FOIA
CIA FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR EARTH SATELLITE PROJECT
Document Type:
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST):
0002287889
Release Decision:
RIPPUB
Original Classification:
U
Document Page Count:
2
Document Creation Date:
September 22, 2017
Document Release Date:
October 4, 2017
Sequence Number:
Case Number:
SC-2017-00012
File:
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 DOC_0002287889.pdf | 83.87 KB |
Body:
rknm n_r_ruh, bp5srip 3 94'
Approved for Release: 2017/09/07 CO2287889-1
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence
THROUGH : Deputy Director/Intelligence (4
Deputy Director/Support
SUBJECT CIA Financial Support for Earth Satellite Project
1. The program for development and launching of a small earth
satellite vehicle was approved b NSC 5520. EO 13526 3.3(b)(1)>25Yrs
EO 13526 3.3(b)(1)>25Yrs
you indicated that CIA would render
some iinancial support to the NSC 5520 project. It is believed
that CIA support is justified for the following reasons:
a. The importance of this program in connection with
psychological warfare. The announcement of the US program
for launching an earth satellite as part of the International
Geophysical Year has already caused favorable reactions
abroad. It is essential that this initial success not be
discounted by failure to actually launch a satellite within
the time limit, or by the Soviets to anticipate
it with a launching of their own due to our failure to press
ahead vigorously.
b. CIA has a long-term interest in the development of a
true reconnaissance satellite, for which the vehicle con-
templated by NSC 5520 would provide valuable data and exper-
ience. While the Defense Department would probably-be dele-
gated responsibility for the planning and launching of a
Approved for Release: 2017/09/07 CO2287889
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, Approved for Release: 2017/09/07 CO2287889:M?
reconnaissance satellite, CIA would be a principal user
and beneficiary of the data collected by such means.
c. The satellite contemplated by NSC 5520 is to be
utilized as part of the US support to the International
Geophysical Year, in which the Soviets are also participatina.
EO 13526 3.3
d. From a national point of view, the launching of the
satellite under the auspices of an international, cooperative
scientific effort will enable progress to be made toward more
sophisticated and instrunented satellites without necessarily
Involving a test of the principle of "Freedom of Space", the
implications of which for the United States are as yet.
undetermined.
(b)(1)>25Yrs
3. In the light of the CIA interests outlined above, it is
believed that the CIA financial contribution to the earth satellite
vehicle program should be of a magnitude which will permit the
Agency to have a reasonable voice and influence in the development
and direction of the program. EO 13526 3.3(b)(1)>25Yrs
EU 1352b 3.3(b)(1)>25Yrs
EO 13526 3.5(c)
BERBERT SCOVILLE, JR.
Assistant Director
Scientific Intelligence
Approved for Release: 2017/09/07 CO2287889, , \I
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