Historical accuracy of satellites in the '60s

[Capt Jack Harkness]

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-spy-satellites-declassified-nro.html

[ETR3(SS)]

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

[Sean C]

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

[The Bandit]

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.