Re: CU Crypto Session Sat

[Paul Schauble <pls@crl.com>]

On Tue, 26 Apr 1994, Phil Karn wrote:

> Some time ago I worked out the theoretical limits on spy satellite
> resolution.  It's a simple exercise in optics, if you make optimistic
> assumptions like no atmospheric distortion, etc. My only major
> engineering assumption was that the objective mirror had to fit inside
> the payload fairing of a Titan launcher, i.e., about 2 meters max. The
> result, at visible wavelengths and for the slant ranges typical of spy
> satellite orbits, was about 1 foot. This was completely consistent
> with the leaked KH-11 photos of the Soviet aircraft carrier published
> some time back in AW&ST and Deep Black.  Good, but not exactly good
> enough to read poker hands, I would say.
> 
What do you get if you assume the largest mirror that can fit in the 
shuttle cargo bay?

   ++PLS