Utility of A Satellite Vehicle For Reconnaissance.

Document Title : Utility of A Satellite Vehicle For Reconnaissance.

Filename MIME Type Size (Bytes)

ADA307813.pdf application/pdf 5450462

Filename	MIME Type	Size (Bytes)
ADA307813.pdf	application/pdf	5450462

AD Number: ADA307813
Subject Categories: UNMANNED SPACECRAFT
Corporate Author: RAND CORP SANTA MONICA CA
Title: Utility of A Satellite Vehicle For Reconnaissance.
Personal Authors: Lipp, J. E.; Salter, R. M., Jr.; Wehner, R. S.; Carhart, R. R.; Culp, C. R.
Report Date: APR 51
Pages: 140 PAGES
Report Number: RAND-R-217
Monitor Acronym: X0
Monitor Series: XD
Descriptors: *ROCKETS, *RECONNAISSANCE SATELLITES, TEST AND EVALUATION, AIR FORCE, WEATHER, TELEVISION SYSTEMS, LIMITATIONS, WEIGHT, ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES, INSTRUMENTATION, RUSSIA, RECONNAISSANCE.
Abstract: The basic feasibility of satellites from the point of view of rocket performance was considered in a previous group of RAND reports. Refs. 3 through 14. That investigation pointed to several important conclusions. First, the engineering of a rocket vehicle of adequate performance for use as a satellite would require but minor development beyond the then existing technology. Secondly, the payload would have to be small (not more than 2000 lb) to keep the gross weight within reason; hence destructive payloads are not likely to be economically worth while for many years to come. Thirdly, returning the vehicle to earth intact would be difficult and should not be attempted in the early versions. The above factors indicated that the payload would be restricted to instrumentation and communication equipment and prompted the RDB (Technical Evaluation Group) and the Air Force to request that further attention be given to the question of utility. RAND's effort since 1947 on the satellite study has been closely tied to the payload-its description and military usefulness. Most attention has been directed toward reconnaissance, since that is a field in which a satellite may very well show advantages over other types of vehicles. It now appears fortunate that reconnaissance was selected for the first payload investigation. As will be seen later in the report, pioneer reconnaissance (general location and determination of appropriate targets) and weather reconnaissance are suitable with the resolving power presently available to a satellite television system. These two classes of reconnaissance have also been growing in importance to the Air Force, because of the vastness of Russia and the difficulty of gaining information by conventional means.
Limitation Code: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Source Code: 296600