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FEB 7 1967 

MEMORANDUM FOR DR. FLAX 

SUBJECT: Astronomical Mission for MOL 

As you know, during the past several months we have had 

discussions with NASA regarding the employment of MOL and 

its DORIAN sensor for astronomical missions. We have provided them with optical system descriptions and answered all 

the necessary queries about-system characteristics. We have 

'asked them to provide us discussions of astronomical uses of ,s 

MOL and the DORIAN sensor in three stages of complexity: 

a. Without any modifications. 

b. With some additional equipment provided with 

the Laboratory Module. 

With modifications to the optical system. 

It is our understanding that although Dr. Henry J. Smith, 

who was NASA's key negotiator on the subject, had prepared a 

mission paper on the first subject area, it has not yet been 

released to us. There appeared to be management problems at 

Dr. Seamans' level regarding NASA's participation in a MOL, 

astronomy mission. 

Judging from the agenda for the next meeting of the Manned '. 

_Space Flight Policy Committee scheduled for February 9, 

apparently the question of the use of DORIAN optics for astro- . • 

nomical and/or planetary observations will be raised. Appended 

for your information and use are copies of prior correspondence 

provided to you on this subject. I recommend the following 

position be taken: 

a. The DORIAN Optical System is a national resource 

of 'unusual capability which should be put to all possible uses in the 

national interest. 

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b. The DORIAN Optical System can contribute to 

astronomical and planetary observations and efforts should be put 

forth to determine those national observation requirements which 

may be satisfied by the DORIAN instrument. 

c. Policy issues relative to the use of both the 

instrument and its product-are important but can be defined and 

solved with more certainty once technical applications for astrotomical and planetary observations haVe been established. 

I further believe that, in view of possible Congressional 

discussions on the use of MOL hardware for NASA advanced missions 

we should be prepared to address the astronomy question regardless 

of NASA's internal position.: Therefore, should the meeting on 

February 9 indicate that NASA does not wish to pursue the use of the 

DORIAN instrument further, then I recommend that an ad hoc MOL 

astronomy panel be formed to study the scientific merits of the MOL 

sensor in astronomical and planetary observations.' Members of 

this panel should be drawn from a cleared group such as Dr. Minell, 

Dr. Purcell and some of the,other astronomers who are currently 

in the PSAC/INIAS cleared circuit. 

• 

I have provided-copies of the attachments to DDRaiE. 'I have 

not provided them a copy of this memo., 

GI\E.D 

HARRY L. EVANS 

Major General, USAF 

Vice Director, MOL Program 

Atchs 

Gen Evans/ 7Feb67/rad 

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