Handle vul Egg 

Conte! P- -7-77.1 

NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

WASHINGTON 

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 

V OCT INS 

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE 

SUBJECT: Manned Orbiting Laboratory Monthly Status Report 

The attached Status Report on the Manned Orbiting 

Laboratory (MOL) Program covers activities through 

September 30, 1965 and is submitted in accordance with 

the September 16, 1965 instructions from the Office of 

the Secretary. 

Effective with this report, the monthly Status Report 

is being extended in scope to include BYEMAN classified 

events. This inclusion is made with the objective that the 

report might be of more meaningful assistance in keeping 

you informed of total program events. I request any suggestions or comments you might wish to make on this 

report or for other information you desire on the MOL 

Program. 

B. A. SCHRIEVER 

General, USAF 

Director, MOL Program 

1 Atch 

Status Report 

to 

DORIAN Page 1 of 1 page 

Copy 1 of 4 copies 

SAFSL BYE 37593-65 tjrion 41. ..; 

a 

Control System 
NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 via EILA 

Cmfol SystcN 

I. PROBLEMS 

A. The Presidents Science Advisory Committee (PSAC) has 

imposed the requirement that the optical sensor on MOL be capable 

of functioning in either a manned or unmanned mode. This requirement when coupled with the trade-offs and decision between the 

Tracking vs. Pointing optics presents a very complicated matrix to 

be analyzed and evaluated within the limited resources of the MOL 

Program. It is becoming increasingly clear as a consequence of 

the studies to date that a MOL vehicle that is designed for optimum 

manned operation is difficult to operate effectively in an unmanned 

mode also. At this time, it appears that new inventions, not 

presently state-of-the-art, are required to perform functions for 

which man is capable. 

A decision must be made early in the program as to how 

the alternative unmanned capability will be developed. To provide 

the basis for this decision, the MOL Systems Office has been 

directed to undertake a two- to three-month analysis of the manna. 

and unmanned versions in order to identify the critical aspects of 

the two approaches, including the impact on spacecraft and syster 

design. In addition, immediate effort has been initiated on the 

ME"' 

Page 1 of ?pages 

Copy C of 4 copies 

SAFSL BYE 37594-65 
Page 2 of ?pages 

Copy / of 4 copies 

SAFSL BYE 37594-65 

DORIAN 

twi1.$ 

NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

critical automatic subsystems required for the unmanned system 

such as V/H sensor, image trackers, improved navigation systems 

for open loop V/H determination, and optical and mechanical devices 

for partial or total compensation of variations of image motion across 

the format. 

Program direction at the present time dictates a flight 

demonstration of the unmanned mode at the best feasible resolution 

within nine months after the first manned flight. 

A report to the DNRO will be given about the middle of 

December on the results of this analysis together with a recommended course of action, and on the progress in developing critical 

automatic subsystems. 

B. Schedules and Alternate Mission Payloads: 

Related to the above is the importance which is associated 

with accomplishing a manned MOL mission in late CY 1968. This 

date was stated by the, President in his August 25, 1965 MOL 

announcement. Optics are currently the pacing item and will 

undoubtedly preclude a manned optical reconnaissance mission prior 

to mid CY 1969. Hence, it is desirable to plan immediately for an 

alternate mission payload for a manned flight in late CY 1968. 
NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

LPkii131 LA 

MOL Systems Office has been asked to look at alternate payloads 

and their degree of compatibility with MOL vehicle design. This 

subject is being proposed as an agenda item to be discussed with 

the MOL Policy Committee on October 14, 1965. 

II. CHANGE PAST MONTH 

A. Secretary Zuckert approved on September 7, 1965 the 

recommendation that the MOL be deleted as a subject for the 

Designated Systems Management Group (DSMG) review. 

B. A presentation was made to Dr. Flax, SAFRD, on 

September 10, 1965 covering justification of funds required for 

the MOL Contract Definition Phase activities. In conjunction with 

this briefing, a memorandum was prepared and forwarded to 

DDR&E requesting the approval and release of $62.0 million for 

the continuation of Pre-MOL activities and the initiation of the 

Contract Definition Phase. 

C. On September 10, 1965 Mr. Gehring who is on the staff 

of Senator Clinton Anderson received a DORIAN classified briefing 

on the MOL Program. 

D. Dr. Brown, DDR&E, was briefed on September 11, 1965 

on the status, projected schedules, and funding requirements 

associated with Definition Phase activities. 

DORIAN 

1,70, "7, 

Page 3d fpages 

Copy/ of 4 copies 

SAFSL BYE 37594-65 
NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

E. On September 13, 1965 Mr. Kirk, DDR&E, and staff were 

given a "white" briefing on the MOL Program. 

F. On September 14, 1965, Messrs. Thomas, Crabil, and 

Linder, Bureau of Budget (BOB), were given a DORIAN program 

briefing on MOL. 

G. General Cabell, Special Consultant to NASA, was briefed 

at the DORIAN level on September 16 and September 22 by the 

SAFSL staff. 

H. The Vice Director, MOL and Staff briefed the Assistant 

Secretary of Navy (R&D) and the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations 

(Development) on MOL Program status on September 17, 1965. 

I. Lt General Deane, Arms Control Disarmament Agency 

(ACDA) received a DORIAN classified briefing on MOL on 

September 19, 1965. 

J. DDR&E in a memorandum to the Secretary of the Air Force 

on September 20, 1965, approved the release of $62.0 million to 

fund for the continuation of Pre-MOL activities and the procurements 

required and associated with the Definition Phase. 

K. On September 21, 1965 Mr. W. F. Boone, on Senator 

Teague's staff, was given a DORIAN program briefing on MOL. 

DORIAN 

02 J4' 

C67471;',14 

if 

Page 4 off pages 

Copy / of 4 copies 

SAFSL BYE 37594-65 
NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

p v 

iia.a Li a Liiair 

• n 

L. Navy personnel presented to the Vice Director, MOL and 

staff on 22 September 1965 their requirements for conducting the 

Ocean Surveillance mission utilizing MOL or other space vehicles. 

The objective of the presentation was to justify the release of MOL 

funds (approximately $2.0 million) for continuation of concept 

formulation and in-house Navy support. Additional justification 

will be presented in December 1965 prior to further release of 

funds for Phase I Contract Definition, which is tentatively scheduled 

to commence in January 1966. 

M. An Air Staff Board of general officers responsible for 

developing and recommending selection criteria and for performing 

the selection of the first increment of MOL astronauts met at Headquarters USAF on September 21, September 22, September 24, and 

September 28, 1965. 

N. The Director, MOL held his first Program Review meeting 

at SSD on September 28-29. These meetings are planned on a 

frequent basis, at least once a month, to review with the Director, 

MOL the status of program activities and the identification of problems which could affect program costs, schedules or performance. 

0. The Secretary of the Air Force has scheduled the third 

meeting of the MOL Policy Committee for October 14, 1965. 

Members have been notified. 

DORIAN 

• 

CSEtrill 

Page 5 of Fpages 

Copy / of 4 copies 

SAFSL BYE 37594-65 
DORIAN 

NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

P. Request for Proposals/Work Statements were issued to 

Douglas, General Electric, and Eastman Kodak during the month. 

The work packages cover the associate contractors' assigned area 

of responsibilities and their specific tasks for conduct of the MOL 

Definition Phase. Program events are scheduled to have negotiations completed and to be on contract with each of the associates 

in early October 1965. 

III. CURRENT STATUS 

A. Laboratory Module 

The RFP/Work Statement on the Laboratory Module was 

released to Douglas on September 1, 1965. The contractor responded 

in late September with his proposal and a fixed price estimate for the 

Contract Definition Phase. Formal negotiations were commenced on 

September 30 and are continuing. An effective contract date in early 

October is planned. It is anticipated that Phase I definition will take 

approximately seven months to complete followed immediately thereafter with the initiation of Phase II acquisition in May of next year. 

Douglas plans to compete each of the major subsystems for 

which they are responsible; such as stabilization and control, power 

supply, environmental control, data management, communications, 

Page 6 of 9 pages 

Copy / of 4 copies 

SAFSL BYE 37544-65 
NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 r.7112 via II 

Unticl System 

mission simulation, cryogenic storage system, etc. The subcontractor structure should be submitted to the Air Force for their 

approval within six weeks. 

B. Mission Module 

The RFP/Work Statement on the Mission Module was discussed with General Electric on September 20 and formally released 

to the contractor on September 24. The contractor responded with 

his Definition Phase proposal and negotiations commenced on 

September 28. It is hoped that negotiations will proceed sufficiently 

well as to allow an early October effective contract date. This 

contract as presently structured will be administered as a totally 

"black" effort. This could present a difficulty under the strict 

security provisions involved in providing the required exchange of 

interface date between GE and the other vehicle contractors. 

C. Mission Payload 

Eastman Kodak responded with his fixed price proposal 

and negotiations were concluded with the contractor in late September, allowing for an effective contract date of October 1 for his 

Phase I effort. This will be administered as a totally "black" effort. 

D. Titan IIIC/Gemini B 

Contracts with Martin and McDonnell for Titan IIIC/ 

Gemini B definition were negotiated with each of the associates 

DORIAN 

Handle via BiatiAll 

Ccr.trl! Systrn 

7+. 

Page 7 of 9 pages 

Copy / of 4 copies 

SAFSL BYE 37594-65 

J 
DORIAN 

C

;N,Ir,",":11 

NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 via 

r19ntrel System 

in May 1965 and work continues in each of these areas. Final submittal and approval of recommendation on the uprated Titan IIIC/ 

MOL design configuration is due December 1, 1965. Compatibility 

studies concluded to date support the 7-segment 120-inch solid 

rocket motors and the 15 to 1 nozzle expansion ratio for the first 

stage liquid engine as the "baseline" booster configuration for the 

MOL program. 

E. MOL System Specification 

The MOL System Specification is presently written to 

include only "white" information. This document is being revised 

to include a "black" addenda to show total program scope. 

F. MOL Ast ronauts Selection 

The activity leading to the selection of the first increment 

of crew members to be assigned to the MOL program is nearing 

completion. It is anticipated that the list of selectees, including 

six Air Force and two Navy officers, will be submitted to the 

Secretary of the Air Force for approval at the MOL Policy Committee 

Meeting on October 14, 1965. 

IV. FORECAST FOR FUTURE 

A. All major associate contractors to complete negotiations 

and be on contract for the Definition Phase in early October 1965. 

Page 8 of 9 pages 

Copy / of 4 copies 

SAFSL BYE 3 75 94 - 65 
Handle via HEWN 

Centro! System 

NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

B. The third MOL Policy Committee scheduled for October14, 

1965. 

C. List of MOL astronaut selectees to be submitted to the 

Secretary of the Air Force for approval on October 14, 1965. 

D. Tentative date for the next Program Review Meeting at 

SSD scheduled for week of October 18. 

E. Director, MOL will meet with top management of Douglas, 

General Electric, Martin and McDonnell at SSD during mid-October 

to discuss MOL program objectives and Air Force/Industry management relationships. 

V. DUE DATE OF NEXT STATUS REPORT 

Next monthly MOL Program Status Report to be submitted 

November 5, 1965. 

DORIAN Page 9 of 9 pages 

Copy / of 4 copies 

SAFSL BYE 37594-65