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NRO.'SIGINT 'PROGRAM; LONG RANGE 

[NTRODUCTION 

The payload and vehicle designs now available to the Satellite 

SIGINT Program plus those not yet approved but under consideration 

have evolved from what were at one time unproven concepts. The 

SIGINT Program is dynamic and flexible in nature to respond quickly 

to changes in, requirements. Unlike photo, where changes in 

targeting generally involve only software changes, new SIGINT 

targets quite frequently require new payload designs. For instance, 

increasing the requirement for photographic coverage of the 

Sary Shagan complex involves changes to camera programs, booster 

orbitS and possibly schedule, Yet, the nature of SIGINT is such that 

emphasis on coverage of theattAiemitter at Sary Shagan dictated 

new payload designs to obtain the required emitter parameters. 

I.. SYSTEMS ALREADY REPORTED TO COMOR 

a. - will be the basic ROB system using 

a standardized Agena' vehicle with operationally flexible receivers 

and variable tasking control capability. Three 30-day missions per 

year starting mid 1966 will satisfy nearly all of the ROB requirements 

over the bands 125-12,400 mc expected through 1968. 

b. POPPY - is the preliminary search system which 

provides early indications of new signals and highly accurate 

locations of specific emitters with a very long life tasking capability. 

One major launch (4 vehicles) or two 2-vehicle launches per year 

will maintain full coverage (100-15,000 mc) in orbit at all times, 

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SYSTEMS UNDER CONSIDERATION 

New payloads not yet approved but under study for 

vehicles to be launched starting FY 67 against present 

requirements include: to be based on results of the 

present SQUARE TWENTY Mission against 

to NEW HAMPSHIRE designed to 

intercept Repeat missions of the 

payloads or any of the above are possible as active payloads expire, 

new requirements develop, or improvements become available. 

aft-rack package will be flown on a 

space-available basis in response to the present COMOR requirement. 

III. ADVANCED CONCEPTS 

Some of the many payload designs under consideration, 

but not yet selected for actual use were discussed above. These 

designs evolved from what were only concepts a relatively short 

time ago. Additional concepts are under consideration by the NRO 

which have not yet been translated into preliminary payload or 

vehicle designs but appear to offer the potential of increasing the 

low effectiveness of the program. A given concept may eventually prove 

to be inapplicable or may be supplanted by other approaches prior to 

design. Some of the many concepts under consideration by the NRO 

are listed below. While these are divided into the categories of 

Payload, Vehicle, and Operational, there is overlap between 

categories. 

a. PAYLOAD CONCEPTS 

1, Step tuned YIG filters in POPPY. This will 

permit the command station to select a given "receiver" (YIG step) 

for a pass. When the YIG receivers in are set to the same 

step, x. capability using the or similar 

technique. results. 

2. Improved signal recognition techniques for 

high priority, low power COMINT type emitters are continuously 

being investigated. 

b. VEHICLE 

Simpler, longer life, stabilized EOB type payloads. 

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3. Multiple vehicles for increasing probability 

of intercept. 

4. Use of manned orbiting vehicles with large 

antennas. 

c. OPERATIONAL 

Use of operators in peripheral sites to 

selectively "tune" and adjust payloads (via radio links) for 

optimizing or recognizing high priority target signals. 

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