Events - Event View
This is the "Event Detail" view, showing all available information for this event.
If the event has passed, click the "Event Report" icon to read a report and view photos that were uploaded.
Photographic Spy Satellites at Kodak 1960-1985
If you are a member, please
log in to access additional, potentially lower registration fee options.
Videoconference information will be provided in an email once registration is complete.
Registration Info
Registration is required
Payment in Full In Advance Or At Event
About this event
Abstract
The presentation will cover Kodak’s development and operation of photographic spy satellites from the first E-1 and E-2 near real time Imaging systems in the early 1960’s, to the Gambit series of very high resolution systems culminating in the mid 1980’s.
The satellites discussed are the E-1/E-2, the Lunar Orbiter, Gambit 1, Gambit 3, Dorian, and LMSS. The performance of these imaging
systems ranged from multiple meters to better than two feet in terms of ground resolution, from altitudes ranging from 60 to 80 nautical miles. These satellites were used in tight coordination with the Corona imagery.
These programs used new engineering technology, and a number of new optical fabrication methods. Many of these efforts led to
advanced manufacturing technology such as ion polishing, CNC shaping of glass mirrors up to 4 meters in diameter, advanced small tool polishing, interferomentric measurement of optical figure.
Kodak development of ultra thin base photographic film allowed the amount of such film carried to be over 10,000 feet in length.
Advanced film processing allowed the sensitometry of the imagery to be controlled for optimum interpretability. Kodak processed film from Corona and Gambit.
Speakers Bio
Michael Clayton was born in central Kansas, grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is currently retired after a long career. He graduated in 1962 from the University of Notre Dame with a BSME, specializing in Nuclear Engineering. After graduation he served on active duty from 1962 to 1965 as a Special Weapons Officer. He became employed at Eastman Kodak upon leaving active duty.
From 1965 to 1985 he provided engineering support to Gambit, Lunar Orbiter, and other programs starting as a photographic systems engineer and later managed development programs ranging in value from several million dollars to 750 million dollars.
Later in his career he was director of engineering for Eastman Kodak’s Government Systems Division managing 500 engineers across multiple development projects. He also served as division Chief Technology Officer, and Director of Active Systems. He retired in 2007. After retirement, he wrote and published “Images from the Black”, a history of the various satellite reconnaissance efforts at Kodak.
Number of People Who Will Attend
Search for your information - enter the following
* This can be your primary registrant type. Only one primary registrant type is allowed per registration.
Invalid Quantity
Register Now
Activities/Items
(Click the down-arrow to view details)