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—I6+- NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

THE NRO STAFF 

5 March 1968 

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD 

SUBJECT: Briefings on MOL Error Budget and Target Location 

Uncertainties, 27 February 1968 

On 27 February 68 briefings were presented to Gen Stewart 

by the MOL SPO on the MOL Error Budget and by ACIC on Target 

Location Uncertainties. Attendees for the two briefings are shown 

in attached listing. 

The SPO briefing reviewed the three major components of the 

pointing error: ephemeris uncertainty, tracking mirror pointing 

uncertainty and target location uncertainty. Current ephemeris prediction 

accuracies are about 8800 ft (2 sigma, in-track) for periods of high 

solar activity. The MOL specs request the SCF to provide ephemeris 

prediction accuracies of 1800 ft in-track, 2 1/2 revs after orbit 

determination span. The SPO reviewed the plans for achieving this 

accuracy which include SGLS, AOES and collection of data from 

LOGAX which can be used with the MOL low-g accelerometer. Current 

MPSS analysis by GE indicate that the tracking mirror pointing errors 

will be less than the spec value of 6 arc-minutes. The third error 

,.component, target location uncertainty was discussed in considerable 

detail and the results of parametric analyses were presented. 

Preliminary analysis of the parametric studies indicate that the probability 

of target acquisition within the total field-of-view (FOV) is not very 

sensitive to target location error; however, the probability of 

acquisition within the center half of the format is considerablly less 

than probability of acquiring the target in the total FOV. Since the 

best resolution is obtained in the center of the format it is necessary to 

have the target near the center if high quality photography is required. 

In the manned systems, the crewman can increase the probability of 

getting high quality photography by centering the target provided the 

target position is accurate enough to knsure that target is acquired 

within the total FOV and that the desired center point is specified. 

BYE-69369/69 M ,111111 11111 

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The SPO presented the following summary and recommendations: 

a. Ephemeris prediction capabilities are pushing .the 

state-of-the-art. LOGAX is critical in obtaining data for the MOL LGA. 

Work should continue in both LOGAX and development of the LGA. 

b. MPSS error is below spec value. System analysis 

by GE will continue to be reviewed each month. 

c. Target descriptions are inconsistent between 

various sources in terms of location, location uncertainty and physical 

description of item of interest. 

The ACIC briefing reviewed past support given to the MOL 

program, methods used to determine positions, current accuracy 

capabilities and a recommended system which would provide an 

integrated method for designating targets, determining accurate coordinates 

and preparing visual cues for the crewmen. The briefing pointed out 

that maps/charts cannot be used for accurate positioning due to inherent 

errors in producing maps and in measuring from maps. The most 

accurate positions can only be provided by a base map plant such as 

ACIC or AMS which has the best available source material and 

equipment. The accuracies required by the MOL can only be achieved by 

determining coordinates on a point-by-point basis and cannot be done on 

an area basis. ACIC recommended that a Master Photo Chip (MPG) be 

developed for each installation of interest. This MPC would be prepared 

from KH-4 photography on which a fine reseau would be snnerrposed. 114) Jr, The relationship of this grid to the World Geodetic System wo d also 

be determined. If all users have a copy of the MPC, the collection 

requirement can be stated in terms of the reseau coordinates. These 

reseau coordinates can be sent to ACIC for preparation of cues and 

the SPO can convert them to WGS coordinates for accurate pointing. 

Support of this effort at ACIC will require an increase of personnel 

(total of 71 spaces) and development and procurement of certain 

equipment and software. ACIC presented a schedule which would 

require that personnel recruitment be initiated in the 4th quarter: of 

FY 68. 

ACIC recommended that the MPC be approved as a concept 

for defining targets for the MOL, determining coordinates and obtaining 

cues. The MOL Program should also develop and procure certain 

equipment and software. ACIC will provide technical assistance in 

this development. 

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General Stewart stated that he had received a letter from 

General Bleymaier on this subject. It was estimated that $1.5 million 

would be needed over the next three years for equipment and software. 

General Stewart agreed that the MOL Program would fund this effort. 

He also agreed to discuss with General Thomas, ACSI, any MOL 

Program support that he might need in obtaining a manpower increase 

for ACIC. 

Colonel Howard recommended that both of these briefings 

be presented to COMIREX. It was agreed that he would sponsor on 

29 February a SPO briefing on the MOL error budget and Col Kane 

would sponsor on 7 March an ACIC briefing on the MPC concept. 

It is recommended that the MOL Program Office: 

a. Review General Bleymaier's letter and 

recommendations on the concept and support proposed by ACIC. 

b. Review plans to fund development and procurement 

of equipment and software. 

c. Follow-up on any additional support required 

after the discussion between General Stewart and General Thomas. 

DANIEL L; LYCA 

Lt Colonel, USA 

1 Atch 

Attendees 

cc: Col Battle 

Col Howard/Sweeney 
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ATTENDEES AT BRIEFINGS ON 27 FEB 68 

SAFSL 

Maj Gen Stewart 

Dr. Yarymovyoh 

Col Battle 

Col Ford 

Lt Col Sullivan 

Lt Col Loret 

Lt Col Lycan 

Maj Campbell (SPO briefing only) 

Maj DeLong (SPO briefing only) 

SAFSS 

Colonel Howard 

Mr. Schadegg 

Maj Williams on 

Maj Finkle (SPO briefing only) 

SAFSL-7B 

Col Buchanan (SPO briefing only) 

Lt Col O'Toole 

Maj Prochko 

Capt Gooch 

AFNIN 

Col Kellan (ACIC briefing only) 

Col Kane (ACIC briefing only) 

Lt Col Hodgson 

Maj Allman (ACIC briefing only) 

Mr. Eldridge (ACIC briefing only) 

Mr. Holben (ACIC briefing only) 

ACIC 

Col Maxwell 

Mr. Finnie 

Dr. Mahoney 

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