PREPARATIONS FOR UNIDENTIFIED TEST/EXPERIMENT AT SEMIPALATINSK DEGELEN MOUNTAIN TEST AREA, USSR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B07179A000100140001-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 29, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: August 18, 1978
• Content Type: REPORT

 Lanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/03/29: CIA-RDP78B07179A000100140001-3
National I Top Secret RUFF 18 AUGUST 1978
Photographic
Interpretation
Center
IMAGERY INFORMATION REPORT
PREPARATIONS FOR UNIDENTIFIED TEST/EXPERIMENT AT
SEMIPALATINSK DEGELEN MOUNTAIN TEST AREA, USSR (TSR)
(TSR) imagery acquired between early July and mid-August 1978
shows an area of unusual construction on the east edge of the Semipalatinsk Degelen
Mountain Test Area. The construction was underway in and around a previously used
test tunnel which has been recently reentered. Most of the features observed have never
been seen before at a Soviet nuclear test site and apparently are for an unusual test or
experiment of undetermined nature. This activity could involve the testing of a new type
of weapon and/or a significant change in previously used testing techniques.
(TSR) The July-August imagery shows a long band of construction activity in front
of the tunnel originating at adit 2q. This activity extends outward from the tunnel for
approximately 460 meters. Most of the features appear to be on or near the azimuth of
the projected tunnel route, which would allow for line of sight. The construction includes
the enlargement of adit 2q and possibly the tunnel beyond; two sets of unoccupied
concrete bases in front of the adit; four lattice gantries on concrete bases; several short
upright members, possibly for a series of smaller gantries, also installed on concrete
bases; a large graded area on which an earthen mound was being formed; and a trench
system along the east side of the band of construction.
(TSR) Adit 2q has been enlarged to a 9-meter width, approximately twice its origi-
nal width. The enlargement of the adit and the presence of tunnel support buildings
indicate that at least some portion of the tunnel beyond has also been widened; however,
this cannot be confirmed by overhead imagery.
(TSR) All of the concrete bases observed were constructed in shallow excavations;
the top surfaces of these bases appear to be level with the floor of the tunnel. All of the
bases appear to be the same size, Using. adit 2q as a
reference point, the respective distances to the various bases are as follows: unoccupied
single base, 33 meters; unoccupied pair of bases, 91 meters; gantry bases, 140 and 190
meters; and possible small gantry bases, 247 and 370 meters. The center of the graded
area with the earthen mound is 459 meters from the adit.
(TSR) The four lattice gantries are in two rows of two each. The two gantries which
meters wide and high. The two rows are lapart and, within
each row, the gantries are 12 to 13 meters apart.
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 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/03/29: CIA-RDP78B07179A000100140001-3
(TSR) The graded area is on slightly rolling terrain which is being leveled, possibly
to match the elevation of the tunnel. The earthen mound is being formed perpendicular
to the projected tunnel route. By 0 the mound resembled those used for the
installation of radar; however, its final form may be that of a barricade or backstop. The
trenching activity underway on consists of two parallel trenches ex-
tending from a point near adit 2q and along the east edge of the construction activity
toward the graded area. Single trenches have been dug at right angles to extend into the
vicinity of the gantries and to one of the short upright members. The trenches appear to
be suitable for instrumentation cabling although none has yet been installed.
(TSR) Although the current photographic evidence indicates that construction activ-
ity will probably continue for at least several weeks, the installation of cablelines from
the adit to a forward recording site (FRS) was probably complete and the installation of
cabling within the FRS was underway. The FRS is bracketed by an array of probable
light poles 187 meters east of adit 2q. A second array of probable light poles is 260 meters
northwest of the adit. This array may be used for additional instrumentation although no
such installation has been started.
(TSR) The current construction activity outside the adit was started between=
however, the apparent reentry of the tunnel, as indicated by the construction of
new tunnel support and equipment storage buildings, was made between late December
1977 and mid-April 1978. The tunnel at adit 2q was previously used for a nuclear test in
June 1968 and was dormant until the current activity began. The maximum available
overburden of the peak above adit 2q is approximately 170 meters.
(S) Comments and queries regarding this report are welcome. The a be directed to
Soviet Strategic Forces Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC, m or green extensio
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