A Case Study in NASA-DoD - The Black Vault

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COPIED
12 July 1976
Dear John:
For over two years, the Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO)
has been studying the needs, concepts, and utilities of free-flyer spacecraft
to be flown on Orbiter missions. We have concluded that there is a need for
a standard spacecraft with capabilities greater than your Applications
Explorer Mission (AEM) spacecraft, but considerably less than your Multi-
Mission Modular Spacecraft (MKS) to fly DoD Space Test Program experiments
in the Space Transportation System (STS) era. We have also concluded that
significant cost advantages can be achieved by adopting a standard spacecraft
configuration which could be used by NASA, DoD or other goverment
agencies.
In April of this year, we briefed General Snavely and Mr. E. Z. Gray
on our concepts and plans. In May 1976, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
informed us that NASA plans to develop a spacecraft with capabilities similar
to our standard spacecraft. We informed GSFC that we would use the NASA
standard spacecraft if it would be developed on a schedule which meets our
needs.
I believe it is time to formalize our intentions. We have prepared a
proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which outlines our standard satellite
requirements (attachment 1). It also presents our views on the managerial
and financial responsibilities of each agency in the development and procurement
of the spacecraft.
The Space Test Program is planning to fly the first of these spacecraft
on the Orbital Flight Test-5 mission. To meet this schedule, development of
the spacecraft would need to comence in FY 77. We are prepared to provide
NASA $L.OM in FY 77 funds to assist in this effort to assure the timely
availability of the spacecraft.
I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in obtaining a rapid
response to our proposed MOA. I would also welcome your thoughts on the
appropriate NASA signature level to the agreement to assure commitments are
fulfilled.
Sincerely,
1 Attachment
Memorandum of Agreement,
w/l attachment
Mr. John F. Yardley
Associate Administrator for
Space Flight
Code M
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
Washington, D.C. 20546
(Signed) John Martin
Assistant Secretary
Research and Development