CAMERA SETTINGS FOR RECONNAISSANCE SATELLITES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP63-00313A000600200024-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 1, 2002
• Sequence Number: 24
• Publication Date: February 21, 1963
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2002/06/SEOPPDP63-0(1.313A000600200024-8
iiimulughtputo
COR 1982
Copy 2_ of e.
2 1 FEB 1963
NRO review completed
MEMORANDUM FOR: Assistant Director, OSA
SUBJECT: Camera Settings for Reconnaissance Satellites
1. Recently a point of contention has arisen between the
Agency and SSD pertaining to camera settings for the first
LANYARD mission. It would appear that as future improved
photographic satellites, Agency controlled, are developed he
same problem will occur; therefore, it is appropriate to
determine Agency policy in this regard now.
2. The first LANYARD mission has always been considered
a combination of Engineering and Operational mission with maximum
accommodation to the engineering aspects without degrading
operational capabilities. However, it is difficult to divide
mission of this type along strictly Engineering and Operational
lines. The contention that has arisen revolves around the
camera settings and film and who has the perogative to establish
same. SSD maintains that they have the final say and, of
course, we would like to select that combination of camera
settings and film that would achieve the best operational results.
Unfortunately, the combination that SSD has selected does not
meet the operational requirements. They are highly concerned
about IMC problems and have selected a film and shutter speed
that will insure the highest probability of stopping IMC
motion but will consequently reduce useful solar illumination
to above twenty degrees and degrade resolution of the remaining
take. Development Branch is familiar with the technical
reasons involved in this matter and can brief these in detail,
if desired. It appears, from a resoltuion standpoint, results
which will be obtained using the SSD camera settings and film
will not be of appreciably higher quality than that presently
realized from our MURAL operations. With only five launches
scheduled, an immediate intelligence degrading of twenty per
cent of the planned capability is significant.
3. Our policy as regards CORONA/MURAL operations has been
that technically qualified Headquarters personnel select the
optimum camera settings and film for a particular mission to
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achieve best results considering both operational and R and D
25X11 requirements.is then directed through operational'
traffit to usell;;;;1 settings. I believe the same procedure
should be adopted for LANYARD and other subsequent Agency
controlled photo satellite operations.
4. As I understand, control of the LANYARD Proaram is
vested in the Director of Program B (LANYARD) who should have
the final say in resolving conflicts such as described above.
Request policy guidance on this problem.
WANGoSKY,
levelopment
cc: 0'A/DP
OSA/C/PS
25X1 OSA/OD/CORA
Distributidu.
#1 - AD/OSA
#2 - OSA/DD
#3 - OSA/C/OD
14 - OSA/OD/COR
- OSA/RB
#6 - OSA/C/PS
=Chie , pe a ., , OSP.
7Avisions OSA
pave atr to let SSD determine lit flight
Is atl nit Lti at 65?N). We will determine
follow on flights.
"JCL
"Above concurred in by DDR and DD/OSA. "
Approved For Release 2002/067Z5PM-RDP63-00313A000600200024-8