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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

WASHINGTON 20330 

September 15, 1969 

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 

MEMORANDUM FOR DR. M2LUCAS 

SUBJECT: NASA Astronomy Program Considerations of 

DORIAN Technology 

The NASA Orbiting Astronomy activities center principally on the 0A0 Program. This program which has been 

underway since 1965 is approaching completion of a highly 

successful and scientifically useful year of astronomical 

observations by OAO-II. A description of the instrument 

package in this spacecraft is in the attachment. OAO-B 

is currently scheduled for launch in the 4th quarter of this 

year, but may be delayed if OAO-II continues to perform 

satisfactorily. OAO-B will fly a Goddard scanning spectrometer that has a high quality 38 inch diameter cassegrain 

telescope. This spacecraft is to be followed in 12 months 

by OAO-C which will include the Princeton Experiment 

Package with a high resolution 32 inch cassegrain telescope. 

OAO-D is planned two years later and while its experiment 

package has not been firmly identified, it will probably 

carry a single large telescope based on the OAO-B instrument. 

It is now intended that OAO-D will be tasked in response to 

requests from throughout the Astronomical Community. If 

all goes as planned, it will provide for a quite active 

observing program principally in the UV, and the trend 

will be towards improved resolution, improved pointing and 

offset guidance for examination of faint sources. 

I am told that Astronomers have difficulty in agreeing 

on goals, objectives and ways and means which of course, 

complicates NASA's program. However, I do feel there is a 

general consensus that OAO is reasonably well arranged 

within the financial and technological constraints that 

exist or are believed to exist. 

DORIAN 

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As to the NASA's future intentions relative to this 

field, a very strong case has been made to the Presidential 

Space Task Group for a vigorous orbital astronomy program 

even if faced with severe and unanticipated funding 

restrictions. 

The Agency's plans call for an evolutionary continuation 

of the OAO series featuring instrument improvements in both 

performance and capability. By OAO-G, in the early 1980's, 

the plan calls for a man tended 120 inch diameter diffraction 

limited telescope in orbit for a much extended duration. To 

reach this goal, it has been estimated that a program expenditure level of $100 million annually will be necessary commencing 

no later than FY 1971. This would be about twice their 

current level. 

A large but very uncertain fraction of this $100 million 

level is planned for the acquisition of manufacturing and 

test facilities capable of developing the 3 meter optic. 

Hence the sudden interest in the Eastman facilities. 

As I see it, the problem has two distinct facets. One 

of these is the physical facilities required; and the second 

is the technology involved in designing, manufacturing and 

adequately testing the optic. At Col Allen's suggestion, I 

discussed this matter with Dr. A. Mienel who along with 

others has just recently completed a review of the status of 

competence and capabilities of our major optical manufacturer 

for Dr. Land under his PSAC responsibilities. Based on this 

current information it is Mienel's view that the existing 

technological and facilities basis at both Perkin Elmer and 

Itek are, with some relatively minor upgrading, quite 

capable of doing the NASA job. Incidently, Mienel also 

calls attention to the existence of the imminently applicable 

but near idle 150 inch colimator at Wright Field. 

The second factor, NASA's desire to avoid repeating 

the learning phase represented by Eastman's experience with 

DORIAN, could be far more severe. However, with suitable 

consulting services which appear readily available, Mienel 

believes this, too, could be largely avoided. 

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An uncertainty in this entire business is the schedule 

by which NASA would want the 3 meter mirror if it can be 

assumed that technology is not constraining. I am aware 

of some discussion of a two meter stellar telescope, a 

derivative of the Apollo Telescope Mount, as a primary 

element of the second dry workshop in AAP. This mission 

is currently scheduled for mid calendar 1974. In order to 

meet such a schedule, the telescope work should be initiated 

at once--especially if it is to be done by a supplier other 

than Eastman. Perhaps if a sufficient transfer of technology 

could be arranged, NASA could begin a two meter program with 

either Itek or Perkin Elmer and a more lengthy three meter 

program with the other. Mienel feels either could do either 

job. This would unquestionably be costly and program 

scheduling factors might not require a parallel development. 

However, it would certainly be a welcome (in many quarters) 

shot in the arm for the country's optics community. 

A second and potentially related step would be to follow 

a two meter telescope in AAP in mid 1970 with a two meter or 

larger telescope in the OAO series in late 1970. Such a 

program could entail by-passing OAO-E and F in favor of what 

is now planned as OAO-G. 

A program of this scope is being discussed within NASA 

and is reported to be favorably received. NASA has expressed 

interest in studying the problem of integrating a DORIAN 

size mirror into the ATM design and will, I understand, ask 

for permission to make such an analysis. It should involve 

briefing not more than two or three people on the Eastman 

operation. Attendant to the study would be an estimate by 

someone like Dr. Mienel as to the degree of difficulty 

involved in getting from the DORIAN primary mirror design 

to one suitable for stellar astronomy. 

As a consequence of my discussion with Dr. Mienel, I 

tend to feel that the facilities question is noise level. 

This provided NASA can be convinced that it is unnecessary 

to duplicate all of the ONF facility at some other vendor. 

Far more serious, I fear, and impacting the new facility 

question as well, is the problem of NASA repeating the pre 

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SAMUEL H. HUBBARD 

Technical Advisor 

MOL Program 

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1965-1969 learning process that Eastman went through on G3 

and then DORIAN with either Itek or Perkin Elmer. In this 

regard, it occurs to me that it might be useful for NASA 

to pay Eastman through the Air Force to develop a fairly 

detailed cost and time estimate of the engineering task and 

minimum facilities involved in doing the NASA job. Such an 

estimate could then be used by NASA to evaluate proposals by 

Itek or Perkin Elmer. 

It may develop that schedule considerations will delay 

NASA's need for the capability such that that which exists 

at Eastman could be made available at some time sufficiently 

far in the future that the sensitivity factor would be less 

severe. However, NASA's current planning as modified by 

their new understanding of the state of optical technology, 

will likely result in their proceeding much earlier. 

To summarize, it appears that an approach can be developed 

that will make possible an adequate "white" facility capable 

of fulfilling NASA requirements. There also appears to be 

a way in which excessive duplication of existing developments 

can be avoided. 

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NASA ORBITING ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY PROGRAM 

Program 

Launch Date Duration Status 

OAO - I 1st Qtr 66 Failed* 

OAO - II 4th Qtr 68 Continuing 

OAO - B 4th Qtr 69 Approved 

OAO - C 4th Qtr 70 Approved 

OAO - D 4th Qtr 72 Planned 

*Spacecraft Subsystems 

OAO - II 

Experiments: 

1. Wisconsin Experiment Package 

(a) four 8 inch Stellar Photometers 

(b) two Scanning Spectrometers 

(c) one 16 inch Nebular Photometer 

2. Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Package 

(a) four telescopic Schwarzschild Camera, Electronic Rec. 

with imaging Uvicon 

Objectives: 

1. Collectively Map Celestial Sphere 

2. Determine Stellar Energy Distributions 

3. Measure UV Emission Line Intensities in Diffuse Nebulae 
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Performance: 

All objectives have been met. Spacecraft and all experiments continues to function normally. By January 1969, 

the WEP had made 213 observations of 120 objects and 

obtained 204 pictures of celestial sphere. 

OAO - B launch may be delayed pending continued High 

Performance of OAO - II. 

OAO - B 

1. Goddard Experiment Package 

(a) Scanning Spectrometer with 38-inch Cassegrain 

Objective: Obtain spectrophotometric data on stars, 

nebulae, and galaxies in the UV with a spectral resolution 

of about two angstroms. 

Status: Spacecraft is in final systems test and can support 

the launch date late this year. 

OAO - C 

1. Princeton Experiment Package 

(a) High resolution 32 inch Cassegrain telescope with 

primary resolving power of 0.1 angstrom for UV. 0.1 arc 

second pointing. 

2. Universitys of London and Liecester Package 

(a) X-ray monitor. 

Status: Prototype assembly and qualification testing, 

acceptance testing of spacecraft components. Princeton 

experiment in advanced testing, delivery and acceptance 

testing of X ray experiment. 
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OAO - D 

1. Single large OAO - B type telescope 

Objective: 

1. Improved spectral resolution 

2. Offset guidance 

Status: Planning, Experiment, Definition, Experiment 

Design and Spacecraft fabrication initiated in CY 1969. 
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June 30, 1969 

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

WASHINGTON 20330 

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 

MEMORANDUM FOR MR. HANSEN, SAFRD 

Although I am aware of various efforts underway in 

the MOL Program and Systems Offices, the Air Staff, and 

NASA aimed at exploiting MOL residuals and/or carrying-on 

essential work, I nevertheless feel that a more formal, 

comprehensive review should also be undertaken to insure 

that maximum national benefit is realized from MOL hardware, technology, and experience. 

What I have in mind is an Ad Hoc Group of appropriate 

individuals to accomplish the following: 

o Identify all significant MOL hardware, test 

and checkout equipment, technology, etc., which might be 

useful to DOD and/or NASA. Review MOL Program/System Office 

disposition actions and plans in this regard and provide any 

necessary additional guidance. 

o Identify any essential MOL work which must be 

continued in other AF projects. Review actions already 

taken, underway, or planned and provide any necessary 

guidance or direction to the appropriate AF agency. 

o Identify desirable MOL technology which might 

be continued as follow-on Exploratory or Advancedjevelopment 

projects, and provide any necessary guidanceor'direction to 

the appropriate AF agency. 

o Prepare a report on all of the above as of 

August 1. 

For composition of thb Ad Hoc Group, I suggest 

Dr. Yarymovych as Chairman, with General Hedrick, General 

Gilbert, and appropriate representatives from MOL and SAMS° 

as members. Additionally, consideration should be given to 

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the inclusion of NASA and DDR&E representatives as members of 

the group; as a minimum, an early and continuing liaison should 

be established with those agencies. 

Although those elements of the DORIAN camera system that 

are applicable to an unmanned system and in the process of 

transfer to the National Reconnaissance Program are excluded 

from this review, the Ad Hoc Group should consider all man-unique 

aspects of the MOL camera system regardless of classification. 

To facilitate its use, the report of the Ad Hoc Group 

should be a non-BYEMAN document and make no inference of any 

such material. BYEMAN-classified aspects of the MOL Program 

dealt with by the Group should be covered in a supplementary 

annex to the basic document. 

Attached for your use, as appropriate, is an unclassified 

version of this memorandum. 

t. ti C.S,.,c 

ROBERT C. SEAMANS Jr. 

Attachment 

a/s 

cc: SAFUS 

AFCCS 

AFSC (SCG) 

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIRFORCE 

WASHINGTON 20330 

June 30, 1969 

MEMORANDUM FOR MR. HANSEN, SAFRD 

Although I am aware of various efforts underway in the 

MOL Program and Systems Offices, the Air Staff, and NASA aimed 

at exploiting MOL residuals and/or carrying-on essential work, 

I nevertheless feel that a more formal, comprehensive review 

should also be undertaken to insure that maximum national benefit is realized from MOL hardware, technology, and experience. 

What I have in mind is an Ad Hoc Group of appropriate 

individuals to accomplish the following: 

o Identify all significant MOL hardware, test and 

checkout equipment, technology, etc., which might be useful to 

DOD and/or NASA. Review MOL Program/System Office disposition 

actions and plans in this regard and provide any necessary 

additional guidance. 

o Identify any essential MOL work which must be 

continued in other AF projects. Review actions already taken, 

underway, or planned and provide any necessary guidance or 

direction to the appropriate AF agency. 

o Identify desirable MOL technology which might be 

continued as follow-on Exploratory or Advanced Development 

projects, and provide any necessary guidance or direction to 

the appropriate AF agency. 

o Prepare a report on all of the above as of 

August 1. 

For composition of the Ad Hoc Group, I suggest 

Dr. Yarymovych as Chairman, with General Hedrick, General 

Gilbert, and appropriate representatives from MOL and SAMSO 

as members. Additionally, consideration should be given to the 

inclusion of NASA and DDR&E representatives as members of the 

group; as a minimum, an early and continuing liaison should be 

established with those agencies. 

12 ,7- C. / 

ROBERT C. SEAMANS JR. 
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THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20301 

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JUN 9 1969 

Honorable L. Mendel Rivers 

Chairman, House Armed Services Committee 

House of Representatives 

Dear Mr. Rivers: 

We have decided to terminate the Manned Orbiting Laboratory 

(MOL) Program. 

The primary purpose of MOL, as you know, has always been the 

collection of technical intelligence through very high resolution 

photography of Soviet and Chinese weapons and equipment. You 

will recall that when MOL was approved by President Johnson in 

1965, only manual operation of the camera by the MOL flight crew 

appeared feasible. Later, as fully automatic operation of the camera 

began to appear more practical, there still were advantages to 

continuing development of the manned space vehicle. Additionally, 

it was also apparent that the MOL manned reconnaissance system 

would always possess certain unique capabilities, operational 

flexibility, and somewhat better performance. 

Unfortunately, the MOL Program development phase has stretched 

out and the total cost increased for various reasons. At the same 

time, the technology required to operate the camera in an unmanned 

satellite has continued to mature. It will be considerably less costly 

to terminate MOL, and to develop an unmanned system using the 

MOL camera. We should save about $275M in FY 70 and $300M in 

FY 71. 

Since the camera payload in the MOL spacecraft has always been a 

very closely held matter (and is being developed under a covert 

contract), the public announcement will indicate that the entire 

program has been cancelled and that several million dollars will be 

saved. The continuation of camera development and its incorporation 

into an unmanned spacecraft will be handled covertly, as are the 

unmanned reconnaissance satellites in the National Reconnaissance 

Program. 

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foP SLOET WORKING COPY 
Attached is an unclassified notice to you of MOL termination for use 

as you deem appropriate. 

Attachment 

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■;.1) woRm. 

17% A

4i i 

o's/.;71:2,j 

TOP HOLT 

THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 

WASHINGTON, O. C. 20301 

41.1111.11111$ 

.311"1 

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE 

DIRECTOR, NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE 

The Air Force is hereby directed to terminate the MOL Program except 

for those camera system elements useful for incorporation into an unmanned satellite system optimized to use the TITAN III D. Directions 

____.t.o_M.OL..contractors should be issued on.-Tuesday-marning,-June 10; -at 

which time we will also notify the Congress and make a public statement 

that MOL is cancelled. 

Close-out costs for MOL, which I understand are approximately $75 

z million more than is now available to the MOL Program, should be included in the unclassified FY 70 Air Force budget. An additional $175 

million should be included in classified NRP portion's of the FY 70 Air 

Force budget. This will provide for development of the camera system 

at a reduced pace, for competition for a new spacecraft, and for possible 

initiation of system development late in FY 70. 

All future work on the camera and an unmanned system will be part of 

the NRP. As a security measure, appropriate elements of the MOL 

Project Offices and the camera system contracts should be transferred 

to the Air Force NRP Special Projects Offices at an early date. Overt 

MOL activities should be phased out in conjunction with the closeout 

of MOL Program activities. 

A plan for development of the unmanned system should be submitted to 

the Executive Committee by August 1. This plan should include proposed 

system performance, cost, and schedules. Other than continuing the 

camera system development at a reduced rate, no new work should be 

initiated until this review. 

cc: Mr. I-1_1m s 

Dr. 

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