NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE

WASHINGTON, D.C.

THE NRO STAFF November 19, 1968

MEMORANDUM•FORIPLLEN

SUBJECT: Transition Paper for New DOD Officials

DDR&E is putting together one of many transition papers which

ared for the benefit Of incoming Defense officials. Mr.

preparing one of these papers, having to do with the

. . intelligence program. The outline of his paper is attached.

Several days ago, this enterprise and outline was coordinated with

Dr. Flax, who concurred in the proposal that the National Reconnaissance Program be included in this document. Dr. Flax's only stipulation was that he personally review the material prepared by the NRO

Staff.

My office will prepare Section IB, which consists of a very general

description of the NRP. Would you please handle Sections us and IVB?

The first of these, "Photographic Intelligence RDT&E, " is to be restricted to our R&D program for t and satellites; no systems

are to be discussed. Mr visualizing about two to three

pages (double-spaced) for . Under "Future Program, "

Mr asking where we think the NRP is heading. For

exa moving along the lines of 5% extension of the stateof-the-art? or are we moving toward genuine innovation and radical

solutions to the reconnaissance problem?

I would appreciate an indication tomorrow as to when you think

this material can befinished. DDR&E is hoping that we can wrap up

by the evening of the 21st.

Colonel, USAF

Attachment Deputy Director

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COX TENTS

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4

Introduction and Summary

Section I • Uses of Intelligence.

Section U - Relationi between various kinds of intelligence.

Section III - Resources and Capabilities.

Section IV - Comments and Recommendations

Section V • Tentative FY 64-69 Ilepen

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 ditures for Intelligence.

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TABS:

A -. Correlation of Signal Intelligence with Photographic Intelligence.

• (D/A)

. - Effectiveness of Overhead Reconnaissance. (SAC)

- A Brief Review of Sigint and Its Prospects. (NSA)

- ASser.ts to Support the SLOP. (DIA)

- Requirements for Collection by

1111111.11111MIXT) Sensors. (USIB-COMOR) .

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OUTLIM

I. INMODUCTIOR *1W saKmar

A. Description of Intelligence 

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1. U.S. Needs for Intelligence

a. SIOP

. R&D

Strategic

Tactical

2.. Organizations and Responsibilities Within Each

Major Functicoal Area (PECTIN:, SIGINT, enc.)

Descriptions of PHOTIRT„ SIGINT, General Intelligence, Tactical 

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Reconnaissance and Related Efforts (aztache,.etc.) 

Financial Summary by Program (since 1962) -- -rap, CCP, C110,—

Tactical Reconnaissance, Other,

D. Descriptions of Collection, Processing, Analysis and Reporting

Systems 

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DITELLIGMICE BD2&E

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Description of Research and Develonmerm ft: Reconnaissance 

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and Intelligence Purposes 

Phatocanhic Intelligence'RDMS

1. tbjectivis-%

. 2. DiscussiOn

Problem. Areas

Alternative Solutions

5. Summary and RecOmmendationsi

C. Signal Intelligence 

Objectives

Discussion

Problem Areas

Alternative Solutions

5. Summary and Recommendations

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D. Electronic Intelligence 

Objectives

Discussion

Problem Areas

Alternative Solutions

5. Summary and Recommendations

R. General Intelligence 

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1. ObjeCtiVi•'z•

C) 2. Discussion

Problem Areas

Alternative Solutions

5. Summary and Recommendations

F. Related Imtelligencc Activities 

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Objectives'''

Discussion

3. Problem Areas

-. 4. Alternative Solutions

`S. S=mary and Recommendations

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III. ;NCEDOD'AGEICIES i R&D MOMS

A. CIA

Objectives r.

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Discussion

Problem Areas

1

Alternative Solutions

5. Summary and Recommendations

IV. MAIMS OF THE TOTAL MGEICZ PROGRAM

A. Present Program

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Deficiencies

Areas of Concern

Current Study Effort

•Alternative Proposals

Ftture Program 

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As presently described

'Deficiencies

3. Areas of Concern

!, Studies and.Analyses wait: ao• ld be Undertaken to Develop.

Alternative solutions • SPZCIAL REG12.9.0
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V. RECOMIC= SOIDTICS APPROACM

As b. Remit of Intermitted AralyBec 

Correlated to Pital Renortituc Seeds 

BY Major Ametional Areas 

Solution Dros.et on Organizations, Ms.jor Program, and Pir.ancia.l

Posture

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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

MEMORANDUM

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FUTURE PROGRAMS (ROUX)

There are a number of potential problem areas within

the satellite photographic collection program which tend

to determine the course of future REM efforts. It is

not now anticipated that there will be extensive effort in

the NRP for improved aircraft photo systems due to the increasing concern over the survivability of aerodynamic systems

over denied areas.

The photographic satellite systems of the 1970's compared

with those of the 1960's, are characterized by much higher

quality of imagery, much longer on-orbit duration, and therefore, quantity of coverage, more efficient on-orbit operation

and greater cost and complexity. One result of these characteristics is that collection requirements can be met with much

lower launch rates. One penalty is that the responsiveness of

the system is much less and the ability to provide timely data

during periods of tension is less. Emphasis will be placed

on developments leading to improved capabilities for quick

response systems, perhaps with features of survivability.

The techniques used may be near re

of imagery from a satellite with a

Although such techniques are not p

promising approaches which may yield future capability.

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PHOTOGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE RDThE (NRP)

Introduction 

Within the NRP there are several types of RDTIA activities.

There is an area of Ekploratory Development and Advanced

velopment of components. This area has expended at abo

annually or about 4% of the NRP and will be discussed fu

in this paper. There is a much larger area of RDT&Z funding

for the development of approved systems for operational uses;

this area will not be discussed further.

Objectives 

The exploratory efforts of the NRP are executed by.EAFSP

and by CIA (0819 elements of the NRO. The efforts are addressed

to both photographic and eleclronic collection, but the majority

of past efforts have been for photographic purposes. Individual

tasks are applicable to either satellite or aerodynamic vehicle

collection platform, but within recent years, the majority of

the effort has been addressed to techniques applicable to satellite collection. There is no attempt to conduct a complete

exploratory effort, but rather the activity is restricted to

those which are unique to the NRO, and therefore, the majority

of the effort is covert. The NRO relies heavily on the much

broader 1DITIA activities of the DoD for technological progress

in areas such as launch vehicles, spacecraft technology, ground

support equipment. In addition, the NRO conducts almost no

fundamental research but supports only activities leading in

an identifiable way to improved capability in mission areas

endorsed by USIB.

Discussion

To illustrate the nature of exploratory activities within

the NRP, it is useful to consider a specific area which is

unique to the NRO and where the NRO attempts to establish the

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Another area of current emphasis relates to techniques

for electronically transmitting imagery to_ground stations.

Such techniques are now seriously limited by the performance

of the sensor but several possible approaches to a useful

solution are being explored.

Other activities relate to development of fuel cells

for electric power supplies, improved navigation and pointing techniques and methods for attitude control.

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-TOP-SECREV

The National Reconnaissance Program (NRP) is a single national

program, under the executive management of the DOD, to meet the

intelligence needs of the United States Government for the development,

management, control and operation of all projects for the collection

of intelligence and mapping and geodetic information obtained through

overflight of denied foreign territory. The NRP commits its resources •

solely and directly in response to requirements and priorities established by the United States Intelligence Board. The plans and schedules for

both satellite and aircraft reconnaissance overflights are submitted

directly to the 303 Committee of the National Security Council for approval.

The President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board regularly reviews

and provides guidance on NRP plans and activities.

The NRP resources consist of aircraft and satellites covertly performing the following missions:

Broad coverage photographic reconnaissance.

High resolution photographic reconnaissance.

C. Electronic signal intelligence collection.

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Electronics order-of-battle determination

Communications intelligence collection.

A typical broad coverage satellite mission pr

ellitography of an are

ground resolution of five to eight f

satellite electronic signal intelligence collection vehicles provide

repetitive coverage, and assure constant surveillance, of electronic

transmissions emanating from within the Sino-Soviet bloc.

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