NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

SECRET DORIAN 

MOL MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT 

FOR 

1 JANUARY THRU 31 JANUARY 1969 

J4n.es F. Chalmers 

Systems Engineering Director 

Management Systems Office 

Walter C. Williams 

Vice President 

General Manager 

MOL Division 

HANDLE VIA BYEMAN 

CONTROL SYSTEM ONLY SECRET DORIAN 

BIF-107-50091-69 

Page 1 

Total Pages: /11 

Copy of 2 

24 Fe ruary 1969 
BIF-107-50091-69 

Page 2 ' NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

DORIAN 

1.0 GENERAL 

1. 1 An AD HOC Systems Test Group was formed during the 

reporting period and the Executive Review Board conducted a survey 

of all program testing as well as the hardware test flow plan. The 

AD HOC Group provided the basis for discussions which were an 

in-depth survey of the entire Systems Test Program. The test 

program was covered with the following subjects in mind: 

a. Program requirements 

b. Elimination 

c. Redundancy 

d. Alternate planning 

e. Cost effectiveness 

f. Management (program) risk 

g. Test location 

h. Supporting hardware, equipment 

i. Current status 

j. Future planning 

All Aerospace offices participated in identifying problems based on 

the above criteria. Action items were assigned to solve identified 

problems. 

One of the principal benefits of this review was the full and 

complete understanding of the parameters, requirements and status 

of the present testing program. 

No major changes were identified but a slip of 30 days was 

authorized in GE dynamic testing. 

1. 2 One of the most striking current developments in the MOL 

Program is the presentation of major hardware items for acceptance 

and delivery. 

-S-EGRE-T DORIAN 
BIF-107-50091-69 

Page 3 NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

1.0 GENERAL - Continued 

Three major pieces of exchange hardware were delivered 

during the month: 

1. DE 15A LM Adjacent Structure Substitute (Bay 1) 

Produced by MDAC-WD for EK development 

testing. 

2. GE 48 LM Component Support structure for use with 

with DE 15A (Bays 2 & 8) produced by 

General Electric for EK development testing 

3. DG 7 Mission Module Forward Structure produced 

by MDAC-WD for General Electric use in 

thermal testing 

Contract delivery dates were met on all of the above hardware. 

As might be expected, since these are some of the initial 

hardware deliveries, certain problems were encountered. The 

hardware was built and delivered to the original specifications plus 

some, but not all, required changes and it was determined that each 

unit would require more or less modification to match the interface 

with test equipment at other associate contractors. These deliveries 

pointed out the need for a review of the Interface Program and 

Configuration Control procedures. Action was initiated to complete 

this review and prevent any recurrence of hardware mismatches. 

eeliE+ DORI AN 

DO ET ,N 
NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

BIF-107-50091-69 

Page 4 

DOM N` 

2.0 LOADS 

During the reporting period, Loads Cycle 4 was in its final 

stages of completion. All of the design loads have been completed 

by Martin-Marietta Co. (MMC) and have been transmitted to the 

contractors. Subsequent SO direction was sent to the contractors to 

use these data. 

MMC is currently calculating all thrust termination loads. 

These data will be used for structural evaluation only. They are 

expected from MMC by mid March. Also, expanded load cycle 4 

data, i.e., relative displacement transform matrix II and the revised 

Subsystem C loads transform, have been transmitted to MMC for 

deflection and loads calculation. The displacement matrix data have 

been received and transmitted to MDAC-WD for use in the interface 

dynamic excursion study. Subsystem C data is expected by 

1 March 1969. 

The only other load cycle 4 item for consideration is the loads 

calculation for the revised Subsystem B dynamic model. This update 

was required to determine the validity of the ten percent factor included 

in the previous loads data to account for Subsystem B model 

discrepancies. 

_ 

- - 

The Aerospace subdivision has concluded their ettidied-or 

the revised model, and preliminary data indicates that generally the 

loads are within the ten percent bound. 

General Electric Company (GE) is currently calculating 

comparable Subsystem B modes for submittal to MMC for their 

calculation of the official revised Subsystem B loads. 

SECRET DOMAN 
3. 2 Mark I Plume Test 

A study of the Mark I full scale contamination test concluded 

that the objectives could be accomplished during the Marquardt plume 

tests. As a result, the Mark I test was cancelled. 

4.0 ALIGNMENT 

GE and Aerospace have resolved their differences in the 

error analyses of the new airborne alignment scheme, and have 

reached an agreement that the method proposed by Aerospace has 

smaller errors. GE proposed use of the star tracker self test 

capability for the alignment leg from the base of the star tracker. 

This new approach has required further study and GE is expected 

to recommend a baseline approach during the Program Review 

in March. 

5. 0 IMAGE VELOCITY SENSOR (IVS) 

The evaluation tests at GE of the Hycon and Goodyear 

engineering model image velocity sensors have revealed the sensors 

are still not providing specification performance. While many-of 

--48hEefir---T DORIAN 

NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

-8-E0R-E-T DORL:\-iN 

BIF-107-50091 -69 

Page 5 

3.0 CONTAMINATION 

3. 1 Plume Contamination 

A MDAC-WD funded plume contamination test program was 

initiated at Marquardt during this report period. Vertical down 

pulse mode firings were conducted with vehicle simulating surfaces 

at cold (-50°F) and ambient temperatures. Significantly less 

contamination than that noted in the AEDC sub-scale tests was 

generated with the full scale thrustor. Testing will be concluded 

during the next report period. 
NRO APPROVED FOR BIF -107-50091-69 

RELEASE 1 JULY2015 ."lr"mqi2L ft.,E,Fp 

5.0 IMAGE VELOCITY SENSOR (IVS) - Continued 

the deficiencies that existed during the Phase I testing have been 

corrected, the sensitivity to center of power variation has not been 

overcome. As a consequence of this and other .difficulties, the 

completion of the evaluation will be delayed to allow for incorporation 

of modifications and to provide for retesting. 

In parallel to this effort, Aerospace is further refining 

the evaluation technique by developing statistical weightings for 

such parameters as stereo angle, target types, modulation and 

light level. These will be used in combining the test data to get a 

representative performance for typical mission operations. 

6.0 ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM / 

6.1 Fuel Cell Gas Supply System 

A meeting was held at SAMSO on 17 January 1969 to discuss 

the selection of K-bottles vs. long lines from holding areas as a means 

of supplying fuel cell gases to the LM during pre-launch 

operations. MDAC-WD presented trade study data citing advantages 

of storing cryogenic gases in the storage areas and utilizing long lines 

rather than an excessive number of K-bottles. The decision was 

made to retain the "long line" concept. 

6.2 Fuel Cell Gas Specifications 

A meeting was called by Aerospace at SAMSO on 24 January 

1969 to discuss the status of fuel cell gas procurement specifications. 

7.* 

Page 6 
BIF-107-50091-69 

NRO APPROVED FOR Page 7 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

6.0 ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM - Continued 

Present plans call for using NASA specifications for liquid 

hydrogen, gaseous oxygen and liquid oxygen. Effort is currently 

under way to determine if any problems are known at this time or 

anticipated with procuring fluids per the NASA specifications. 

6.3 Fuel Cell Reactant Purity Requirements 

A meeting was held to discuss the status of purity 

requirements for the MOL fuel cell. The requirements for the Allis 

Chalmers fuel cell oxygen and hydrogen reactant purities are the same 

as the previous MOL baseline fuel cells. These requirements were 

later re-confirmed at the Allis Chalmers fuel cell Preliminary 

Design Review (PDR). The requirements associated with GFE 

procurement of the reactants and AGE procedures to control the 

purity level during servicing were also discussed. 

6.4 Silver Ion Generator 

Meetings were held at Aerospace on the impact of 

incorporating the AiResearch Silver Ion Generator in the Allis 

Chalmers fuel cell. Presentations by AiResearch and DAC on the 

operating characteristics of the existing hardware indicates that the 

AiResearch component can only work in the continuous and low flow 

region of the Allis Chalmers water removal subsystem of the fuel 

cell. This requirement, has not been implemented in the fuel cell 

Technical Requirement Specification (TRS). Allis Chalmers and 

MDAC-WD are assessing the impact of this change on the fuel cell 

development schedule and cost, and overall program risk. 

--SE-efiE. DORJAN 

SECRET' DORIAN 
BLF-107-50091-69 

Page 8 NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

SECRET DORIAN 

7.0 OPTICS ) 

7.1 General 

On 27-28 January 1969, a Technical Review of the 

Photographic System Segment was held by Air Force/Aerospace 

at EK. This was the first of a series of such reviews that will be 

scheduled at about seven-week intervals. The review included a 

tour of the component and COA and MM level test facilities as well 

as the polishing area for the large mirror. Several side sessions, 

held during the review, contributed significantly to resolution of 

some of the items discussed. 

The EKC study report on optical system improvements 

was received in late January. Plans were prepared to review the 

study documentation during February 1969. Representatives of 

the Advanced Plans & Requirements Office and MPSS Offices of 

the MOL Division and the optical support group will participate in 

the study review. 

A short study (two weeks) was performed to estimate the 

capability of the Dorian optical system when used in conjunction 

with low-light level TV sensors and infra-red sensors. The results 

of this investigation will be available in February. 

7.2 Light Trap 

A meeting was held at EKC on 29 January 1969 with EK 

and GE to provide followup guidance to support the earlier OPR 

TWX on the problem of controlling stray light reflectance from the 

tracking mirror bay. An approach utilizing the EKC black velvet , 

including a scheme to measure average reflectance was worked out. 

The success of this approach will largely depend upon the care used 

in the application of the velvet by GE. EKC has agreed to provide 

design assistance at a design meeting at GE during the week of 

10 February 1969. An ICN is to be prepared for discussion at TSOM 9. 

-seettE4- DOM N 
BIF-107-50091-69 

NRO APPROVED FOR Page 9 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

SECRET DO1R 

8.0 TRACKING MIRROR DRIVE & ATS DRIVE STABILITY 

GE and Aerospace noise analysis and stability studies 

were reported in mid-January and were in complete agreement. 

The conclusions of the studies were tracking mirror support flexures 

must be stiffened. DSS-1 test data will be utilized to determine if 

the CEI Specification for tracking rate performance is satisfied for 

the new flexure stiffness values provided by EK. 

8.1 ATS Drive Stability 

Aerospace studies of the ATS drive stability have indicated 

that the stiffening of the Douglas shell structure was not necessary 

and stability could be guaranteed with the current values of system 

parameters. Interface signoff should proceed normally the week of 

24 February 1969. 

9.0 FLIGHTS 6 AND 7 ACTIVITIES 

The ground rules for submitting Phase II proposals for 

Flights 6 & 7 were established for all contractors. These proposals 

are scheduled to arrive from early February to mid March 1969. 

Portions of the Phase II package have already been received 

and reviewed. Comments have been supplied to the contractors. 

The review of the majority of the documents is in process and is 

expected to continue for several months. 

At the end of January 1969, the responsibility for Flights 6 

& 7 activities was transferred from the Systems Engineering Office 

to appropriate segment offices. The review of Phase II proposals 

will continue on a segment basis. 

ET DOP11",N 
BIF-107-50091-69 

Page 10 NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

RET DORI 

10.0 ADVANCED DATA SYSTEM ,/ 

The redefinition of SCF/MOL resources for flight support, 

resulting from major changes in the STC configurations and 

objectives, entered high gear in January. Six Air Force/Aerospace/ 

Contractor teams, each with several groups, are devoted to the 

project full time. Aerospace provided the pre-baseline system 

definition for use in the study, is providing key members on all 

teams (including three of the team captains) and is represented on the 

technical coordinating group and overall steering committee. The 

total manpower on the effort is over 120 systems engineers. The 

first phase of work is intended to produce a comprehensive MOL 

Flight Support Plan on 28 February. The second phase involves 

updating of all specifications by 15 April. \ The 6600 decision leaves 

MOL without an Orbit-Ephemeris Program in fact or on contract. 

Requirements definition and evaluation of alternatives commenced 

in January. 

TOR-1001(2107-25)-4 Reissue A (U) Program 632A Orbital 

Requirements Document for Manned Flights, was approved and 

published. This ORD was based upon MOL ground computer programs 

operating in CDC 3800 computers at the STC. Revisions reflecting 

use of CDC 6600 computers will be published approximately three 

months after the CDC 6600 baseline is established. 

A briefing was prepared defining a pre-baseline and approach 

to the problem for the 6600/360 System Definition Program. Full 

support is being given to this effort, including chairing the 

Implementation and Test Working Group and participation in other 

software groups. 

DORI AN 
NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

"'46E`eltE--7 DOMAN 

BIF-107-50091-69 

Page 11 

11.0 SOFTWARE STATUS 

11.1 AVE Software 

The revised Category I Test Plan for the GE AVE Software 

CPCEI was reviewed and comments from Aerospace MOL offices 

and the technical support offices were assembled. The comments were 

reviewed in a meeting with GE. Modifications required to the Test Plan 

and action agreements related to the development and test concept 

were documented in the minutes to that meeting. A series of discussions 

were held in-house related to GE's development and testing plans. The 

need for a "scientific validation," quantitative requirements for testing 

software, and the fidelity, availability, and visibility of the simulator 

for AVE S/W verification were the topics of these discussions. 

The latter topic regarding the simulator was coupled with considerations 

of the necessity of an "interpretive computer simulation." A briefing 

was prepared for Aerospace MOL Division management on the above 

topics. The meeting will be held and discussions will continue into 

the next reporting period. 

During this reporting period, the contractors reported that 

the ADC time utilization during the worst case "100 millisecond cycle" 

was estimated at 137%. This represented an increase of 49% over 

the last report. Meetings were held with GE and MDAC/IBM to 

determine means of resolving the problem. Briefings were also 

prepared for in-house management in order to explain the problem and 

to report on the status of the resolution of the problem. At this time, 

potential solutions have been defined. Direction will be given the 

contractors for implementing selected solutions during the next 

reporting period. 

A meeting was held with MDAC, IBM, Air Force and Aerospace 

personnel to discuss the Aerospace comments on the Executive 

and Maintenance Diagnostic Programs' test plans. A revised set of 

comments were prepared reflecting the results of the discussions 

for formal transmission to the contractor. 
BIF-107-50091 -69 

NRO APPROVED FOR Page 12 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

11.1 SOFTWARE STATUS - Continued 

The problem of holding, resetting and stopping the vehicle 

clock during integrated pre-launch vehicle tests was discussed inhouse. The technique for providing this capability could involve an 

AVE software modification. Meetings with the contractors will be 

held during the next reporting period on this problem. 

The AD HOC Systems Test Group (See Section 1.0, General) 

was supported during the reporting period. Test flows, AVE S/W 

test capabilities in the various hardware test facilities, critical 

paths in the test flow, and the capability for late revalidation of 

AVE S/W were topics investigated as part of this support effort. 

Discussions were held with GE on the implementation of 

the ATS streaming and hopscotching modes for the on-orbit focus 

determination exercise. The results of these discussions were 

documented for coordination. 

Discussions were also held with GE on selective core dump 

implementation. The results of these discussions were documented 

and will be coordinated during the next reporting period. 

Contractor reporting procedures for core and timing 

status have been developed in-house and are in coordination. 

11.2 Ground Software 

Mission Planning Software - The Mission Planning Software 

Preliminary Design Review has been reviewed by Aerospace, and the 

current status of the design has been incorporated into the review 

comments. 

Mission Evaluation Software - Some meetings were held 

at TRW regarding unresolved problems from the PDR such as the 

proper coordinate systems for viewing geometry and the test plan. 

SE-eft-ET-DORIAN 

CECR T DORIAN 
BIF-107-50091-69 

NRO APPROVED FOR Page 13 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

-S-EeRfic Dom N 

11.,2 SOFTWARE STATUS - Continued 

A meeting relative to the PDR was also held in Washington. TRW 

presented their approach to the MCD and the Community discussed 

which items they consider necessary for inclusion in the MCD and how 

they should be presented. It has been decided that there will be no 

single all-inclusive MCD output report, but rather that each user will 

devise his own strip and re-format requirements to print out those 

items which satisfy his needs. 

Command and Control Software - Comments on the PDR 

material have been provided for the DAC (LMCP) and are almost 

complete for GE (CG804). Primary efforts have been devoted to the 

STC 6600 redefinition. 

Mission Studies - In order to support the time line effort, 

a new target tape and data base parameters have been generated in 

coordination with the Air Force. The description of the new target tape and 

the data base parameters have been documented, and these will serve 

as the basis for all future time line studies over the next six months. 

An integrated study plan has been prepared showing basic 

study areas, and in each area specific study requests have been 

coordinated where applicable between various users. 

--EEGiiE-T DORIAN 
BIF-107-50091-69 

Page 14 NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

EET 

12.0 SAFETY 0 

As a result of a review of the MDAC-WD effort in the 

materials flammability and toxicity areas, it was determined that 

associate contractor intercommunications and data exchange was 

inadequate. MDAC-WD data requirements and plans for use were 

reviewed with a view to placing these requirements on the associates 

through the appropriate OPR. 

An informal review of the GE Safety Program was conducted 

on 21 January 1969. It was recommended that the contractor initiate 

submittal of Hazard Reports as defined in the Form 9. 

The Safety Office participated in the Wire Harness 

Technical Review at MDAC-ED. 

■.• 

, 

r, e a L%:‘ 
NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

BIF-107-50091-69 

Page 15 

-8ELeRE-T. DORI:N 

13.0 

A bidders' briefing was held on 20 January. A technical 

advisory group has been formed to evaluate contractor proposals due 

in February. 

14.0 ADVANCED PLANS -/ 

14.1 MOL Geodesy Applications Study 

The Geodesy application study was completed in January 1969. 

The results of this effort demonstrated considerable capability for such 

an application of MOL. Target positions (x, y) on the order of 300 ft. 

(or less) and altitude data (h) on the order of 150 ft. (or less) can be 

achieved. 

14.2 Wide-Band Data Systems Review 

A status briefing was prepared and presented to J. T. Stewart 

on 28 January 1969 in Los Angeles. The briefing concluded that 

extensive capability (data rates >> 20 mbits/sec) could be included 

aboard MOL for costs on order of $25-30 million (ROM). A number 

of system options (optical, X-band, S-band, satellite relay) could be 

available at this cost level. 

Costs of approximately $10 million would be required to 

achieve a minimum capability system (data rates <5 mbits/sec). 

Additional study by Aerospace and industry will be required prior 

to selection of the most attractive options. 

14.3 Low-Fly Study 

Preliminary studies were completed to determine the orbital 

sustenance velocity required to operate the MOL vehicle at perigee 

altitudes as low as 60 n. mi. In addition, a Gemini B low altitude heating 

study was initiated. 

-8eitE-7-- DORIAN 
NRO APPROVED FOR 

RELEASE 1 JULY 2015 

SECRET DOEV,N 

BIF-107-50091-69 

Page 16 

14.0 ADVANCED PLANS - Continued 

14. 4 Extended Duration MOL Design Option Study 

A study was initiated to assess the system impact of EDMOL 

configurations designed to achieve maximum low-fly or extended 

duration capabilities. In the maximum low-fly configuration, the 

EDMOL modification would provide additional propellant tankage. 

The maximum extended duration modification provides additional 

cryogenic storage. A blend of low-fly and extended duration 

capabilities could be produced through a "mix" of propellant and 

cryogenic tankage. 

A brief examination was made for the EDMOL vehicle of 

the potential benefits of moving the unpressurized compartment forward 

with an aft extension to house added expendables. Briefing charts 

were prepared describing these benefits and listing approximate cost 

savings commensurate with the benefit items. 

DOFI s"N