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Earth Resources Satellite Position Paper

Inputs Provided by

Sec I Value of NRO satellites to DOD DIA

Photo

SIGINT

c. EL=

How Sec Def uses data

Examples of production decisions ODDR&E, S/A

Examples of RDT&E decisions ODDR&E

Dependence on in future

Sec II Assessment of confrontation risk

Chance of being cut off Col Worthman

Treaties, U.N. position State

-National policy

Sec III Why fs U. S. interested in an ERS?

-Gemini pictures, desire to show return ODDR&E and

on space $, V. P. interest, Woods NASA

Hole and scientific community

Sec IV How should an ERS program be done? Col Worthman

Examine what is to be done - crops,

prospecting, pollution, weather,

science

Show which can be done better with

aircraft and bilateral agreements

Show cost comparison aircraft vs •

satellite

Define where satellite makes valid

contribution

DDR&E

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Sect. V - How useful is existing DOD data for an ERS Worthman

Program? DDR&E

How much is applicable to ERS (ARGO/PSAC)

What is involved in processing

Cost, Time, Trained Manpower

Possible working arrangements

Sect. VI - A recommended plan for an ERS Program

NASA aircraft to meet ERS needs. U. S. NASA

first, bilaterals next Worthman

Task system on reembursement basis for DDR&E

existing data, new data

For long term consider other options

Sect. VII Recommended actions DDR&E

Program definition phase for processing

satellite data - central processing lab (long

term needs)

Interagency NSAM for Interior, Agriculture,

Commerce

SACC interface?

NASA interface?

NASA plans aircraft program to meet needs

best met by aircraft.
•"..-• • ti 141. i

DOD Position Paper of the Earth Resources Survey Progranns

BACKGROUND:

During this coming year (1968) the NASA, Department of Interior,

Department of Agriculture and the Marine Council will increase their

activities toward establishing an earth resources survey program involving both manned and unmanned satellites.

This increasing interest if not properly oriented and directed

could jeopardize the satellite reconnaissance program of the Department of Defense. Both the proposed earth resources survey program

and the DOD intelligence collection satellites employ similar orbits

and on board sensors. Both would overfly sovereign states, friendly

and hostile. Thus an unfavorable international reaction to the proposed

earth resources survey programs will pose problems for the NRO.

Certainly the DOD must be prepared to state in analytical depth their

dependence on the NRO program, the impact the earth resources program would have on the NRO, and to suggest alternate approaches to

more economically and effectively achieving the objectives proposed for

the earth resources survey programs.

Many proponents of the earth resources program have made a

basic assumption that satellite borne sensors are the preferred approach

to meeting program objectives. NASA has configured large , manned

satellites and experiments (AAP) to see how earth resource surveys can

1•.: ! • .• • I -ICIP-4.zeitEr r
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benefit mankind. A more direct approach would be to determine the

least costly means of meeting program objectives. Ground based or

aircraft borne sensors must be carefully considered as alternate

approaches to satellite sensors. DOD studies to date show the use of

satellites would increase program costs significantly.

It is probable that the strictest enforcement of NSAM 156 will still

permit sensors and pointing systems to be flown which would show

intelligence data on airfields, oil storage tanks, major site construction, etc.

There seems to be only a very small chance the Sec Def and NASA

Administrator could agree to stop the NASA effort on the earth resources

programs using satellites or manned space stations. Since funds will be

tight in FY68 and FY69, it is a good time to consider the evolution of a

Presidential Policy which would direct NASA toward an earth resources

survey program, aircraft oriented, which would be more economical

and productive than present ERS program proposals and would not conflict with the National Intelligence Satellite Collection Programs.

This position paper will substantiate the statement that the loss to

national security which could occur if an earth resources survey program

causes international confrontation on intelligence satellite overflights is

not worth the prestige given from the most carefully thought out earth

resources satellite programs.

2

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Issue: (1) Can NASA's Earth Resources Survey Programs be resolved

with the DOD without a Presidential Policy decision?

(2) How should the problem be staffed to get a resolution?

Value of Satellites to DOD 

Section I. This section must clearly show the dependence of the DOD

on satellite intelligence over denied areas. Photographic and electronic

data thus derived must be compared to intelligence data from other

sources. Examples should be given of DOD development, production,

deployment, and operational decisions made in the past where satellite

intelligence has played a major role. The probable role of satellite

intelligence in future national decisions must be clearly shown. The

DOD investments in reconnaissance satellites in the past and that projected for the future should be summarized. The impact of losing this

source of intelligence should be shown.

Assessment of the Confrontation Risk 

Section IL This section should deal with the international implications

affecting the operation of covert satellite intelligence programs and the

risk of losing the capability. Events leading to the establishment of the

SRO should be recounted. National policy, treaties and the U. S.

position in U. N. deliberations should be explained. The impact of ERS

announcements already made by Commerce on our international relations

should be examined. Finally, the probable international reaction to an

earth resources survey program as an announced part of our national

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policy should be discussed to clearly show the possible affects on

the NRO.

Why is U. S. Interested in an ERS Program 

Section III. A strong desire exists to show in a spectacular fashion

that the technology and capability developed by the civilian space program at a cost of billions can be used to improve the lot of mankind.

The earth resources survey program has received widespread attention

in this regard. Spectacular achievements in planetary, lunar, and

unmanned scientific earth orbital programs have led to the assumption

that satellites are the way to attack problems in areas such as agriculture, forestry, geology, mining, fishing, air and water polution. Photographs by Gemini astronauts have further stimulated scientific interest

in satellites for earth sciences. NASA in their summer study group at

Woods Hole has encouraged scientific interest with little regard for cost

or consequeness. This section should summarize government and

scientific interest in satellite earth resources survey programs. A

clear distinction should be made between scientific interest and national

policy in the U. S. and foreign countries.

How Should an ERS Program be Done? 

Section IV. A distinction needs to be drawn between earth resources

survey programs per se and satellite earth resources programs. This

distinction is unappealing to the NASA since it questions the contribution

of the space program to such an objective. The satellite earth resources

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survey objectives for agriculture, forestry, mining, fishing, geology,

and other areas must be examined to determine what is to be done and

whether other approaches would be more effective, less costly, or both

in meeting objectives. Specifically data to be • obtained by satellite must

be compared to data which could be obtained on the ground or by aircraft.

This section should be based on available studies. It should attempt to

define objectives of the earth resources survey program which can best

be met with satellite borne sensors and which can best be met with

other approaches. Questionable areas needing more detailed study will

be defined.

How useful is Existing DOD Data for an Earth Resources Survey? 

Section V. This section should discuss the use of existing data. For

those phases of the earth i •esources survey program requiring satellite

sensors the output of current reconnaissance programs should be considered. The ARGO/PSAC study can be reviewed here. Possible

working arrangements should be suggested whereby the NRO can be

tasked to provide specific data processed in a useable form. The cost

of obtaining this data in terms of dollars, numbers of satellites, manpower and time needed to reduce the data within the current system

should be estimated. This data should then be expanded to show the

true cost of a satellite earth resources program where all data is

obtained by satellite and reduced for scientific and engineering consumption.
Ige.•%•••n 11 09"4.

A Recommended Plan for £fl ERS Program 

Section VL This section should outline an acceptable earth resource

survey program and show how DOD could contribute to such a program.

The plan should start with a program definition phase which will provide cost and performance trade offs. A near term program should be

outlined based primarily on the findings in IV. (How an ERS program

should be done) ? Such a near term program should make maximum

use of existing aircraft. The near term program should emphasize

survey of the U. S. first with lesser emphasis on foreign countries

where bi-lateral agreements exist (Brazil) or are likely to be consumated. This DOD plan should use the product of the NRO appropriately when it can contribute. Provisions for tasking the NRO on a cost

reembursement basis should be included.

A long range plan should be described which could be implemented

when the benefits of and need for an earth resources program are

demonstrated. The purpose of this section is primarily to show the

many factors which should be studied in a meaningful program definition

phase and to provide the direction so far as possible which should guide

the instruction of national earth resources survey program along logical

line consistent with the national interest.

Recommended Actions

Section WA. DOD recommendations should be developed which will

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lead to resolution of the conflict between the reconnaissance

satellite program and earth resources survey satellite proposals;

provide an acceptable approach to exploitation of aerospace

technology applicable to earth resources for the national interest.

This section will be prepared last. However, at this time it

appears necessary to consider recommendations in (I) above which

could result in a Presidential decision which will not only resolve the

present conflict but will also lead to the implementation of an acceptable ERS program. A NASII also appears necessary defining the

national policy on earth resources survey programs and defining a

single interface with the WRO. Such a point of contact could be in DOD

(SACC) or NASA.

It is expected the plan developed in Sec VI will meet the requirements for recommendation (2) above.

•

71.4111- 7
11:2:2,3 .40.0

Csaid Syst,m' •

Earth Resources Satellite Position Paper

Prepared by 

Sect. I - Value .of IMO satellites to DOD DIA

Photo

Sigint

a. Earn

How Se.c Def uses data

Examples of production decisions ODDR&E, S/A

Examples of RDT&E decisions . ODDR&E

Dependence on in future

Sec. II . - Assessment of confrontation risk

Chance of being cut off Col Worthman

Treaties, U. N. position State

Nat'l Policy

Sec. III - Why is U. S. interested in an ERS?

Gemini pictures, desire to show return on ODDR&E and

space $, V. P. interest, Woods Hole and NASA

scientific community

Sec. IV - How should an ERS program be done? Col Worthman

Examine what is to be done-.Crops, DDR&E.

Prospecting, Pollution, Weather, Science

Show which can be done better with aircraft

and bilateral agreements.

Show cos: comparison aircraft vs satellite

Define where satellite makes valid contribution

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GU: .

t.,$,MAB:A

DR-SEMI(

Sect. V How useful is existing DOD data for an ERS Worthroan

Program? DDR&E

- How much is applicable to ERS (ARGO/PSAC)

What is involved in processing

Cost, Time, Trained Manpower

Possible working arrangements

Sect. VI - A recommended plan for an ERS Program

NASA aircraft to meet ERS needs. U. S. NASA

first, bilaterals next 'Worthman

Task system on reembursernent basis for DDR&E

existing data, new data

For long term consider other options

Sect. VII - Recommended actions DDR&E

Program definition phase for processing

satellite data • - central processing lab (long

term needs)

Interagency NSAM for Interior, Agriculture,

Commerce

SACC interface?

NASA Interface?

NASA plans aircraft program to meet needs

best met by aircraft.

ih112 11)__SEerr'r

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letuh.e::„) e

celd ted'. 71.1

DOD Position Paper of the Earth Resources Survey Programs

•

BACKJROUND:

During this coming year (len) the NASA, Department of Interior,

. DepaArnent of Agriculture and the Marine Council will increase their

activities toward establishing an earth resources survey program involving both manned and unmanned satellites.

This increasing interest if not properly oriented and directed

could jeopardize the satellite . reconnaissance program of the Department of Defense. Both the proposed earth resources survey program

and the DOD intelligence collection satellites employ similar orbits

and on board sensors. Both would overfly sovereign states, friendly

and hostile. Thus an unfavorable international reaction to the proposed

earth resources survey programs will pose problems for the NRO.

Certainly the DOD must be prepared to state in analytical depth their

dependence on the NRO program, the impact the earth resources program would have on the NRO, and to suggest alternate approaches to

more economically and effectively achieving the objectives proposed fo'r •

the.earth resources survey programs.

Many proponents of the earth resources program have made a

basic assumption that satellite borne sensors are the preferred approach

to meeting program objectives. NASA has configured large manned

satellites and experiments (AAP) to see how earth resource surveys can

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beidit mankind. This is the antithesis of the way the problem should

be approached. A mere direct approach would be to determine the

least costly means of meeting program objectives. Ground based or

aircraft borne sensors must be carefully considered as alternate

approaches to satellite sensors. DOD studies to date show. the use of

satellites would increase program costs significantly.

It is probable that the strictest enforcement of ?#li% 156 will still

permit sensors and pointing systems to be flown which would show

intelligence data on airfields, oil storage tanks, major site construction,

etc. •

•

• There seems to be only a very small chance the Sec Def and NASA

• Administrator could agree to stop the NASA effort on the earth resourcesprograms using satellites or manned space stations. Since funds will betight in FY 68 and FY 69 it is a good time to consider the evolution of a

Presidential Policy which would direct NASA toward an earth resources

survey program, aircraft oriented, which would be more economical

and productive than present ERS program proposals and would not conflirt with the National Intelligence Satellite Collection Programs.

This position paper will substantiate the statement that the loss to

national security which could occur if an earth resources survey program

causes international confrontation on intelligence satellite overflights is

not worth the prestige given from the most carefully thought out earth'

resources satellite programs.

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Issue: (1) Can NASA's Earth Resources Survey Programs be resolved

with the DOD without a Presidential Policy decision?

(2) How should the problem be staffed to get a resolution?

Value of NRD Satellites to DOD 

Section I. This section must clearly show the dependence of the DOD

on satellite intelligence over denied areas. Photographic and electronic

data thus derived must be compared to intelligence data from other

sources. Examples should be given of DOD development, production,

deployment, and operational decisions made in the past where satellite

intelligence has played a major role. The probable role of satellite

. intelligence in future national decisions must be clearly shown. The

DOD investments in reconnaissance satellites in the past and that projected for the future should be summarized. The impact of losing this

source of intelligence should be shown.

Assessment of the Confrontation Risk 

Section II. This section should deal with the international implications

affecting the operation of covert satellite intelligence programs and tie

risk of losing the capability. Events leading to the establishment of the

NRO should be recounted. National policy, treaties and the U. S.

position in U. N. deliberations should be explained. The impact of ERS

announcements already made by Commerce on our international relations

•

should be examined. Finally, the probable international reaction to an

earth resources survey program as an announced part of our national

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policy should be discussed to clearly show the possible affects on

the NRO.

• Why is U. S. Interested in an ERS Program 

Section lit A strong desire exists to show in a spectacular fashion

that the technology and capability developed by the civilian space pro-

. • .. - gram at a cost of billions can be used to improve the lot of mankind.

The earth resources survey program 'nes received widespread attention

in- this regard. Spectacular achievements in planetary, lunar, and

unmanned scientific earth orbital programs have led to the assumption

that satellites are the way to attack problems in areas such as agriculture, forestry, geology, mining, fishing, air and water polution. Photographs by Gemini astronauts have further stimulated scientific interest

in satellites for earth sciences. NASA in their summer study group at

Woods Hole has encouraged scientific interest with little regard for cost

or consequeness. This section should summarize government and

. scientific interest in satellite earth resources survey programs. A

clear distinction should be made between scientific interest and national

policy in the U. S. and foreign countries.

•

How Should an ERS Program be Done? 

Section IV. A distinction needs to be drawn between earth resources

survey programs per se and satellite earth resources programs. This

distinction is unappealing to the NASA since it questions the contribution

of the space program to such an objective. The satellite earth resources

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surrey objectives for agriculture, forestry, mining, fishing, geology,

and other areas must be examined to determine what is to be done and

whether other approaches would be more effective, less costly, or both

in meeting objectives. Specifically data to be obtained by satellite must

be compared to data which could be obtained on the ground or by aircraft.

• This section should be based on available studies. It should attempt to

define objectives of the earth resources survey program which can best

be met with satellite borne sensors and which can best be met with

other approaches. Questionable areas needing more detailed study will

be defined.•

How useful is Existing DOD Data for an Earth Resources Survey? 

Section V. This section should discuss the use of existing data. For

those phases of the earth resources survey program requiring satellite

sensors the output of current reconnaissance programs should be considered. The ARGO/PSAC study can be reviewed here. Possible

working arrangements should be suggested whereby the NRO can be

tasked to provide specific data processed in a useable form. The cost

of obtaining this data in terms of dollars, numbers of satellites, manpower and time needed to reduce the data within the current system

should be estimated. This data should then be expanded to show the

true cost of a satellite earth resources program where all c:ata is

obtained by satellite and reduced for scientific and engineering consumption.

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• A Recommended Plan for an ERS Program 

Section VL This section should outline an acceptable earth resource

survey program and show how DOD could contribute to such a program.

The plan should start with a program definition phase which will provide cost and performance trade offs. A near term program should be •

outlined based primarily on the findings in IV. (How an ERS program

should be done) ? Such a near term program should make maximum

use of existing aircraft. The near term program should emphasize

survey of the U. S. first with lesser emphasis on foreign countries

where bilateral agreements exist (Brazil) or are likely to be consummated. This DOD plan should use the product of the ARO appropriately when it can contribute. Provisions for tasking the NRO on a cost

reernbursement basis should be included.

A long range plan should be described which could be implemented

when the benefits of and need for an earth resources program are

demonstrated. The purpose of this section is primarily to show the

many factors which should be studied in a meaningful program definition

phase and to provide the direction so far as possible which should guide

the instruction of national earth resources survey program along logical

line consistent with the national interest.

Recommended Actions

Section VII. DOD recommendations should be developed which will

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lead to resolution of the conflict between the reconnaissance

satellite program and earth resources survey satellite proposals;

provide an acceptable approach to exploitation of aerospace

technology applicable to earth resources for the national interest.

This section will be prepared last. However, at this time it

appears necessary to considerrecommendations in (1) above which

could result in a Presidential decision which will not only resolve the

present conflict but will also lead to the implementation of an acceptable EFTS program. A X also appears necessary defining the

national policy on earth resources survey programs and defining a

single interface with the NRO. Such a point of contact could be in DOD

. (SACC) or NASA.

•• It is expected the plan developed in Sec VI will meet the requirements for recommendation (2) above.

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