A Case Study in NASA-DoD - The Black Vault

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COPIED
August 24, 1976
Honorable John J. Martin
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force
(Research and Development)
Washington, D.C. 20330
Dear Mr. Martin:
The joint USAF/NASA working group reviewing the Small Multi-Mission
Spacecraft (SHMS) has completed their study and concluded that agreement
can be reached on a joint set of technical requirements. I believe
there is an opportunity here for both agencies to initiate such a joint
program that will be cost effective to each.
We, however, are in no position to initiate such a program at this time
since NASA does not have any missions that require new start funding
for SMMS in either FY 77 or FY 73. We, therefore, cannot meet your
schedule requirement of March 1979 with such a spacecraft.
There is an alternative which may be attractive to you. The recent Rand
Study conducted for the USAF showed that the Space Test Program (STP) can
use a combination of the larger NASA Multi-Mission Spacecraft (m(S) and
upgraded Applications Explorer Missions (AEM) of $60-80M. We can jointly
study the feasibility of providing you one or two of the larger MMS and
use of the NASA planned Flight Support Systems to meet the March 1979 date
for your Teal Ruby mission. Since both the USAF Teal Ruby spacecraft and
the second NASA MMS flight are planned for the fifth Shuttle Orbiter Test
Flight, this approach would be an efficient use of common hardware by
both agencies.
Another possible alternative to meet your near tem objectives is the
upgrading and adaptation to the shuttle of the ARK spacecraft now under
NASA contract to Boeing for two Scout-launched missions. We will be pleased
to consider modifying this contract to meet your requirements, but we have
no funds to support an) such modifications at this clue.
I
Please let me know of your interest in either of these alternatives, and
we will be prepared to discuss costs and schedules. From our standpoint,
the most attractive approach to a joint SM?1S program would be that the
USAF meet its short-term objectives by one of the alternatives above, and
join NASA In a longer range development program to meet both of our longterm
requirements. NASA is ready to work toward this objective. Mlse
let me know of your desires on this matter.
Sincerely,
John E. Naugle
Associate Administrator
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Washington, D.C. 20546