

TIROS A-1 TIROS I A;:,r. 1, 1960 48 400 2-1/2" vid (lW+lN lens) First met. sat. 

TIROS A-2 Tmos II Nov. 23, 1960 48 400 2-1/2" vid (lW+IN Jons) First lR 

l MRIR 

1 wido-nnglo conrad. 

TIROS A-3 TIROSIII July 12, 19Gl 48 400 2-1/2" vid (2W lens} 

1 :::.i:nm 

1 wide-angle cone rad. 

1 omnidir. rad. 

TIROS D TIROS IV Feb. S, 1962 48 400 2-1/2" vid (1W+lM lens) 

l :MRIR 

l wide-angle cone rad. 

l omnidir. rad. 

TIROS E TIROS V June 19, 19G2 58 400 2-1/2" vid (lW+lM lens) 

TIROS F TIROS VJ Sept. 18, 1962 58 400 2-1/2" vid (lW+lM lens) 

TIROS G TIROS VII June 19, 1963 58 400 2-1/2" vid (2W lens) 

1 MRIR 

1 Omnidir. r::td. 

TIROS H TIROS vm Dec. 21, 1963 58 400 1 APT First APT 

1-1/2" vid (W lens} 

Nimbus A Nimbus I Aug. 28, 1964 Sun-sync 600 1-trimetrogon AVCS First HRIR 

l HRIR (S&.LR) 

1 APT 

TIROS I TIROS IX Jan. 22, 1965 Sun-sync 400/1600 2-1/2" vid {2W lens} First worldwide 

cov. first cartwheel mode 

TIROS (OT-1) TIROS X July 2. 1965 Sun-sync 400 2-1/2" vid (2W lens} Axial mode 

TIROS (OT-3) ESSA-I Feb. 3, 1966 Sun-sync 400 2-1/2" vid (W lens) First opnl. sys. 

TIROS (OT-2) ESSA-II Feb. 28, 1966 Sun-sync 750 2 APT First opnl. sys. 

Nimbus C Nimbus II May 15, 1966 Sun-syno 600 1-trimetrogon AVCS 

1 HJ:UR (S&LR) 

I l MRIR 

TOSA I ESSA III Oct. 2, 1966 Sun-sync 750 2 AVCS 

l :rPR 

ATS B ATS I Dec. 7, 1966 Geosync - 1 SSCCE (B&.W) First meteor. 

WEFAX geosyn sat.-

first WEFAX 

TOSB ESSA IV Jan. 26, 1967 Sun-aync 750 2 APT 

ATSA ATS II Apr. 6, 1967 - 1 AVCS 

I TOS C ESSA V Apr. 20, 1967 Sun-sync 750 2 AVCS 

1 FPR 

A1'6 C ATS ill Nov. 5, 1967 Geosync l SSCCE-color First co!or1 IDCS First data colWEFAX lection 

OPLE 

TOSD ESSA VI Nov. 10, 1967 Sun-syno 750 2 APT 

Nimbus B May 18, 1968 Launch vehi< le See Nimbus B-2 

failure 

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J L~Uli Mctcorolc., .~a.l Sensor Rcmarka 

Date Inclination Altitude Complement Prcl~unch In orl>it (degrees) (n.m.) 

ATS D I ATS IV Aug. 10, 1968 Lmmoh vehicle - 1 IOC 

failure 

TOS E ESSA VII f.c.g, 16, 19GB Sun-syno 750 2 AVCS 

l FPH 

TOS F ESSA VIII Dec. 15, l!l6S Sun-sync 750 2 APT 

PLANNED AS OF JANUARY 1969 

Nimbus B-2 May 1969 Sun-syno 600 1 IRIS 

1 SIRS 

1 HRIR (D/N) (S&LR) 

1 MRIR 

1 MUSE 

~ 1 mes 

l IRLS 

TOS-G t::ss~ 9 Feb. 1969 Sun-sync 750 2 AVCS 

1 FPR 

TOS-H On call Sun-sync 750 2 APT 

ATS E Aug. 1969 Geosync - 'l1ROS M May 1969 Sun-sync 775 2 AVCS 

2APT 

2 HRIR {S&LRl 

l SPM 

1 FPR 

Nimbus D Mar. 1970 Sun-sync 600 1 HUS 

1 sms 

1 FWS 

1 BUV 

l THIR 

1 SCR 

1 MUSE 

1 mes 

1 IRLS 

ITOSA Nov, 1969 Sun-sync 775 2 AVCS 

I 2 APT 

2 HRIR (S&LR) 

1 FPR 

1 SPM 

ITOS B On call Sun-sync 775 2 AVCS 

2 APT 

2 HRIR (S&LR} 

1 FPR 

1 SPM 

ITOS C On call Sun-sync 775 2 AVCS 

-- 2 APT 

2 HRIR {S&LR) 

' 1 FPR 

l SPM 

ITOSD On call Sun-sync 775 - ITOSE On call Sun-sync 776 - Nimbus E - - - i 

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SSCCE _§pin _§can Qloud Qovcr Experiment 

ATS-B - Black & White.- ATS I 

ATS-C - Turco Color - ATS III 

roe - llnagc Q!"lhicon Qamcra (Day/Night) 

also contains movable mirrors to select specific a1·c:1s. 800-TV-line 

horizo11tal resolution and 620-TV-line 

vertical resolution. 

ATS IV 

o PROPOSED 

High-Resolution Color Camera Experiment 

(for Synchronous Orbit) 

A two-camer:i system (5000 line each), one to 

image the entire earth with ground resolution of 1.8 

miles/TV line and one covering 2° with stepping 

capability and approximate resolution of 0.2 mile/TV 

line. 

High-Resolution Multi-Spectral Camera 

A 2-inch return-beam vidicon with resolution in 

excess of 4000 TV lines or 200-ft. ground resolution 

while viewing a 100 x 100-statute-mile area. 

i!> OTHER 

WEFAX - WEathcr FAG.simile - Tran1;mission o! 

wcathor data Ly satellite facsimile 

ATSI,III 

OPLE - Q_mega.r>9sitionl9cation !:i.'1Uipmcnt -

D:ita collection from remote scnsora 

IRLS 

8PM 

ATS III 

- J!!terrogatlon, 1:.ecording andJs,cation 

system 

Nimbus B-2 - Dat11. collection and 

Nimbus D 

ranging 

Data collection, ranging, 

and wind tracing 

Solar proton monitor - Measure flux 

"at" protons in the 10, 30 and 60-Mev 

range and electrons in the 100 and 750-

kev range 

TIROS-M, ITOS A, B, C 

SCADS - ~anning _g_elestial ~ttitude t!_etermination §ystem Attitude determination 

to better than 0,1 deg. accuracy in 

three axes 

Not scheduled 

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F.lguro 8" Proj ccted Schedule for Opc-rntionnl Sutclli tes end l'rinu1ry '.;ens ors 

(St.><1 Fcc1,1iu,\~(!D S,:r S'.:;heda/e l.,m,:-f.:.., ;rJS 1/J,'j-'ase,1 by 'J";.c/m;; {.f'jl t-71n,J1~:7 n,cl ,'rfbY.l;,~:"T17tnD) ~ 

~ 

Operntional 

Satellite and 

npproxim.utc life 

0----►-

Rcserve 

Satellite 

□---~ 

Prototype 

Satellite 

Period c~anncd by 

prinary scn!lors 

; 

. ' . ' 
\ 

Approved for Releas_e: ?020102/07 C05114971 

"'-c..·J ·"-~.,,,, l '- _; ,,_,= 1 .,..: 

I 

A. Se.telli te System Con bi nations to Meet Req_uirements: 

NOTE: One civilian satellite is imperative in view of international 

aspects~ Costs shown are in millions and reflect total on-orbit'costs 

includin~ all launch services. 

Seoc.rate Civil-M:i.li · 

l Civil Satellite 

4 Mil Satellites 

TOTAL 

All Civil 

4 Civil $38.4 

B. Devel o-pt1ent and Production Costs: ($ in millions) 

NAS.4. R&-D) 

Su:p:porting Research ?,, Technology 

TIROS/TOS Improve~ents 

NDIBUS 

ATS Ex"]?eriments 

Launch Vehicle (Mn,mus Only*) 

R&D TOTAL 

FY-69 

4.8 

5.8 

31.9 

l.3 

-1..:§_ 

$51.4 

Planned Mixture 

1 Civil 

3 Mil 

Estimated 

FY-70 

4.9 

5.2 

29.2 

.7 

6.8 

$!{-6 .8 

*ATS launch vehicle costs are charged to ~he ATS program. 

ESSA Production-Reimbursable) 

ITOS 

Launch Vehicle/Service 

P:ro d. TOT,~L 

NASA/ESSA. T@AL 

IOD 

Develop8ent (Block V) 

DEV. TOTAL 

F'I-69 

10,0 

2.2 

$12.2 

63.6 

10.6 

10.6 

Proclnctfon - Spacecraft (Block V) 0 

Launch Vehicles/Service 3.2 

(1.7+1.5) --

PROD. TOT.6.L 

OOD TOTAL 

3.2 

13.8 

Approved for Release: 2020/02/07 C05114971 

FY-70 

6.o 

4.2 

$10.2 

57.0 

9.5 

9.5 

4.5 

_B 

7.7 

17.2 

Attch:£(2 
SUBJECT: Analysis o:r Possible Near-Term Cost Savings in the Ii.4.SA/OOD 

Meteorological Satellite Prog:rar.1 Area (tJ) 

TO: Romer E. J'ie,;all 

Associate Adrainistrator 

N.i.tionaJ. Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Introduction: 

Dr. John s •. Foster, Jr. 

Director of Defense Research 

and Engineer1ng 

(U) Based on the Te:rms' of Reference drafted 23 July 1968, a small 

group of N..l\.S..!'l./DOD personnel met during the period of 25 July to 14 Au.gust 

1968 to review p~ot7am alternatives and deter.:.iine arry ~ossible near-term 

cost savings. ].fr. David Johnson o:f ESSA was invited to meet with· the 

g:i:·ou:p on 25 JuJ.y .in the ca-pa.city of an expert te!chnical advisor. 

(U) ~.ilite.rsJ operational re~uirements, inclufilng current anQ planned 

ways of meeting thec., as well as R&D responsibilities and. efforts were 

reviewed and discussed. The discussion which follows, is based on this 

review end on those inputs provided by Mr. Johi:J,son oil 25 July. 

Discussion: 

( :-,{&!u";!) In the discussion of the kindB of observations needed from 

the operational system, the military req_uirements considered ·were those 

contained in Attach:nent 1. Civilian requirements were stated by ~Ir. Johnson 

to be essentie.J.ly the same as the military al.though no fo:rmalized pa~etric 

requrements listing was obtainable :f:rom ESSA. Civilian observation frequency 

req'Uii'ements -were not considered to be as strine;ent as those of' the military. 

Further, the civili~.:n need is for global stored w.ta as well as global, 

:rcl3.;ltime direct readout of' APT (Auto1;1e.tic Picture 'I'ranscission) type data. 

~e mil.ita.:r.·y also requires these tY.i;ies of data but with special e!r!phasis 

on global coverage with timely direct, or stored readou,t data in eyec.ified 

Special Access Re(J.uired 

Cl~s~lfl:;d ·sr:ace Project 

Approved for Release: 2020/02/07 C05114971 
areas of military interest. Moreover, in view of the state-of-the-art 

expected _in the l968-1971 period, the discussion w~ limited to operational 

meteorological sate~lite capabilities having visual and infrared sensors 

to deterrJ.i.ne cloud distribution and tops. Various satellite system. 

combinations (military, civilian, or mixed) were considered which would 

theoretically J;J.eet these requirements. As shown in Attachment 2, a system 

consisting of one civilian and f'our military satellites would cost a.bout 

$21 million annually·, A system composed of tour ciVilian satellites 

voul<i cost about $38 million annually, e..nd the currently pJ.an..Y1ed system 

which is composed of one civilian and three military eutellites, woii.ld 

cost about $18 cillion annually. The discussions clearly indicated that 

although r1LITn.erous alternatives appear to be possible for the lone; range, 

there appears to be no area of overlap which could be eliminated, 

curtailed or combined to effect cost savings over the next few yea.rs. 

The group concluded that so tar as the near..:term is concerned, the presently 

planned cooperative system coraposed of one civilian and three military 

satellites is the best solution. 

( S/OP.H) The problemB associated with the adoption of a di:fferent 

civilian/military system concept were considered to be enormous due to 

the nature of' the progra.ils involved, inter:ua.tional commitments, and other 

operational problems, such as a.vailabili ty of de.ta aild security requirements. 

For example, in accordance 'With a 1963 bilateral agreement between the 

United States and the USSR, data fro~ the meteorological satellites of' 

both countries a.re exchanged over a direct link between Washington end 

Moscow. Under the U.S. :policy ror :peace:i:'Ul use of space, data :f'roll). U.S. 

2 

Approved for Release: 2020/02/07 C05114971 
Approved for Release: 2020/02/07 C05114971 - " -. """' _;s, ::.,:;.,. _::: ..... ..;;:::, ;i ~.';;;;:;, _,;:-::_1 - .... ► 

satellites is freely a;v2.il~.bJ_e to the World Metcorologictl Co!.IJ.lnunity 

throtJ.8h the World Meteorological Ceuter. The Autooatic Picture Transmission 

(APT) system on the TI.ROS Operational Satellite (TOS) program has been 

publicly announced in the _United Nations with all m.e~bers invited to 

pcrticipate in the program. Meteorologists in over 50 countries hmre 

begun to place major emphasis on dependable routine receipt of the APT 

pictures for operational forecasting. Thus} the _I\PT-e~uipped satellites 

have become an integral pa.rt of the World Weather Watch, an international 

meteo::-olo3ical observation system, now under develop:uent. During 1967, 

the National Environmental S':'telli te Center (IIBX) provided trainine; end 

stud;y facilities for the World Meteorological Organization, FIATO and AID 

Fellows from Argentina, Australia, Belglum, Hungary, India, Israel and 

Polc:md fo:r: periods ranging from one week to six months, Scientists from 

1112.ny other countries also visited NES:::: :f'or shorter :periods durin3 -which 

they were briefed on satellite activities. The operation of a classified 

military system as an integral part of the na:tional civilia.ri system in 

such an environment would be t:1.ost dif:ficul t, would probably still require 

separate facilities, and even under the best circumste.nces, would 

severely coeylicate U.S. international relations. 

(s/st':J:tj- In the area of research and develo11ment, it was determined 

ths.t NASA. currently conducts experimental projects and fundamental research 

for both :progra,:is a-t an .annual cost of a.bout $47 r:lillion. The results of' 

these efforts are used by N'ASA end L'OD in the developmert of the individual 

operational systems. 

about $10 million. 

3 

I.OD developments are planned at an annual rate of 

No areas of overlap in the development of :flight ha:rd•,;are, 

---~~ ,'."- '. ~ ~ !r•-;.e ~""':u " R 

~::}1 ~ .. \::::::4-'~. j z~ ~ - !± 

Approved for Release: 2020/02/07 C05114971 
~pp;~~;d for.Reiease: 2020/02/07 C05114971 

;,;,,,.~ J.u.::-:- ... ,: 't-""-.:;:,·.~" il ·~ ~~-.'.::~] ~ 

l."hich is conducted by both agencies -were uncovered .and continued rec:Lproca.l }\ 

visibility into both development progra.~s, was considered vital. 

Recommende.tions: 

Be.sed on the above revie'l'i, we recomm.end that: 

1, (S}ft!J\) The current military and civilian system mix be 

con'tinued for the nea:r-·time. , Future planning, as in the p8.st, should 

consider the cost e:t'fectiveness of other system couibinati ons as well as 

the Vc:!.lida.tion of the stated ciVilian a..?J.d military requirements. 

2. · ( s/stm) The )?resent R&D programs be continued. 

3. (U) Military and civilian programs receive continuing review 

for the purpose of' eliminating a.cy overlappine and. dl.Iplicatory effort and 

presentine effective solutions in the Rm&E efforts of both agencies. 

4. (U) No i'urther study :i,r.i.th regard to nee.r-'term. cost savings· 

be ma.de at this time. 

4 

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r( Ii I .. J.~ 'P'\trn~•• 

Approved for Release: 2020/02/07 C05114971 

""-U41t' 

RECURRING COSTS 

{lncluding Spacecraft, Boosters and Launch Services) 

Prog ROS-M/ TOS 

CY 1968 Block IV $2.5 M TOS(APT) 

TOS(AVCS) 

1969 BJ.oak V tJ.o M ea. Vi TIROS-M. , TO$ f.: 

1970 $3.5 M 7" ITOS ~-,'B 

1971 $3.5 M "1/ ITOS C 

1972 $3.5 M 1-Z.. ITOS D;~ 

1973 $4:8 M .r:r!"S~~t' 

7/NOMSS COST RATIO 

CY 1968 

1969 

1970 

19?1 

1972 

1973 

Stied!'1.1 Access Reo.ui;ed 

U,1z31fiod Space ProJectfl 

Number· ______ _ 

1/2.5 

1/3 

1/2.5 

1/2.5 

1/2.5 

1/1.9 

Approved for Release: 2020/02/07 C05114971 

$6.2 M 

$6.2 M 

$9 M ..:.':,.,'\. 

$9 M -e]i, 

$9 M 

$9 M~· 

$9 M 

Atoh 4 
Approved for Release: 2020/02/07 C05114971 

t\)!~K,t ~L ,j ~ 

CY 

1970 Block ITOS 

- 71 

if directed. 

Block V ITOS D 

Approved for Release: 2020/02/07 C05114971 

Satellite 

Same as TIROS-M. 

Satellite 

Same as above 

Same as ITOS D. 

Atch 5