Eastman Color? Pink fade,

“During the Engineering Feasibility Model phase of the program, two competing system approaches were developed, one based on coherent communications using the CO2 laser (developed by Lockheed-Martin) and the other using short-pulse communications techniques employing the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser operating at 0.532 µm (developed by McDonnell- Douglas Astronautics). The Engineering Feasibility Model developed by McDonnell-Douglas successfully met program objectives, and thus McDonnell-Douglas was awarded the follow-on program in 1975 to develop the Space Flight Test System (SFTS) [1].”

“In 1980, McDonnell-Douglas was contracted to develop a lasercom terminal for the DSP satellite [4]. McDonnell-Douglas conducted an initial trade study of two different optical cross-link technologies: a direct diode modulated link and a short-pulse-modulation format based on the Nd:YAG laser. McDonnell-Douglas engineers determined that the Nd:YAG-based link was the only technology exhibiting adequate maturity to satisfy the following requirements: rapid link acquisition, nuclear survivability, and operation with the sun in the receiver field of view. Consequently, McDonnell-Douglas was awarded a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) contract in 1980.”