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INTRODUCTI ON 

SECTION I 

SECTION I I 

GAMBIT 

• •• l!!!II e __ ..... ii'lEXAGON .t .. , _ BIF-OOBB- GH- 09)36-1-80-

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

FA CIL ITIES 

Describes the physical location and size of 

the Primary NRP Processing Center and identifies work areas within the complex. 

- MISSION PREPARATION 

Discusses tasks that are accomplished to establish readiness prior to mission 

arrival. 

Page 4 Page 6 

Page 13 

SECTION III - MISSION PRODUCTION Page 20 SECTION IV 

SECTION V 

Describes in chronological order the typical 

workflow of a satellite mission payload 

through processing and reproduction. 

- PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES 

Describes production performance capability 

in terms of quantities of product delivered, timelines, etc. 

- MAJOR ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT 

Provides a brief description of major items of ground handling equipment used in the processing center. 

Pa ge 54 

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PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES 

GAMBIT 

fir lIun 

INTRODUCTION 

EKC - BRIDGEHEAD 

BIF-008B-GH- 09136-1- 80_ 

Develop and operate the primary NRP Film Processing and Reproduction 

Center for Photo-optical Systems . 

Equip, install and assist-operate other NRP Film Processing and 

Reproduction Facilities. Provide technical and logistic photographic support to all NRP 

program elements. 

Conduct a R&D program, under a CCB, to: 

- Improve the practices, techniques, processes and 

equipments concerned with exposure analysis and 

prediction; and the processing, reproduction, 

evaluation and analysis of photographic imagery. 

- Address the data processing and mass data storage needs of the NRP. 

Establish and maintain NRP sensitometric reference standards. 

PROGRAM OPERATION 

Under the administrative, contractual and security aegis of CIA. Under the budgetary and operational control of DNRO. 

Performs the following photographic mission-related tasks: 

- Receives and downloads all space mission film recovery 

hardware. 

Chemically processes all mission original B&W and 

Color photographic acquisition films. 

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'8P 8URET BIF-008B-GH- 09 136-1- 80-

Coordinates the development of: 

- Specifications for and methodo logy of manufacturing 

test and flight film supply loads for all NRP 

programs; maintains orderly manufacturing and 

logistics flow to depots and satellite load requirements. 

Operates a £ilm Ivaluation lest Laboratory (FEAT). 

Operates an image and Recording Laboratory (AIPRL) to support the simu lation of digital data systems and 

to perform processing of sensitive data. 
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-

SECTION I 

FACILITIES 

SIF-008B-GH- 09136-I-80-

The Bridgehead Processing Facility is located in Rochester, New York 

at the Hawkeye Plant of the Eastman Kodak CO., Kodak Apparatus Div.ision 

(Figures 1 & 2). 

The Facility houses the processing and reproduction operation as well 

as the R&D and engineering functions. 

Bridgehead currently consists of: 

Floor - B1dgs. Floor - B1dgs. 

Floor - B1dgs. Floor - B1dgs. Floor - B1 

1-2-3-7-9-12-13 (Figure 3) 

1-2-3-10-11-12 (Figure 4) 

1-2-3-6-10-11 (Figure 5) 

1-2-3-6-10-11 (Figure 6) 

1-6- 1 0- 11 Fire 7 

The floor plans (Figure 3-7) show the locations of the major items 

of equipment and work areas assigned to the processing and reproduction operations. 

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Prior to the arrival of a Gambit or Hexagon mission recovery vehicle, 

readiness certification of hardware, systems and material is essential to expedient handling of the mission film. This readiness certification has 

three major components: 

1. Procurement and Certification of Expendables 

2. Duplicating 

3. Processing Chemistry 

PROCU REMENT AND OF EXPENDABLES 

Expendables required for a typical mission include duplicating f il ms, 

processing chemistries and shipping materials which are ordered, received 

and stored in sufficient quantity for all the production operations required 

for a given recovery vehicle. 

DU PLICATI NG FILMS 

The film used for prepa ring mission duplicates is manufactured in splice-free rolls 5 inches and 9-1/2 inches wide by 1,000 ft. long for Gambit 

missions and 6.6 inches wide by 1,400 ft. long for Hexagon missions. Dupli- cating films are segregated by emulsion type, width and photographic (sensitometric) response. Each ba t ch is samp l ed and pre-tested in the Production cycle in order to thoroughly analyze i ts sensitometric and photographic 

properties. Films are then stored under cold room conditions awaiting use. 

GAI\IBI 'I 

TO RUin IT HEXAGON 

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PROCESSING CHEMISTRY 

GAl-IBIT 

TIP IIIRI' 8IF-008B- GH- 09136-1-80-

A typical Hexagon mission requires 100,000 1bs. of powder chemicals 

and a typical Gambit mission requires 25,000 1bs. of powder chemicals. 

The Black & White liquid and viscous processing solutions are mi xed in the 

Chemical Room (Fig ure 8) from which they are piped to the various 

processors in Bridgehead. Chemistry is mi xed in sufficient quantity to 

fill all storage tanks before the mission arrives and as the solutions are 

expended during Production operations, additional mi xes are made. 

All processing solutions are certified for use before being committed 

to a processor, This certification includes laboratory chemical analysis 

(Figu re 9) and at times photographic performance analysis performed on 

simulation sensitometric test processors, stIch as the VSSP (Figure 10). 

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FIGURE 9 - Chemi ca l Laboratory 

BIF-OOBB-GH - 09 136-1- 80-
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PHOTOGRAPHIC QUALITY CONTROL' MATERIALS 

GA1-1BIT 

TIP II nIT BIF-008B-GH- 09 136- 1- 80-

There are two main types of photographic quality control materials required for 

mission operations: 

Sensitometric Control Sensitometric step wedges or strips are the basic tool for controlling the photographic 

response of printers and processors. These strips are exposed on the lB sensitometer 

(Figure 11), a precision instrument with rigidly controlled exposure conditions to insure that all strips on a given film type are identical. Before a mission arrives, an adequate 

supp ly of sensitometric strips is prepared and stored in a freezer to guarantee the stability of the la tent images. During the mission these strips are processed at specified intervals and compared to establish standards to maintain process control. Pre-processed 

strips are printed onto duplicate film, also at specified intervals, and then processed 

and compared to appropriate standards. All sensitometric strips are read on a Densitometer (Fi gure 12) and the data is plotted to obtain the characteristic or H&D curve that is compared to the standard. 

Physical Quality Control 

Uniformly exposed or "flashed" film is used to assure that the physical qual ity of the film from a processor is as hi gh as possible. Prior to mission arrival, long lengths 

of raw film stock are given uniform exposure on the Rawstock Flasher (Figure 13) . Exposure cond itions for the flasher are selected so that the return density of the processed 

film will be the optimum to reveal even the most subtle processing defect. Flash materia l is processed immediately before and after the original camera films and at the specified 

intervals with sensitometric strips on the duplicate processors. 

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• 

GAMBIT T, : 1£ Cit E : HEXAGON 

FI GURE 12 - Densitometer 

BIF-OOBB-GH- 09136- I- 80_ 
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MI SSION DATA 

GAMBIT 

TIP 'IIIIIT BIF-OOBS -GH- 09 136- 1-80_ 

As a typical mission is flying, data that is needed at certain stages of the 

Production operations are received via the data link. This data is then processed on 

the Univac 9300 Computer (Figure 14) to provide the inputs that are needed for various 

operations. Included in these inputs are frame number, length and classification i nformation for the Optical Titling System, Geographic Area Breakdown information for 

the original negative breakdown and compositing operations, and customer distribution 

requirements for duplicate copies. 

Some of t his data is used to make the identification friskets for the original 

negative film after processing. These "idents" are generated on the [dent Printer (F ig ure 15 ) by exposing onto raw film all the identification required for each roll of 

fil m, i.e., mission number, camera, date, security classification, Geographic Area, 

etc. Thi s fil m is then processed and cut into the proper lengths to be spliced on t he 

i ndi vidual rolls during the ori ginal negative breakdown operation . 

PREVENTIV E MA INTE NANC E AND CERTIFICATION OF HARDWA RE 

Prior to the arrival of each mission, preventive maintenance/certification wor k 

is performed on the various pieces of equipment used by Production. This maintena nce 

acti vity helps to assure hi gh quality output from the equipment, avoid hardwa re failure s 

that may jeopardize the customer's film or delay shipments and increase the useful life 

of t he equipment . The Bridgehead facility includes a well-equipped Maintenace Shop 

(Figure 16 ) staffed by technicians skilled in the maintenance of ground-handling 

eq ui pment for aerial photogra phy. 

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FIGURE 15 - Ident Printer 

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GAl-IBlT 

TI F IU Ii 2 i HEXAGON 

SECTION III 

MISSION PRODUCTIO N 

1. MISSION PROCESSING AN D REPRODUCTION SEQUENCE 

BIF-OOBS-GII- 09136-1-80-

Figures 17 and 18 provide detailed work flow diagrams for Hexagon 

and Gambit processing and reproduction . 

In the pages that follow. Section III describes in chronological order the major operations of these processing cycles. 

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2. RECEIPT OF MISSION 

GAl'1BIT 

TSR HIPIT HEXAGON BIF-OOSB-GH- 09136-1-80-

The film payload, in the Satellite Recovery Vehicle (SRV), arrives 

at a local airport on a USAF Courier Aircraft (Figure 19) and is 

transported via truck to the Bridgehead Processing Facility. 

Upon receipt, the SRV (Figures 20 and 21), is removed from its 

shipping container, weighed and placed in a special holding frame which 

aligns the SRV with the Presplice Complex. 

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lOR unIT HEXAGON 

FIGURE 20 - Hexagon SRV 

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3. DOWNLOADING/PRESPLICE 

GAMBIT 

TIP lURE. SIF-008B-GH- 09136-1-80-

The downloading/presplice operation consists of despooling the 

SRV payload to permit inspection for defects that might create problems 

during processing and to configure the film roll in "as flown" or "heads 

out" order for the processor. This operation takes place in the dark. but non-contacting infrared detectors and viewers are utilized to assist 

the operators. The film payload is transported across the Presplice Complex under controlled tension and onto a take-up spool dolly which 

will later be aligned to the feed end of a processor. (Figures 22 and 23) . After an entire roll has been despooled and suitable photographic 

control materials have been prespliced to each end. a li ght-tight 

cover is placed over the take-up spool dolly and it is moved to a 

processor room. 

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FIGURE 22 - Hexagon SRV Interfaced with Presplice 

Complex 
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4. ORIGINAL NEGATIVE PROCESSING 

GAMBIT 

; S5 lilA If "fXAGON BIF-OOBB- GH- 09 136-1-80-

There are two Ontario Processors (Figure 24) at Bridgehead for the continuous processing of original negatives of any length. They may be 

operated simultaneously when there are two film rolls, as from the Forward and Aft Cameras of a Hexagon Mission. The throughput rate is from 23-27 feet per minute, depending on the sensitometric properties of the 

particular film being processed. 

The transport dolly that was loaded during Presplice is positioned 

at the feed end of an Ontario Processor, room lights are turned off and the cover is removed. The head of the roll is spliced to leader which is 

already threaded through the machine. Previous "Start-ups" have established 

that the machine is in sensitometric control and not causing physical 

defects such as scratches. The sequence of processing steps is: 

1. Static viscous layer development 

2. Arrest 

3. Fi x 

4. Wash 

5. ( Photofl 0 ) WCrTH"? r 

6. Dry 

The viscous developer is applied to the emulsion side of the film 

by passing through a shell coater. This provides a dual gamma sensitometry . 

During the processing operation, which may last for 24 hours, 

critical machine parameters such as temperatures, solution pressures and 

transport speed are monitored by a computerized system (Figure 25) to 

assure stable photographic control throughout the processing run. 

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J U! RE , HE XAGON BIF-008B-GH- 09136- 1- 80-

FIGURE 24 - Ontario Processor 

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5. OPTICAL TITLING 

GAJ.1SIT 

TO: oEtkEi HEXAGON BIF-OOBB- GH- 09 136-1- 80-

Titles, consisting of mission and frame number, date of photography, security 

classification, and other information, are exposed on the film optically during 

the processing operation. The developer action proceeds to the point where 

camera-exposed framemarks can be detected to provide image location information. 

Immediately following framemark detection, the optical titling system exposes 

single- or double-row man-readable characters along the edge of the film (Figure 

26). The developer action continues to process these characters to a legi ble 

and reproducible density (Figure 27). 

Titling is controlled by a computer (Figure 28) that has previously received 

a film format and title information "roadmap" that is prepared from information 

received via the data link (see page 18). Inputs are provided to continuously 

check film format and location against this data, to inhibit titling if a camera 

or format error exists, and to restart titling when synchronization is reestablished. Software has been designed to accommodate a variety of possible 

camera anomalies. 

The title exposing devi ces utilize fiber optics to achieve the small size 

required as a source and permit mounting of the actual exposing devices outside 

of the processor frame. The exposing heads are mounted on a carriage which tracks 

the film edge to insure proper title positioning in the available edge space. 

Programmable logic and footage and framemark detectors provide output comm ands 

to the titling exposure devices. 

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OPTICAL TITLING SCHEMATIC 

FIGURE 27 - Optical Titling Schematic 
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6. PRELIMINARY EVALUATION 

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TIP .. U .. BIF-OOSB- GH- 09136 -1- 80-

Each camera roll is fed into the processor as a continuous length of film, hut 

at regular intervals a cut is made at the end of an operation (OP) at the processor 

take-up and a "lab-cut" enters the reproduction cycle. The lab-cut is quickly given a Preliminary Evaluation (Figure 29) to check for possible processor-induced 

anomalies that would dictate immediate corrective action. During this evaluation 

temporary identification leader and trailer are spliced to each end of the roll to 

facilitate handling and to protect the original negative from damage. The accuracy of the optical titling is now checked and if corrections or additional manual 

titling are required, it is noted for subsequent action. 

7. TITLE CORRECTION/ADDITION 

Since an optical title is a photographic image, provision for the correction of 

erroneous titling requires unique procedures. The technique that is used, if 

necessary, involves subjecting the emulsion to an air-carried abrasive material. 

The erroneous portion of a title is positioned over an aperture and the nozzle- directed airbrasive removes that portion of emulsion and title exposed in the 

aperture (Figure 30). Then the correct title is applied via the conventional pigmen t transfer method using a Unimak Titler (Fi gure 31). 

In the case where synchronization is lost in the optical titling system because of format errors or other malfunction, optical titling is inhibited and portions of the record come from the processor untitled. In this case, the proper title 

is determined and added uSing the Uni mak Titler (Fi gure 31). 

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FIGURE 30 - Title Remover 

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8. ORIGINAL NEGATIVE BREAKDOWN/COMPOSITING - HEXAGON 

BIF-OOBB-GH- 09136-1-80-

After the original negative has been evaluated and titling is complete 

and correct. the Hexagon negatives are cut 32) or "broken down" into sections according to the Geographic Area photographed. Currently, the 

world is divided into 26 separate "areas" (see page 55). These pieces of imagery range from a few to over a thousand feet in length. Identification 

leader and trailer are spliced to each section of imagery. Subsequently 

these sections are reassembled or "composited" by geographic area into rolls approximately 450 ft. long. 

9. ORIGINAL NEGATIVE BREAKDOWN/COMPOSITING - GAMBIT 

The approach to "breakdown" and "compositinq" the Gambit ori gi nal record is identical to that used for Hexagon. The major difference is 

the size of the sections of imagery. Because Gambit is a spotting system with a fairly short (7,500 ft . per SRV) original record as compared to 

the Hexagon search system that returns 75,000 feet per SRV, the average 

piece of imagery leaving a geographic area is several inches long vice 

100 ft. long. For th is reason special equipment (Figure 33) is used to ultrasonica l ly weld the sections of imagery to each other to form 150 ft. 

rolls that are physically near perfect and include a minimum of special inserted identification footage . 

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FIGURE 32 - Breakdown/Compositing Area 

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10. PRINTING 

GAMBIT 

TaF '[ERE , 8IF-008B-GH- 09136-1-80_ 

After breakdown/compositing, each roll of original negative is run through 

the Webster Film Cleaner (Figure 34), to remove any foreign particles that may be 

on the film as a result of previous operations, and then taken to the Printing 

Area. Since density and contrast variations are experienced from part-to-part 

of the original negative, density and/or contrast optimization is accomplished during the printing operation. Both Cayuga and Oneida Printers are utilized to 

expose contact duplicate positives and negative from satellite mission films. 

The Cayuga (Figure 35) is a computer-controlled scanning printer which scans the original negative immediately before printing and ba sed on the densities 

encountered provides closed-loop feedback to control the ex posing lamp intensity 

as required throughout each printing part. Corrected densities within the 

usable range are thus achieved on the duplicate copies. 

The Oneida Printer (Figure 36) is a computer controlled, high intensity, dual lamp printer capable of incremental density and contrast modulation . Exposure 'and 

contrast settings are predicted from Cayuga scan data and transferred to the Oneida via a CRT keyboard or programmed floppy diskette. The printer can operate 

at speeds up to 100 feet per minute on the newer high definition, slower speed 

duplicating materials. The Oneida provides duplication, with both density and contrast corrections, on a frame by frame basis for Gambit and additionally on an 

intraframe basis for Hexagon. 

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_1I7I11S._' .S ."._HEXAGON 

FIGURE 35 - Cayuga Printer 

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as on the Ontario Processors (see page 26) and all the critical parameters 

for each machine are monitored from a central console area (Figure 38). 

Once mission originals have been processed, composited, edited and 

certified for production, Bridgehead maintains a capability of producing 

up to approximately 400,000 linear feet of black and white duplicate film products per 24 hour day. This production can (and frequently does) involve product mi x of fil m sizes, quality, scale, etc. from a wide 

va riety of sources. 

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Control Syst •• Only 
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GAMBIT 

PI III 11 J 

FIGURE 37 -, Vi'scous Dalton Process'or 

BIF-OOB B-GH- 09136-1-80-

III · .. • • 

• .,F=t ',Ii' • .!. __ -W K::3 

tI - - -

-
(Figure 39) in addition to the normal physical quali

ty check. This inspec- tion includes verification that the printing parameters predicted for the 

part have provided optimum tone reproduction for the imagery. Once the printing parameters are est ablished, all subsequent copies of-the part are 

pri nted the same way, wi th photographl' c control stri'ps to confi rm that appropriate tone reproduction has been maIntained. These copies receive a 

careful physical quality inspection and verification of photograpnic control 

(Figure 40) . 

GAMBIl 

Tar .URn HEXAGON 

-38-

Hindi, vii 8YD4A11 

Cion t ... I ... Only 
NRO APPROVED FOR RELEASE 

DECLASSIFIED BY: C/IART DECLASSIFIED ON: 29 MARCH 2012 [ 

r 

{ 

r 

r 

( 

t 

r 

(. 

[ 

{ 

[ 

GAMBIT 

up illAlT !!EXAGON 

FIGURE 39 - First Copy Inspection Area 

BIF-OOBB-GH- 09136- 1-80 _ 
the film that is on each spool. 

14. PRODUCTION STATUS MONITORING 

A Production Monitoring System (Figure 42) provides supervisors 

with periodic status reports on the progress of the reproduction opera- tion toward satisfying the requirements specified by the EXSUBCOM. From 

this status information, estimates of shipment availability are provided to courier and customer organizations. 

T. F IIIP .. HEXAGON 

. 

--

-40-

Hindi. via BYEMAH 

Control System ani y 

} 

J 

J 

1 

J 

I 

I 

) 

I 

) 

) 

J 

I 

1 

I 
NRO APPROVED FOR RELEASE 

DECLASSIFIED BY: C/IART r DECLASSIFIED ON: 29 MARCH 2012

r 

[ 

[ 

l 

r 

GAl-IBIT 

lOP U&AH B/F-OOB B-GH- 09136 - 1-80-

FIGU RE 41 - Label i ng Stati on 

-----
15. CUSTOMER SHIPMENTS 

Labeled cans containing duplicate copies are packaged for shipment according to priority and customer (Figures 43 and 44). For many customers 

the shipments are identified by group or component within their organization 

to facilitate distribution to the photo interpreters. The original 

negatives are shipped to NPIC for archival storage. Courier Aircraft 

transport all shipments from Rochester. 

GAr-tBIl 

'8P SEeRn 

-42-

Hindi. via 

CDntrol Syst ... Onl y 
NRO APPROVED FOR RELEASE 

DECLASSIFIED BY: C/IART DECLASSIFIED ON: 29 MARCH 2012 [ 

r 

! 

I" 

r 

[ 

l 

GAMBIT 

TOP Iii UIT HEXAGON 

FIGURE 43 - Product Packaging 

BIF-008B- GH - 09136- I-80-
from which it is pumped through the silver towers for electrolytic 

recovery as metallic silver. This highly efficient operation recovers 

the silver for credit to the customer and prevents pollution while conserving silver for re-use in the manufacture of sensitized materials. 

The desilvered fixer is returned to the Chemical Mix Room for 

rejuvenation. Chemical additions are made so that the fixer can be 

re-used in the processors. The cyc l e from processor-to-silver recoveryto-rejuvenation-to-processor continues for the useful life of the fixer. 

POLLUTION CONTROL 

After de-silvering, all used processing solutions are biologically 

decomposed in consideration of ecological and security standards. In practice, all appropriate processor effluents and Room drains are 

tied into a 25,000 gallon chemical collection tank outside the building 

(Figure 46). Periodically, this effluent is transferred to a 5,000 

gallon tank truck and is taken to the King's Landing Treatment Plant at Kodak Park for appropriate biological decomposition by the activated 

sludge process. 

GA/>1B 1'1 

______ HEXAGON 

-44-

Hindle vi. BYE)O(AN 

CDntrol Sy.tem ani y 
NRO APPROVED FOR RELEASE 

DECLASSIFIED BY: C/IART DECLASSIFIED ON: 29 MARCH 2012 ( 

f 

r 

r 

r 

{ 

{ 

I 

[ 

[ 

r 

[ 

GM-IBIT 

hi Sahl 

FIGURE 45 - Silver Recovery System 

BIF-OOBB-GH- 09 136-1- 80-
1. INTRODUCTION 

Both conventional color and false-color infrared films are normally 

present in at least one SRV of each satellite mission. The basic sequence 

of Production operations is the same as described in Section III for 

black-and-white original negatives. Photographic control of color processing and reproduction is substantially more complex than black-and-white, and equipment throughput rates are slower compared to current b1ack-andwhite operations. This section will cover primarily those elements that 

differ from black-and-white production. Color production operations 

formerly located at Lincoln Plant have been consolidated with the b1ackand-white facilities since January 1977. 

2. ORIGINAL CAMERA FILM PROCESSING 

There are two prime color processors, the Mp2 (Figure 47) and the 

CP2 (Figure 48) at Bridgehead. Both are certified for grocessing of 

original color films. Because of workload size, the MP2 has, in effect, 

been utilized for the processing of both conventional and false-color 

infrared color original films at a through-put rate of 6.4 feet per mi nute. 

The film is introduced to the Mp2 in a transport dolly similar to 

that used in black-and-white All processing stages employ allliquid deep tank sections and all stages are in total darkness. The 

sequence of processing steps is: 

1. Prehardener 

2. Neutralizer 

3. First Developer and Optical Titling* 

4. First Stop Bath 

5. First Wash 

6. Color Developer 

7. Second Stop Bath 

8. Conditioner 

9. Second Wash 

10. Bleach 

11. Fixer 

12. Final Wash 

13. Stabil i zer 

14. Dryer 

*Co1or films are optically titled in a manner similar 

the Ontario Processor (see Page 28). GA/o'IBlT TI, .lInn 

-46-

to that used on 

..,dl. via BYEMAN 

Ibntrol System Onl y 

1 

] ] 

1 
NRO APPROVED FOR RELEASE 

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GAl-1BIT 

!CD ann 

2. ORIGINAL CAMERA FILM PROCESSING (CONTINUED) 

BIF-OOB B-Gr!- 09136-1 -80-

During the processing operation, which may last for several days, 

criti cal machine parameters such as temperatures, solution times and 

recirculation pressures and transport speed are monitored by a computeri zed 

syst em to assure stable mechanical/photograph ic control throughout 

the acqui sition processing operati on. 

3. PROCESSING CHEMISTRY 

A typical Hexagon RV mission utilizes 5,200 lbs. of dry chemicals and a typical Gambit RV mission utilizes 4,900 lbs. of dry chemicals . 

While the color film payload has amounted to approximately 4% of the total fil m load, the number of chemi cal solutions required for a color process 

as compared t o a black-and-white process (i.e., 9 vs 3) requires a mi xroom roughl y 75% greater than the size of the black-and-white mi xroom 

(Figure 49). 

4. COLOR PRINTI NG 

Two types of contact printers are used for color printing. The Rainbow Printer (Figure 51 ) is an additive color printer with red, green and blue 

light sources. Intensity and color balance is set manually on a part-bypart basis . The five Rainbow Printers are used primarily to prepare the 

du plicate copies for Hexagon Missions. 

The Framingham Printer (Figure 52 ) is a subtractive color printer 

with a white li ght source and color correction filters. Exposure is 

computer-controlled on a frame-by-frame or intra-frame basis using command s determined by off-line densitometric measurements of the orig i nal color 

fil m. The Cayuga Printer (see Section 10 Black-and-White Printing) is 

modified opti cally to permit printing of color materials. One Cayuga 

Printer, so configured, and a Framingham Printer are used primarily for du plicating Gamb i t Missi ons . 

5. DUPLICATE FILM PROCESSING 

The exposed rolls of film from the grinting area are processed on the Caledonia Color Production Processor (CP2). This processor operates at 

20 to 30 feet per minute and is set up to handle the various widths (70 mm 

to 9

1 / 2 inch) of color duplicating film normally used i2 600 foot length 
p 

5. Fi rst Wash 

6. Color Developer 

7. Second Stop Bath 

8. Second Wash 

9. Bleach 

10. Fixer 11. Prewash and Final Wash 12. Stabilizer 13. Dryer 

Steps five to eight are under safelights and steps beyond eight are in 

white light. 

During the processing operations, critical machine parameters are 

monitored by the computerized sytem which is shared with the MP2. 

GAMBIT 

IS R gsa Fl HEXAGON 

-48-

Hadl. vii BYENAN 

toot rc I Syst.., Only 
NRO APPROVED FOR RELEASE 

DECLASSIFIED BY: C/IART DECLASSIFIED ON: 29 MARCH 2012

GAMBIT 

lOR fESRET HEXAGON BIF-OOBB-GH - 09136 - 1-80-

FIGURE 47 - Mul ti -Purpos·e Modul ar Processor (Mp 2) 
FIGURE 50 - Mp2/Cp2 Recirculation Equipment 

(Mezzanine) 

GAMBIl 

ler ulAn 

HEXAGON 

-50-

Hindi e vi I BY EM AN 

Control System 

Onl y 
NRO APPROVED FOR RELEASE 

DECLASSIFIED BY: C/IART DECLASSIFIED ON: 29 MARCH 2012

GAMBIT 

__ 

... 

___ rtIEXAGON 

FIGURE 51 - Rainbow Printer 

BIF-OOBB-GIi- 09136-1-80-
paper to facilitate processing. 

The Beacon Precision Enlarger (BPE) (Figure 54) is used to prepare color or black-and-white enlargements on paper or film, at magnifications 

up to 153x and in sizes up to 30x40 inches. These are handled in sheet 

form and processed on the Startech Processor (Figure 75) or the Kreonite Processor (Figure 55). 

FIGURE 53 - Pocatello Color Enlarger (POCE) 

GAMBI"l 

T8P &EUET 

-52-

Hindi. vi. BYEMAH 

Control System Onl y 
NRO APPROVED FOR RELEASE 

DECLASSIFIED BY: C/IART DECLASSIFIED ON: 29 MARCH 2012

GAJI1B IT 

T • i jJ!It! I HEXAGON 

-

FIGURE 54 - Beacon Precision Enlarger (BPE) 

BIF-008B- GH- 09136-1- 80-
The processing and reproduction facility is currently equipped and 

staffed to support the following Satellite Recovery Vehicle payloads. 

Mission 

Hexagon Hexagon SIT Gambit 

SRV/Yr. 

4 

1 

2 

SRV film loads usually include a mix of acquisition films. Typical linear footage breakdown for each satellite system SRV are as follows: 

ACquisition Film 

B&W 

Co lor (Conventional) 

Color (Infrared) 

Hexagon 

72,000 

1,000 2,000 

Hexagon SIT 

8,000 

Gambit 

7,500 

150 

150 

After processing, the Hexagon and Gambit acquisition films are 

reordered by Geographic Area of the world (Figure 56) to facilitate a 

match of customer interest with the quantity of duplicate copies produced. Reproduction of duplicate requirements is structured to provide copies prioritized by customer. 

Table I shows a breakdown of typical reproduction requirements by 

program and priority, listing typical quantities of duplicate film and 

cans shipped. 

GAl-1BI '1 

fer 9E@IHT HEXAGON 

-54-

HAndl. v i a BYEMAH 

Control System Onl y 
NRO APPROVED FOR RELEASE 

DECLASSIFIED BY: C/IART DECLASSIFIED ON: 29 MARCH 2012

GAM BIT --IiI' ...... --I!!_., HEXAGON BIF-OOBB-GH- 09136- I-80-

FIGURE 56 - Geographic Area Breakdown 

TABLE I 

TYP ICAL REPRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS PER SRV 

Numbe r of Shipping Footage Mission Pri ority Customers B&w Color 

Hexagon 1 1 535,DOO 5,000 

2 4 910,000 20,000 

3 18 920,000 14,000 

4* 4 3,000 

Gambit 1 1 70, 000 3,500 

2 3 134,000 4,000 

Cans/Spool s 

2,000 

3,500 3,600 

25 

600 

1 ,300 
personnel requirements for this mode of operation. 

and 

TABLE II 

PERSONNE L REQUIREMENTS 

(3 - 8 hr. tricks) 

Tri cks 

Operations A B 

Producti on 36 36 

Quality Control 12 12 

Support (Logistics, 

Maintenance, etc.) 13 11 

Figures 57 and 58 reflect revised production timelines 

1979 experience. 

GAMBI1 

HH U U I!f HEXAGON 

-56-

C 

8 

2 

5 

based on 1978 

Hindle v i i BYEMAN 

CDnlrol Sy.t ... Onl y 
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Oo.nlOld/P,..spl Itt Or191MI kogfottve 

'rocn.stnt/Optful Tttl. 

'"H.tMr1 h"loAltlon 

OrI;!MI Meg.th. 

"ston OnrcCNt 

Tttl. Correctton/Addt tton OrI;I",' Me9ithe 

.,...k.cIoIIn/Cc.post tt 

'rtntlng 

Dupe rn. Proc.ss 

Dwpe FU. 1l'lsptCtton 

n .... 1 h.l ... tlon 

Oownlo.o/P,."pllce 

o 

OrI91 .... , lMg.th. 

'rocn.slng/Optlul Tttl. 

'"11.IMr, Evaluation 

Ori;lnal hgItht 

Poston Owtrcoat 

nth 

o 

GAMBIT 

XC? UCRU 

PIO[lICTIOfi tIft: LIMB 

-FORNElAGOM SRY 

Worktel Ho\!(' Fro. ft. of llKetpt 

100 ISO 200 250 300 

, ; 

350 

NOn: Dots Hot Include llownttlilt 

of up to 192 hn/RY 

FIGURE 57 

PROMf 1 Ott TI ME II HE S 

IiNIIJT SRY 

WOrked Heu!"s fl"Ofll li_ of Receipt 

BIF-OOBB- GH- 09136-1-80-

4SO sao 

100 no 200 2SO 300 350 400 

NOn : Does Not Include Do.mtl,. 

of up to 100 hrs/RV 
g

g 

y

/ 

Figure 59 - Ontario Film Processor 

Figure 60 - Viscous Dalton Film Processor 

Figure 61 - Multi-Purpose Modular Processor CMP 2L 

Figure 62 - Caledonia Film Processor (CP21 

Figure 63 - Dundee Processor 

Figure 64 - Color Kreonite Processor 

Figure 65 - Rainbow Continuous Printer 

Figure 65 - Beacon Precision Enlarger (BPEl 

Figure 67 - Cayuga Continuous Printer 

Figure 68 - Framingham Conttnuous Color Printer 

Figure 59 - Oneida Printer 

Figure 70 - Kingston Continuous Printer 

Figure 71 - Conti.nuous Rllwstock Flasher Figure 72 - Automatic Continuous Printer 

Figure 73 - Pocatello Color Enlarger (POCE) 

Figure 74 - Precision Enlarger lO-20-40X 

Figure 75 - Startech Processor 

Figure 76 - Miller Holzwarth Flatbed Printer 

Figure 77 - Computer Assisted Machine Control (COMAC) 

GAMBI1' 

:6: SECkEl HEXAGON 

. -58-

"."dle vii BYEMA" ... . 

Control Syah" Onl y , 
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GAMBIT 

TOP UeAET BIF-008 B-GH- 09 136- l-80-

SECTION V 

MAJOR ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT - CONT'D. 

Figure 78 - Presplice Complex Figure 79 - G Area Breakdown Figure 80 - Camden Inspection Table 

.. 

Figure 81 - Editing Table 3D-Inch Figure 82 - Webster Film Cleaner 

Figure 83 - Unimak Film Titler 

Figure 84 - Intensity Scale Sensitometer, Type I-B 

Figure 85 - Title Remover Assembly Figure 86 - Distortion Analysis System 

Figure 87 - Viscous Sensitometric Strip Processor 

Figure 88 - Poston Coating Machine 
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Viscous DALTON 

Fi 1 III Processor 

FIGURE 59 

is used to process duplicating film at speeds up to 100 

feet per minute. Viscous development makes possible 

sensitometric effects not 

readily obtainable by other processing methods. 

GAMBIT 

TIl ntkCI HEXAGON 

BIF-OOBB-GH- 09 136-I- 80_ 

ONTARIO 

Fi 1m Processor 

is a viscous b1ack-andwhite processor dedicated 

to the processing of original negative acquisition 

film. It will handle continuous rolls of any length 

from 70mm to 9. 5 inches 

wide. Electronic and visual 

monitoring provide close 

control over critical development criteria. Its 

maximum speed is 50 fe et 

per minute . 
NRO APPROVED FOR RELEASE 

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FIGURE 61 

Caledonia Color Production 

Processor (Cp2) 

is capable of processing color reversal or neoati ve 

original and duplicate 

materials at through-PJt 

rates of up to 45 feet per 

minute. It has edgeflash- ing and optical titling 

capability and a comput- erized central control an d 

mon itor station. It is 

h

ld'

l

id

GAHBlT 

:a 7 Gs IP IT BIF-OOS B-GH- 09 136 -1- 80-

Multi-Purpose Modular 

Processor (MP2) 

is an all liquid deep tank 

processor designed in a modular configuration to 

permit its use as an ex- tremely fle xible experimental 

processor as well as an original film production 

machine. It will handle 

continuous rolls of any 

length from 70mm to 9.5 inches wide. It has edgeflashing and optical titling 

capability and a computerized central control and monitoring station. Its maximum 

speed is 10 feet per minute. 
NRO APPROVED FOR RELEASE 

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Color Kreonite 

Processor 

FIGURE 63 

is used to process to process color 

paper prints in support of color 

contact and enlarging printers. It 

will handle continuous rolls or 

sheets of color paper up to 30 

inche s wide. Processing time is 10 minutes dry to dry. 

GAMBIT 

rap uniT BIF-008B-GH- 09136 -1 -80_ 

DUNDEE Processor 

Model I I 

is a modular film processor 

used to test and evaluate 

various techniques for viscous, combination sprayviscous, and deep-tank 

processes for black-andwhite films. Processing 

times and temperatures can be varied over a wide ra nge 

with precise control over both. 
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BEAcorr Precision 

Enlarger 

FIGURE 65 

makes enlargements from preselected areas of aerial 

roll film, with field diameters from 3.7" to .32" at 

magnifications from 3X to 40X 

in color and 3X to 153X in 

black and white. Enlargements can be printed on du- 

GAMBIT 

T i ? . . . ! , HE XAGON 3313if _ BrF-OOB B-GH- 09136 -1- 80-

RAINBOW 

Continuous Printer 

is a drumtype, contact color 

printer which reproduces 

photographic images on a 

secondary length of color 

duplicating film from a primary color print master at a 

top speed of 100 feet per minute. Designed primarily 

to handle reversal co lor 

films, the printer is used in conjunction with its control 

unit which regulates the 

light intensities of three 

separate lamps. 

-
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FIGURE 67 

FRAMINGHAM Continuous 

Color Printer 

is a continuous programmable 

frame-by-frame density controlled printer capable of 

printing color at 50 feet 

per minute, with an interframe density response transition of approximately 

one inch. The programmable 

frame-by-frame density control range is approximately 

GAMBIT 

TI P .. :u! i HEXAGON BIF-OOB B-GH- 09 136-1-80-

CAYUGA 

Continuous Printer 

is primarily a black & white 

contact printer with intraframe automatic exposure 

control that eliminates the 

need for printing-condition analysis of the printmaster 

prior to printing. It is 

capable of automatically scanning the printmaster 

and feeding obtained scan 

data through its own computer which modulates printing lamp intensity to produce a relatively even 

print density on the duplicate. It can be modified 

optically, to permit printing of color duplication materials. 
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FIGURE 69 

KINGSTON Continuous 

Printers 

were designed specifically to 

minimize overal l non-linea r 

distortion. Ess entially, they 

differ from conventional 

continuous printers by incorporating devices such as: 

A large (20 inch) diameter printing drum, independent 

castered pressure rollers, precision spools and a con

GAMBIT 

TiP ...... BIF-008B-GH- 09136 - I-80-

ONEIDA Continuou s 

Printe r 

is a computer controll ed , 

high intensity , dual lamp 

printer capable of incremental density and contrast modulation. The printe r 

can operate at speeds up 

to 100 feet per minute on the newer high definition, 

slower speed duplica t ing 

material s. 
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GAMBIT 

UP 271 IT 

• w 

FIGURE 71 

Automatic Continuous 

Identification Printer 

is used to print iden t ifying 

data on head and 

trailer lengths of film for 

subsequent identifi cation. 

Characters are photograph- ically recorded from a 

matri x that is activated from 

computer processed input data. 

BIF-OOB B-GH- 09136- 1- 80-

Continuous 

Rawstock Flasher 

is used to flash a strand 

of film to obtain an even 

density across the web and from one end to the other. 

Flashed film is used for 

physical quality certification of film processors and for scratch testing 

in various items of film 

handling equipment. 
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10-20-40X 

Precision Enlarger 

FIGURE 73 

is a vertical precision enl arger used to pri nt blackand-white transparency and 

paper prints up to 11 x 14 

inches in size . 

GAMBIT 

TiP ' . U' 

BIF-008B-GH- 09 136- 1- 80-

POCATELLO 

Color Enlarger (POCE) 

is production-oriented for 

making multiple copies of 

5X and lOX color enlargements. Input film can be 

any width from 70mm to 9.5 inches on MS 26565 spools 

up to 7-5/8 inches fl ange 

diameter. Color balance 

is regulated addi tively by 

an integrating photome t er ; 

t itles can be contact printed 

on t he enl argement. 
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MILLER HOLZWA RTH 

Contact Printer 

FIGURE 75 

is ' a flatbed contact printer 

used with black-and-white 

and color materials up to 

11 x 14 inches in size. 

GAMBIT 

TIP 

I 

III 

Blf-OOB B-GH- 09 136 -1- 80-

STARTECH Processor 

is used to process blackand-white paper and tran sparency prints in widths 

up to 30 inches. 
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GAMBIT 

TQP Ii "ilUT HE XAGON 

f 

FIGURE 77 

Computer Assisted Control (COMAC) 

BIF-OOBB- GH - 09 136-1- 80-

is an off-line computer system used to control printer and duplicate film processors 

via semi-automatic input from a densitometer to a computer. Final analysis data is 

output to a CRT and a line printer in alphanumeric and graphic form. System components 

consist of a computer, 10 megabyte disk , dual floppy disk, cassette unit, paper tape 

reader, two CRT's, and a line printer. 
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G-Area 

Breakdown 

Workplace 

FIGURE 78 

is used to edit, from continuous rolls of acquisition 

film, coverage over selected 

geographic areas and to com- pile the take for each area 

into a composite print master 

from which multiple duplicates 

can be contact printed. 

GAMBIT 

Tap UIAIT 

BIF-OOBB- GH- 09 136 -J -80-

Presplice Complex 

is used for downloading 

acquisition film fr om the vehicle payload and for 

rewinding the web onto spools in preparation for processing. During rewind, film is manually and electronically monitored for physical damage that might cause a 

problem during processing. 

Damaged sections can be removed and loose ends 

spliced to form a continuous web. 
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GAI-1B IT 

•

_ 

...... 

'Iican ·iIIII!?"·MI"" HEXAGO _ N 

FIGURE 80 ----, 

Editing Table, 

30- Inch 

is used for viewing, inspecting, evaluating, and 

editing both original neg- ative and contact printed 

duplicates in roll form. Manual rewinds provide close 

control over film transport 

to preclude physical damage 

to valuable acquisition film. 

Film widths from 70mm to 9.5 

BIF-008B-GH- 09136- 1- 80-

CAMDEN 

Inspection Table 

Various Models 

are used for inspecting, 

evaluating, viewing, and 

editing large quantities 

of duplicate film. Dif- ferent models have individua l functions such 

as splicing, densitometry, 

and other features. 
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UNIMAK 

Film Tit1er 

FIGURE 82 

is used to apply identifying 

information to the border 

and/o r interframe spaces of 

processed aerial films, It 

titles negative or duplicating 

fi lm , including ultra-thin 

ba se , in standard witdths from 

70mm to 9,5 inches and accepts 

MS 26565 spools up to 10-1/2 

inches diameter

Titles gen

GAMB IT 

'IF II 1ft IT 

lun 

8IF-008B-GH- 09 136- 1- $0. 

Film C1 eaner 

safely cleans non-adhesi ve dirt from the ba se and 

emulsion surfaces of al l aerial roll fil ms, and 

neutralizes static electric charges, thereby re- ducing further dust or 

lint attraction, 
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TI TLE Remov er 

Assembly 

. . i. . 

. .. ," ...... 

FIGURE 84 

is used to remove unsatisfactory title data that 

has been photographically exposed, or mechanically 

applied, along the film 

edge. Once a title has 

been removed, the same 

area can be retitled by 

mechanical methods. 

GAJ\IBIT 

3 Ii .I"IT 

BIF-OOBB-GH- 09136-1-80-

INTENSITY SCALE 

SENS ITOMETER 

Type I-B, Model V 

is used to make precise exposures through either a 

standard stepped density 

tablet or a continuous 

density wedge onto various types of light-sensitive film emulsions. The 

resulting sensitometric strips are used for primary 

sensitometric tests of 

black-and-white or color 

emulsion characteristics, 

or for sensitometric control of photographic pro- cessing equipment. 
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GA/>1B IT 

riP .. u .. 

FIGURE 86 

Distortion Analysis 

BIF-OOS B-GH- 09 136-1-80-

is a near real ti me computer system used to determine vectors produced on fil m by 

a Moire' pattern cancellation effect at a preselected number of prints across the 

fil m web. Distortion pattern data is input to the computer in a semi-automatic mod e via a digitizer unit. System components consist of a computer, 10 megabyte 

disk, dual floppy disk, CRT, and line printer. 
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POSTON Coating Machine 

FIGURE 87 

is used to apply a special 

gel coating containing matte 

particles on rolls of processed acquisition films to reduce 

contact printing artifacts. 

GAMBIT 

!SF I lin IT 

BIF-OOBB-GH- 09136-I-80-

VISCOUS SENSITOMETRIC 

STRIP Processor 

(VSSP) 

is designed to permit processing of short lengths 

of 70 mm or narrower films, 

for purposes of evaluating sensitometry obtained from 

viscous developers. 
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