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-1-9+ NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

THE NRO STAFF September 22, 1970 

MEMORANDUM FOR DR. MC LUCAS 

SUBJECT: MOL Residual Computers 

Purpose: To inform you of conflicting requirements for 

MOL residual computers. 

Background: In his memo to the Secretary of Defense on 

October 6, 1969, Dr. Seamans stated that the MOL Mission 

Simulator was to be the subject of a study by NASA for 

possible use in the Apollo Applications Program. You 

will recall that the study was completed in March and 

the decision made to proceed with turnover of the Simulator 

to NASA, including the associated computers--an IBM 360/44, 

SDS 930/Beckman 2200, and a TR-48N. Of these computers, 

only the IBM 360/44 was specifically mentioned in Dr. 

Seamans' letter. Also included in the study and turnover 

decision was the use by NASA of two 4 pi airborne computers 

designed to control the Acquisition and Tracking Telescope 

Mirror. These computers are not required as part of the 

Simulator, but would be required if NASA flies a telescope 

similar to the Acquisition and Tracking Telescope in the 

SKYLAB Program. Since we arranged to turn over the elements 

of the Telescope, turnover of the 4 pi computers was a 

logical step and NASA did want them. 

The office of the Director of Data Automation--in their 

role of determining the best reutilization of computers--

has questioned the propriety of the transfer of MOL residual 

computers to NASA. Specifically, they have identified 

validated Air Force requirements for 4 pi computers, and 

have placed a hold order on transfer of the 4 pi computers 

we offered to NASA. This hold order is a challenge to the 

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original decision; however, as we prepared to respond 

we found that NASA in fact has no firm plans to use 

the 4 pi computers and there is a good chance that 

they will not be able to use them in the future. Thus 

we do not have a good argument to support retention by NASA, 

and NASA has readily offered to forego them. We propose, 

with your concurrence, to make these two 4 pi computers 

available to the Air Force; we can handle the details with 

NASA easily and at a low level. 

It is possible that the decision to turn over the 

SDS 930/Beckman 2200 and the TR-48N with the Mission 

Development Simulator may also be questioned. We intend 

to maintain a firm position on the transfer of these 

computers to NASA, on the valid basis that they form 

an integral part of the Simulator. In order to formalize 

the details of the transfer, we are proceeding to process 

an after-the-fact waiver to DOD Directives on computer 

reutilization. We will be pleased to discuss with you 

any details you may desire. 

Recommendations: That you concur with releasing the 4 pi 

computers to the Air Force. 

.Jzia4:1 

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FREDERICK L. HO 

Ai/le .4- -AL Ma'or USAF 

-(12 /4?-c, 

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-TeprSEeR"- JAM VIA BYENIATI 

Mt UM 

DEPARTMENT OF THE AlR FORCE 

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 

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MEMORANDUM 

October 1, 1970 

000:1 000 

NOTE FOR DR. NAKA 

SUBJECT: Notes for Your Meeting With 

Gen Smart 

We understand that Gen Smart will 

want to discuss with you the current 

status of disDosition of materials 

under the Studies. 

Attached is a resume of current status 

and our concerns about these studies, 

which you may wish to use as a talking 

paper. 

FREDERICK L. MANN 

Major, USAF 

Attachment 

Talking Paper 

NANCE NA ByEkiAN 

COMM SYsrE

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TALKING PAPER 

FOR MEETING WITH 

GENERAL SMART 

OCTOBER 1, 1970 

The MOL simulator has been transferred to NASA 

following completion of the Study, and there 

appears to be no problems in this area. The telescope 

and associated equipment are in the final stages of 

transfer to NASA. This is a calculated risk operation, 

and if the equipment is applicable to SKYLAB and 

represents significant costs savings or technological 

capability, the risk is acceptable. This will also 

provide some side benefit to the NRO by lending limited 

financial support to ITEK. In fact the only positive 

outgrowth of this exchange to date has been the use of 

ITEK as a consultant to the Martin Company on a tracking 

scope they have proposed for the first SKYLAB. 

We have been informally told by NASA, however, that 

they do not expect to be able to use the acquisition and 

tracking scope. If this is the case, and the equipment 

cannot be effectively used by NASA, it should be destroyed. 

DORIAN 

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With the destruction of the equipment, the paper work 

which is presently in the process of being rewritten 

from the BYEMAN system to make it unclassified, should 

also be destroyed. We believe that the risks associated 

with NASA maintaining the acquisition and tracking scope 

but not using it are unacceptable. 

At the time of turnover of equipment under the 

Study, we turned over two 4 pi airborne computers. This 

turnover was handled rather informally from the standpoint 

of obtaining clearance from the Automatic Data Processing 

Equipment people on the Air Staff. As a consequence, the 

Air Staff challenged the decision. In preparing to respond, 

we checked with NASA and found that in fact they were not 

going to be able to use the 4 pi computers. We are therefore 

in the process of withdrawing the two 4 pi computers from 

NASA and returning them to Air Force inventory. We have 

worked with Mr. Hubbard on this re-transfer. 

Following completion of the Study, we agreed to 

store the DORIAN optics for NASA at the Eastman Kodak 

facility. The approximate monthly storage cost is $5,250, 

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and there is a one time disposal charge of $50,000 if 

NASA does not want the equipment. NASA funds previously 

furnished for the storage have now been expended. NASA 

has been asked--informally, so far--to furnish more funds 

for additional storage. In response, NASA has recalled 

a statement by Dr. McLucas to Dr. Newell, that perhaps 

the NRO could fund for additional storage. We are not 

presently prepared to take a position on this matter with 

NASA, for we feel that Dr. McLucas should be queried to 

determine his present intent regarding funding for storage. 

Lt Col Walecka is handling this matter for the Comptroller. 

The transfer of the DORIAN optics to NASA--if this 

is to occur--is extremely sensitive, and we have grave 

reservations about the subject. If it is determined that 

this is in the best interests of the government, there 

are certain steps that must be taken prior to initiating 

a transfer for action. These include: 

a. A definite statement by NASA as to intended 

use, and whether or not the hardware would be modified or 

left in the original or near original configuration. 

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b. A decision by NASA whether they want the 

DORIAN optics, and Eastman Kodak as a contractor, or 

whether they are interested in only the optics or only 

Eastman Kodak. 

c. A rational history and explanation must 

be established for both optics and/or Eastman Kodak 

expertise. 

We recall that at a previous meeting between 

Dr. Newell, Dr. McLucas and Gen Allen several other 

subjects were included. Among these were the use of 

U-2 aircraft by NASA, the possible revival of ERTS C/D 

satellites (which might involve a new request for NASA 

for CORONA vehicles), and possible joint use of the 

NASA has appeared quite interested 

in the use of the in recent weeks. 

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let' NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

THE NRO STAFF October 2, 1970 

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD 

SUBJECT: Talk With Mr. Schedler on MOL Residual Computers 

On October 1, Lt Col Walecka and I discussed the 

turnover of MOL Residual Computers to NASA with Mr. Schedler. 

We explained to him a little of the history behind the 

decision to turn over the mission development simulator to 

NASA, along with the turnover of two 4 pi computers. We 

related to him that the 4 pi computers were not included 

in the Dr. Seamans' October, 1969 briefing to Secretary Laird, 

but that we had elected to turn them over to NASA based upon 

the results of the Study. We then told him of the hold 

action placed on the turnover of 4 pi computers resulting 

from the Air Force requirement to use them on the AWACS 

Program, and our subsequent actions to have them returned 

to the Air Force inventory. He agreed with our actions. 

We then explained to Mr. Schedler that in addition to 

the IBM 360/44 computer, the mission development simulator 

contained other computers; namely, an SDS 930/Beckman 2200, 

and a TR-48N. Since it was the intent of the MOL Residual 

Disposition Board to turn over simulators as complete systems, 

including associated computers, we were going to proceed 

with the turnover of the complete mission development 

simulator to NASA. We explained that to satisfy DOD 

Directives, this would require the processing of after-thefact waivers. Mr. Schedler agreed that the simulator 

including all computers should be turned over as a unit, 

and asked if we had discussed the matter with Gen Morris 

and Col McGovern. I stated that I had tried in the past to 

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Major, USAF 

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see Gen Morris, who was unavailable, and would welcome 

the opportunity to explain to him the actions we were 

taking. 

Mr. Schedler asked that we furnish him a copy of 

Secretary Seamans' letter to the Secretary of Defense, 

dated October 6, 1969 and a copy of Dr. McLucas' letter 

to Dr. Newell in which he offered the MOL Residuals to 

NASA. 

October 5, 1970 

M/R On October 2, I handcarried to Secretary Schedler 

the correspondence he had asked for, explaining that 

it could readily be sanitized. After reading the 

papers, he confirmed the results of our conversation 

on the previous day, that the MDS and associated computers 

would be transferred to NASA. 

He retained a copy of the letter from Secretary 

Seamans to Secretary of Defense dated October 6, 1969. 

FLH 

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4&-NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

THE NRO STAFF 

October 5, 1970 

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD 

SUBJECT: Discussion With General Morris 

On October 2, I discussed with General Morris the 

turn over of MOL Residuals to NASA, at the request of 

Secretary Schedler. I explained to General Morris that 

we were releasing the 4 Pi Computers to the Air Force 

and proceeding to document the turn over of the mission 

development simulator. General Morris explained his 

interests as being sure that we keep the Secretary and 

Assistant Secretaries "honest"--i.e., making sure that 

we inform them of the actions and waivers necessary to 

implement their decisions. He said, and later reiterated, 

that he wanted to be informed of the disposition of 

computers, in this case the 4 Pi and MDS Associated Computers. 

FREDERICK L. HO 

Major, USAF 

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—fS4- NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

THE NRO STAFF October 6, 1970 

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD 

SUBJECT: MOL Residual Computers 

At Secretary Schedler's request, I briefed Col Thomas 

McGovern, Assistant for Data Automation, Office of the 

Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary (Financial Management) 

today. I briefly reviewed for him the events leading to 

the decision to turn over the Mission Development Simulator, 

its associated computers, and the 4 Pi Airborne Computers 

to NASA. I told him of the events that had transpired 

since then, leading to our decision to turn back the 4 Pi 

Computers to the Air Force. Col McGovern said that 

Mr. Schedler supported our position, provided that the 

Mission Development Simulator Computers could be retained 

by NASA legally. The remainder of our discussion was 

devoted to the Mission Development Simulator. 

Col McGovern said that because of the way other MOL 

Residual Computer lad been handled the request for a 

waiver to permitVo retain the MDS Associated Computers 

would undoubtedly receive extremely close scrutiny from 

DSA and GSA. As a starting point, we should contact 

Col Burkett, AFACDC, and determine from him whether or 

not there is a validated need in the Air Force for any 

of the MDS related computers. The answer to this question 

will determine our next course of action. If there is no 

validated Air Force requirement, then we will probably 

prepare a memorandum for Secretary Seamans' signature to 

DSA, stating the compelling reasons why we should turn over 

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the MDS computers for NASA use. At some point, GSA 

enters the act, since they and not DSA are the computer 

releasing authority for all government agencies outside 

of DOD. 

In order to be fully prepared to support the turnover 

to NASA we need to know the answers to certain questions. 

Prime among these are the degree of modification of the 

computers themselves, that make them peculiar to the MDS. 

Specific questions that need answers are: 

a. Is the IBM 360/44 modified in any way, and 

if so to what extent 

b. Is there anything peculiar in the software 

for this computer that would preclude substitution of 

another computer in its place? It appears that the IBM 

360/44 is a fairly limited machine, and many computers 

with greater capacity could be used in its stead. Software 

specifically written around this machine, however, could 

preclude its replacement. 

c. The interface between the SDS 930/Beckman 

2200 is another area that needs investigation. If the 

program is written in such a manner that neither of these 

computers can be substituted then we may have a case for 

turning them over as a unit. 

d. If removal of a component, e.g., the core 

of the IBM 360/44 would render the remainder of the 

simulator virtually useless, this may be a reason for 

requesting turnover of the simulator as a unit. The 

latter point may bear investigation, since there is presently 

a validated requirement by SAC for an additional core unit 

for their IBM 360/44 computer--the only other IBM 360/44 

in the Air Force inventory. 

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The outlook for turning the MDS computers over to 

NASA is not particularly bright. Several other MOL 

Program Residual Computers have already been returned to 

the Air Force for redistribution, from such places as 

Florida State University and the Army at Huntsville. 

Col McGovern said that Secretary Seamans and Dr. McLucas 

had been informed of this--or soon would be--and that he 

had prepared a talking paper on this subject for Mr. Schedler 

to use. Finally, Representative Sikes of Florida maintains 

a strong interest in the computer field, and may be expected 

to question the re-use of these MOL computers. 

FREDERICK L. HO MA 

Major, USAF 
ASINT MESSAGEFOrtht 

N 0 APPROVED FOR 

TO: SAMSO LOS ANGELES CALIF 

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SIGN RE 

DD 1NOVR. 31 7 3 *U.V. GOVERNMENT winos omen t $56 221471 

REPLACES EDJ710,A OF I MAY 55 WHICH MAY 6E USED 

DATE TIME GROUP 

0 6 21 Z 1 z OCT 10 

119■0.17110.2•111.111INNIMMINIIM iffiE1•1•1.1 

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS 

PRECEDENCE 

AcrloN ROUTINE 

ore 

RI rel"zt 'r ICATION 

UNCLASSIFIED E F T 0 

BOOK 

TYPE MSG 

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x 

L 

A / • 

F 

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A TYPED (or stamped) NAME AND TITLE 

s FREDERICK L. HOFMANN, 

a OFFICE OF SPACE SYSTEM 

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION REGRADING INSTRUCTION'_: 

UNCLASSIFIED E F T 0- 

FROM' OSAF 

INFO: CSAF (AFADACB) grZCA1 

DSA 

AFPRO G.E. VALLEY FORGE PA 

UNCLASSIFIED E F T 0 SAFSS 

For SAMSO, Mr. Rutter; Info for CSAF (AFADACB), Mr. 

Bartell; DSA for DSAHrLSR, Mr. Babler; AFPRO for 

Mr. Isaacson from SAFSS, Maj Hofmann. Reference 

SAFSS message 161249Z Jun 70. NASA no longer has a 

requirement for the two 4 pi computers listed in 

referenced message. As a consequence, they have agreed 

to release these 4 pi computers to the Air Force in 

accordance with the instructions contained in referenced 

message. Please take the necessary action to release 

this equipment being held for NASA and report it for 

reutilization in accordance with applicable directives. 

DATE 

MONTH 

OCT 

PAGE NO. 

TIME 

NO. OF 

PAGES. 

YEAR 

1970 

PHONE 

525. 94 

TYPED NAME AND TITLE 

Major Ho tmann 

ENCRYPT FOR 

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ONLY 

SAFSS 4 

A PAC.13- 3 

J R, USAF 
NR 

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1) APPROVECFOR ABBREVIATED JOINT MESSAGEFORM 

ASE 1 JULY 2015 and/or COI \RATION SHEET 

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ACTION ROUTINE 

INFO ROUTINE 1 

Items to be reported are identified as IBM airborne 

digital computers: 

' Model No. 6873800-1 

IT No. 199207 

Schedule 5-0-1698, Item 1. 

and 

Model No. 6853000 - 

IT No. 220787 

Schedule 5-9-1539, Item 1 

Also td be reported is the IBM ADC Control Panel 

Model No, 645539 

IT No. 199203 

Schedule 5-9-1539 

Please inform when action is completed. 

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MESSAGE IDENTIFICATION INITIALS 

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