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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 

MEMORANDUM 

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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 

MEMORANDUM 

31 May 1968 

MEMO FOR LOU MAZZA 

SUBJ: Requested Data on Satellite 03148 

Dimensions: 5 ft diameter, 4'7 ft long 

Orientation: Stabilized with long dimension 

in direction of travel 

Propulsion System: Inactive 

Position Verification: 

Time: 1'740z, 21 March 1968 

Position: 390 1'7.05' N 

Altitude: '74.869 ID1 

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Approved for Release: 2019/05/02 C051 06869 

U. S. NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY 

WASHINGTO\ ..",S~ 

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IN REP L Y REFER TO 

5320-83 :FHU :rllle 

NRL Prob No. R02-1+9A 

SER: 00314 

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.'bI MlW 1968 

From.: Director, U. S. Naval Research Laboratory, ldashington, D. C. 20390 

To: Director, Office of Space Systems (SAFSS), Department of the Air 

Force, The Pentagon, Washington, D. C. 20330 

Subj: Request for Satellite Orbital Data, forwarding of(U) 

1. The Radar Techniques Branch of the Radar Division of the Naval Research 

Laboratory recently initiated a series of observations to determine the feasibili ty of detecting low-altitude satellites vri th NRL I s high frequency pulse 

doppler radar. The Naval Space Surveillance Computing Center at Dahlgren, 

Virginia has been supplying ]\lRL with look information predictions (range, 

bearing, elevation and altitude vs. time) for various space objects such as 

satellites, rocket bodies and fragments. On the occasion of a particular 

observation, on 21 March 1968, preliminary velocity/range analysis indicates 

the probable detection of Satellite No. 87490/0311~8. From other documentation from the Hestern Test Range, it appears that Satellite 03148 was boosted 

into polar orbit aboard a Titan III launched 13 March 1)168 under the sponsorship of the Space and Missile Scientific Organization (SA.MBO) of the Air 

Force Systems Cormnand. An inquiry has been made of the SPASUR Computing 

Center at Dahlgren as to the physical size of Satellite 03148 and also i ts 

attitude, as to whether stabilized or tumbling at the time of supposed 

detection which was 1738-1742 GMT on 21 March 1968. The computing center 

advised that such information was not available. 

2. LTCOL Bradley Healey of SAMSO has advised that a request be made of 

Headquarters, USAF. 

3. The Naval Research Laboratory therefore requests the follOwing information on Space Catalog No. 03148 on 21 Harch 1$68 between 1738 and 1742 hours 

GMr: 

a. Physical dimensions (length, width or diameter) 

b. Orientation (attitude, aspect) 

c. If orientation was changing, description of nature, extent, and 

time rate of change. 

d. Propulsion system status (burning, venting, inactive or expended) 

In addition, if the orbi t was being modified such that the object I s position 

at the indicated times could not accurately be inferred from observation 

before and/or after these times, it vmuld be helpful to have a single orbi t 

position verification in terms of: earth latitude and longitude of subsatellite point and height above this point at some given time v.rUhin the 

interval, preferably near 1740 GHT. ~5/J/qf.t:tc-~/9t./ if 

Copy L of 6 copies 

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5320-83:FHU:mle 

L~. NRL hopes to characterize low-altitude satellites 'with its HF radar in 

order that criteria might be developed for the detection of fractional orbit 

devices at radar ranges beyond the horizon. 

5. Further information on this request may be obtained from Franl-;: Utley of 

NRL, Autovon 8-297-351+7. 

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Approved forRei;a;e~2019/05/02 C051 06869 HANDLE VIA BYEMAN 

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_~ June 1968 

MEMORANDUM FOR NL~,VINTCOM-2 (CDR FREDERICK W. GLAESER) 

SUBJECT: Request for Satellite Orbital Data 

REFERENCE: BYE 13032-68 

As verbally a.greed, I am forwarding information 

requested of this office by Director/HRL in a SECRET 

memorandum dated 2 Aiay 1968 rela.ted to Satellite 03148. 

This information may be utilized at NllL for the 

purpose stated at the SECRET level of security classification, provided procedures are instituted (plan to 

be coordinated with this office) to insure against the 

chance comprolnise of NRP BYE.MAN information. 

DAta is furnished as follows: 

Dimensions: 5 it diameter, 47 it long 

Orientation: Stabilized with long dimension ill direction of travel 

Propulsion System: Inactive 

Position Verification: 

Time: 1140Z, 21 March 1968 

Position: 39° 17.05 t N 

81° 23.09' W 

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Altitude: 74.869 NM 

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~ 

LOUIS F. MAZZA 1fjfffi5o WDD 51 / ~ Assistant for Security I 

NRC Staff ) 

BYE 13089-68 

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