HEXAGON - The History of Film-based Intelligence Satellites

During the Cold War, the US evolved reconnaissance resulting in today’s real-time video technology. Initially, film was used in satellites to monitor treaty compliance and intelligence gathering of the Soviet Union and other “denied areas.” His vehicle, HEXAGON, was 60 feet long, and took pictures from 100 miles up. The program was urgent and required cooperation between the CIA and the Air Force, guided by the National Reconnaissance Office. This unclassified briefing by someone “who was there,” gives a first-person historical look at how high-resolution images were not only taken but returned via parachute to be caught in mid-air. This program was a critical Cold War asset.

### About our Speaker

Ricky J. Deutsch. Ricky holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland an MS degree from USC and an MBA from Santa Clara University.
He began his career as a B-52 maintenance officer, which included a tour in Thailand. In the 1970s, as a Captain, he was Operations Director for a now declassified top-secret reconnaissance satellite program called HEXAGON. From the Satellite Control Facility (aka the “Blue Cube”) in Sunnyvale, CA, his team generated mission-critical commands to be sent to the satellite.

He was awarded a Commendation Medal for support of this program. Following his Air Force vocation, he worked in Silicon Valley’s computer industry. Firms included Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation, Intel Corporation, and Sun Microsystems, Inc. He was a marketing manager for federal, state & local, and international government clients.
When: 22 February 2023, 1130 - 1300. Networking 1130 - 1200, Chapter Meeting 1200 - 1300.
Where: Harry's Hofbrau, Redwood City
Cost: The in-person meeting registration fee is $5, to cover the cost of the room. Attendees will purchase lunch from Harry's and bring it into the meeting room.
To participate via Zoom, please consider a donation to our chapter's scholarship fund of $15 or more. We have an active program to provide STEM grants to elementary, middle schools, and high schools.

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