Spy Satellite Info Just Declassified
#6
Boost Pope
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Bear in mind that this was way before the shuttle program. Without the STS, in-orbit servicing of satellites wasn't really practical. In theory, an Apollo mission could have been modified to dock with a satellite and service it, by replacing the lunar payload with additional fuel and equipment, however the last Apollo mission was in '72, after which there were just a couple of Skylab missions.
Ok, I can hear the conspiracy theorists talking about "secret" missions that we didn't know about. Obviously the spacecraft themselves were launched in "secret"...
What little I've read on it suggests that the cameras were not reloadable. The spacecraft carried 4-5 reentry vehicles, and had lifespans ranging from two to nine months. A total of 19 were launched into service.
Ok, I can hear the conspiracy theorists talking about "secret" missions that we didn't know about. Obviously the spacecraft themselves were launched in "secret"...
What little I've read on it suggests that the cameras were not reloadable. The spacecraft carried 4-5 reentry vehicles, and had lifespans ranging from two to nine months. A total of 19 were launched into service.
#7
Supporting Vendor
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I have a friend who works for the NGA, and some of the stuff he's told me about modern imaging is absolutely amazing. He's of course never quite candid, but something he told me that's stuck with me is, "Whatever it is that you think we're doing, we're 20 years ahead of that."
#8
Boost Pope
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Well, prior to the STS program, the whole idea of servicing a satellite while in orbit wasn't really practical. That was one of the big selling points used to push the shuttle through- not only could it deploy satellites, but it could service and upgrade them while on station and even recover them for return to earth if necessary.
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