Historical accuracy of satellites in the '60s

Capt Jack Harkness · 10-21-17, 08:21 PM

In 1984 I assume they had some digital satellites that could transmit data in real time to be sent to commanders to facilitate the hour or two response times we see from escorts and subs, however in 1968 this was certainly not the case.

Yes, we had spy satellites back then and I'm sure the Soviets did, too, but they all shot on film that was put in a drop pod and recovered by aircraft. It would take at least a day just to get the film in hand, let alone get it developed and sent to the right people.

Point being, should we have satellites at all in the '68 campaign?

Reference article about American satellites here: https://www.space.com/12996-secret-s...ified-nro.html

ETR3(SS) · 10-21-17, 09:28 PM

Huh, good point there. I suppose they could just be modded out. Might do that for my 1962 campaign then too.

Sean C · 10-22-17, 12:39 AM

Don't forget the time needed for a human to analyze all of those pictures.

The Bandit · 10-22-17, 04:15 AM

This is a good point, however it only takes into account photographic intelligence. While most likely more vague, there were early ELINT birds in the 60s (SAMOS-F) and the Soviets had RORSATs in 67.

10-21-17, 08:21 PM	#1
Capt Jack Harkness Samurai Navy Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 567 Downloads: 210 Uploads: 1	Historical accuracy of satellites in the '60s In 1984 I assume they had some digital satellites that could transmit data in real time to be sent to commanders to facilitate the hour or two response times we see from escorts and subs, however in 1968 this was certainly not the case. Yes, we had spy satellites back then and I'm sure the Soviets did, too, but they all shot on film that was put in a drop pod and recovered by aircraft. It would take at least a day just to get the film in hand, let alone get it developed and sent to the right people. Point being, should we have satellites at all in the '68 campaign? Reference article about American satellites here: https://www.space.com/12996-secret-s...ified-nro.html

10-21-17, 09:28 PM	#2
ETR3(SS) Ocean Warrior Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Between test depth and periscope depth Posts: 3,021 Downloads: 175 Uploads: 16	Huh, good point there. I suppose they could just be modded out. Might do that for my 1962 campaign then too. __________________ USS Kentucky SSBN 737 (G) Comms Div 2003-2006 Qualified 19 November 03 Yes I was really on a submarine.

10-22-17, 04:15 AM	#4
The Bandit Sonar Guy Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 395 Downloads: 39 Uploads: 1	This is a good point, however it only takes into account photographic intelligence. While most likely more vague, there were early ELINT birds in the 60s (SAMOS-F) and the Soviets had RORSATs in 67. __________________

10-22-17, 12:39 AM	#3
Sean C Grey Wolf Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 906 Downloads: 12 Uploads: 2	Don't forget the time needed for a human to analyze all of those pictures.