NRO-MOL_2015

20 The Dorian Files Revealed: a Compendium of the NRO’s Manned Orbiting Laboratory Documents
be the necessity for a significantly
different design approach which will
be responsive to agency’s needs. 24
In an effort to respond to this criticism of the MORL
contract, the space agency revised its study task to
“lay a broad foundation for a versatile space laboratory
in such a way as to allow for later incorporation of a
wide variety of experimental requirements.” According
to this revision, the MORL study would be carried out
in parallel with DoD’s space station studies and would
make it possible “for a merging of the two with a
minimum of delay.” It would also cost less—$1.2 million
instead of $3.5 million. NASA expressed the belief that
this approach would facilitate the early initiation of a
preliminary design phase that would accommodate the
requirements of both agencies.* 25
Meanwhile, in accordance with the September 1963
NASA-DoD agreement, Dr. McMillan directed AFSC
to continue to provide Air Force documents to NASA.
Later, on 8 November, Headquarters USAF provided
AFSC formal guidance on the procedures to follow in
transferring such information. A newly-established office,
the Deputy Director of Development Planning, Space, †
was designated the Air Staff focal point for conceptual
planning of a possible new manned earth orbital and
research project and for exercising “authoritative review”
over exchange of space station data between the Air
Force and NASA. AFSC was required to submit a monthly
status report on all space station study activities, a list of
new NASA space station reports, and other data. 26
The Air Force OSS Study
For almost half a year—while the above top-level
planning was proceeding—the Air Force’s MOD study
proposals had languished. However, in the spring of 1963,
reacting to NASA’s space station activities, the Air Force
took steps to resurrect the project. On 16 May, Lt General
Howell M. Estes, Jr., AFSC Vice Commander, wrote to
General Ferguson suggesting that they initiate a “pre-
Phase I” or “Zero Phase” MODS study at an estimated
cost of $1 million. He said that since any space station
program would probably be a joint DoD-NASA effort, it
was imperative that DoD be in a position to evaluate the
extent to which objectives of Program 287 (MOD)can be
obtained by whatever program NASA proposes.” 27
* OSD approved the revised study as well as the two other studies planned
by NASA.
† Established 23 September 1953. See also Chapter V, “Evolution of the
MOL Management Structure.”
After Dr. McMillan authorized Estes to proceed, on 22
May AFSC submitted a formal proposal to Headquarters
USAF for a three-month pre-program definition MODS
study effort. The study’s basic purpose was “to enable
DoD to evaluate the extent to which the objectives of
MODS can be attained by the space station program
expected to be proposed by NASA this fall. Specific
study objectives were: (1) establish precisely the peculiar
requirements for a military orbital development system,
including the detailed design and schedule or the orbital
tests which would be needed; and (2) to determine
the minimum acceptable performance characteristics
of the station module, shuttle vehicle, and associated
equipment, as well as the criteria required to make the
system militarily useful. 28
While awaiting Headquarters USAF approval of the
MODS study, AFSC on 27 May directed the Space
Systems Division to begin preparation of RFP’s, the
MODS work statement, and other papers. On 12
June AFSC further advised that the Phase Zero study
should consider “total DoD requirements” and that Army
and Navy mission requirements would be sought for
incorporation into an appendix to the work statements.
AFSC said Army and Navy representatives also would be
invited to participate in the review of contractor progress
and final reports. 29
Subsequently, on 24 June, AFSC invited the Army
and Navy to participate in the Phase Zero study
effort. It asked the two services to provide information
on missions “which either potentially may most
advantageously be conducted from space, or advanced
through manned space experimentation and testing.”
To help prepare their submissions, AFSC forwarded
background information on the study and advised that
their designated representatives would be able to attend
contractor progress briefings. If a development program
followed, Army and Navy personnel also would be
included in the AFSC project office. 30
Early in July 1963 AFSC prepared a revised Form
613c for the National Orbital Space Station, the
new designation superseding MODS. However, this
name was short-lived, as the study project was finally
identified as the Orbital Space Station (OSS), adopting
terminology used by the Secretary of Defense. On 17
July Secretary Zuckert forwarded the OSS descriptive
task to the Secretary of Defense and advised he intended
to initiate the study at a cost of $1 million. Its primary
purpose would be to examine “on an overall parametric
basis” the contributions such a vehicle could make to
enhancing military objectives. Zuckert reported the Air
Force intended to exchange data and maintain close
coordination with the Army, Navy, and NASA. 31