COSTS RELATIVE TO A NEW SATELLITE PROGRAM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP63-00313A000500140039-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 29, 2004
• Sequence Number: 39
• Publication Date: October 17, 1963
• Content Type: MF

SEC El
Approveor Release 2004/1'2/15: CIA-RDP63-OOM 3A000500140039-0
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MEMORANDUM FOR: Deputy Director for Science and Technology
SUBJECT : Costs Relative to a New Satellite Program
1. Based upon a recent Itek proposal for the M-2 camera
system, we have deduced a series of figures which will provide
us with a base line in arriving at estimated development costs
for a new satellite camera system. We have also employed the
cost figures outlined by the BJ/M-2 committee regarding vehicle.
and launch costs in establishing the dollars associated with
an operational program. Since we have built our ballpark from
information gleaned from the-M-2 proposal, we are cautious to
suggest that the figures cited herein will only buy an M-2 or
comparable system. Should a more exotic system be desired,
specific contractor estimates should be solicited.
2. As is evident from Attachment 1, the cost involved
in the development y system will re-
quire an outlay of Attachment 2
reflects the cost involved in a single aunch of an opera-
tional system.
3. There are several qualifications which should be
taken into account in considering the overall costs of a
satellite program. In the first instance, with the return
of Atlas missiles from our overseas launch sites, we may be
able to considerably reduce the.cost as shown here by ear-
marking the returning Atlases to our program with minimal
refurbishing costs. Secondly, although we have submitted
figures for the Thorad (TAT) booster, we feel that with the
employment of the MK-8 dual recovery buckets, the possibility
of a successful orbit is reduced and we are prone to lean
towards the Atlas booster as a safety factor.. Additionally,
we have not considered film procurement and processing costs
and have assumed we would continue to employ the-same contrac-
tor now used in the CORONA/MURAL/J Pro ram The
er Atlas launch is possibly high by
however, in view of the severa e y airil-
opea items to -De employed in the program the potential overage
might provide some funding flexibility.
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RDP6f -00313A000500140039-9
 SECR
cation and tests. Operational systems could be delivered
one per month thereafter. If development is commenced by
November 1963 permitting first launch in February 1965,
4. We estimate the development of the camera system
and recovery system such as the M-2 can be accomplished
within 12 months followed by three months of system qualifi-
25X1 will be re uired this Fiscal Year with
25X1 an additional necessary in FY 1965
and in FY 1966 to complete the launch
25X1 of a ten-system program.
Copy 1. & 2 - DD/S&T '
ApproveAPor Release 2004/12/15: CIA-RDP63- 13A000500140039-0
.3 AD/OSA
4 - DAD/OSA
-5 - D/TECH/OSA
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.7 & B - PS/OSA
9 RB/OSA
Acting Assistant Director
(Special Activities)
P63-0031 3AO00500140039-0 .
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