DECEMBER 29, 1959 MEETING OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE COUNCIL AND THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80B01676R001100010011-9
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 22
• Document Creation Date: December 14, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 20, 2002
• Sequence Number: 11
• Publication Date: December 16, 1959
• Content Type: MF

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A.~C+ PAPER---PRTVTT.EGED ..--
T"or L ithorized Persons Only
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE COUNCIL 7 f
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
MEMORANDUM for Honorable Allen W. Dulles, Director of
Central Intelligence
Subject: December 29, 1959 Meeting, of the National Aeronautics
and Space Council and the National Security Council
1. You are invited to participate in a -joint meeting of the
National Aeronautics and Space Council and the National
Security Council in the Cabinet Room of the White House
at 2:30 p.m. on December 29, 1959, for the purpose of
considering the enclosed draft of U. S. Policy on Outer
Space. An additional agenda item related to this policy
and of interest to you will be a report on a comparative
study of U.S. and US`:R capabilities in space science
and technology.
2. A financial annex for the tnolicv paper is in preparation
.and will be forwarded as soon as it is available.
raij~' tyn W. Phillips
rr_ `ng Secretary
Enclosure:
Final Draft, dtd. 12J16/15 Copy No. 1.
!'Ili. doci1
1'i2 i' efr.? S'A fit
Seri"
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U. S. POLICY ON OUTER SPACE
December 16, 1959
National Aeronautics and Space Council
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U. S. POLICY ON OUTER SPACE
Table of Contents
Pat
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS-------------------------------------- 1
SCOPE OF POLICY ------------------------------------------
SIGNIFICANCE OF OUTER SPACE TO U. S. SECURITY------------ 1
USE OF OUTER SPACE---------------------------------------- 4
General--------------------------------------------- 4
Scientific Research and Exploration----------------- 4
Operational Applications of Space Technology-------- 6
Manned Space Flight and Exploration----------------- 7
INTERNATIONAL PRINCIPLES, PROCEDURES, AND ARRANGEMENTS--- 8
OBJECTIVES ------------------- -------------------------------- 10
POLICY GUIDANCE ----------------------------------------------- 11
PRIORITY, SCOPE AND LEVEL OF EFFORT---------------------- 11
PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPLOITATION------------------------------- 11
RECONNAISSANCE SATELLITES--------------------------------- 12
MANNED SPACE FLIGHT---- ------------------------------ 12
INTERNATIONAL PRINCIPLES, PROCEDURES AND ARRANGEMENTS---- 12
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION----------?------------------------- 14
ANNEX Ae The Soviet Space Program-------------------------- 15
- ii -
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GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
SCOPE OF POLICY
1. This policy is concerned with U.S. interests in scientific,
civil, military, and political activities related to outer space. It
deals with sounding rockets, earth satellites, and other space vehicles,
their relationship to the exploration and use of outer space, and their
political and psychological significance. Although the relation between
outer space technology and ballistic missile technology is recognized,
U.S. policy on ballistic missiles is not covered in this policy.
Anti-missile defense systems also are not covered except to the extent
that space vehicles may be used in connection with such systems.
SIGNIFICANCE OF OUTER SPACE TO U.S. SECURITY
2. Outer space presents a new and imposing challenge. Although
the full potentialities and significance of outer space remain largely
to be explored, it is already clear that there are important scientific,
civil, military, and political implications for the national security,
including the psychological impact of outer space activities which is
of broad significance to national prestige.
3. Outer space generally has been viewed as an area of intense
competition which has been characterized to date by comparison of Soviet
and U.S. activities. The successes of the Soviet Union in placing the
first earth satellite in orbit, in launching the first space probe to
reach escape velocity, in achieving the first "hard" landing on the moon
and in obtaining the first pictures of the back side of the moon have
resulted in substantial and enduring gains in Soviet prestige. The U.S.
has launched a greater number of earth satellites and has also launched
a space probe which has achieved escape velocity. These U.S. activities
have resulted in a number of scientifically significant "firsts."
However, the space vehicles launched by the Soviet Union have been
substantially heavier than those of the U.S., and weight has been a
major point of comparison internationally. In addition, the Soviets
have benefited from their ability to conceal any failures from public
scrutiny.
4. From the political and psychological standpoint the most
significant factor of Soviet space accomplishments is that they have
produced new credibility for Soviet statements and claims. Where once
the Soviet Union was not generally believed, even its baldest propaganda
claims are now apt to be accepted at face value, not only abroad but in
the United States. The Soviets have used this credibility for the
following purposes:
a. To claim general superiority for the Soviet system on
the grounds that the Sputniks and Luniks demonstrate the ability
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if the system to produce great results in an extremely short
9,1~riod of time.
b. To claim that the world balance has shifted in favor
of Communism.
d, Ti create a new image of the Soviet Union as a
technologically powerful, scientifically sop?isticated nation
that is equal to the U,S. in most respects, uperior in others,
and with a far more brilliant future.
1 zLrCate a new military iY..age, of :ire: vast manpower
YIvm Communist nations nr.w backed by w:eapo i.ry that is as
'T tintifictlii advanced as that of the w'2!.. t. sLperior in the
ml-,s aiY fiwld., aad superior in quantity in a_I fields.
a.. Soviet efforts atready have achieved a c nsiderable degree
success, and may be expected to show fu:ther gai is with each nota.i) e
space ace science and
oechno Logy, There is -Yvid(ente that a cons iderabie )ortion of world
Leadership and the world publi,:: expects the United States to "catch up'
with the Soviet Union, and further expects this to >e demonstrated by
U.S, aAlity to, e ~:.ai Soviet 8p-acre payloads and to match or surpass
Soviet accomplishments. Feila::a;e cc satisfy such ear,ectations may give
rise c'.) the belief that the United States is '"se;;or i best," thus
-ransi . rring to the Soviets addit ona_i increments c prestige and
_redib:ility now enj~ -dyed by the United State's,
1. to the layman, nsnr.A spac flight and tipioration will
p w n ant the tru fi, u st r outer space and henc the ultimate
goal rs space activities. No unmanned experiment can substitute for
m.etrtneG space exploration in is psychological efitec-_ on the peoples
o) f the wcr?ld. There is reason to believe that the Soviets, atter
getting an earlier start, are placing as much emphs9is on their manned
:;Pacoe Flight program as is the U.S.
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8. The scientific value of space exploration and the prestige
accruing therefrom have been demonstrated. The scientific uses of
space are a patent factor in the derivation of fundamental information
of use in most fields of knowledge. Further, the greater the breadth
and precision the knowledge of the space enfironment, the greater the
ability to exploit its potentials.
9. Among several foreseeable civil applications of earth satellites,
two at present offer unique capabilities which are promising in fields of
significance to the national economy: communications and meteorology.
Other civil potentials are also likely to be identified,
10, The great importance of certain military utilization of
outer space already has been recognized; however, the full military
potential of outer space remains to be determined by further experience,
studies, technical developments and strategic considerations. Space
technology constitutes a foreseeable means of obtaining increasingly
essential information regarding a potential enemy whose area and
security preclude the effective and timely acquisition of these data
by foreseeable non-space techniques. Space technology is being further
utilized with the intention of more effectively accomplishing other
military functions by complementing or extending non-space capabilities.
In addition, as space technology and resulting uses of outer space
expand, new military requirements and opportunities for development
of new military capabilities are likely to materialize.
11. Space vehicles may also have important application and
may play a key role in the implementation of international agreements
which may be concluded respecting the reduction and control of
armaments, cessation of atomio, tests, and safeguards against surprise
attack.
12. Outer space activities present new oppo'r'tunities and
problems in the conduct of the, relations of the U.S. with its allies,
neutral states, and the Soviet bloc; and the establishment of sound
international relationships in this new field is of fundamental
significance to the national security. Of importance in seeking such
relationships is the fact that all nations have an interest in the
purposes for which outer space is explored and used and in the
achievement of an orderly basis for the conduct of space activities.
Moreover, many nations are capable of participating directly in
various aspects of outer space activities, and international
participation in such applications of space vehicles as those involved
in scientific research, weather forecasting, and communications may
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essential to full realization of the potential: ties of such
.&.ctivities. In addition, an improvement of the i-rternational position
>f the U. S. may be effected through U. S. leadership in extending
'.nternationally the benefits of the peaceful uses of outer space. The
!:act that the results of arrangements in certain `ields, even though
*ntered into for peaceful purposes, could have miiitary implications,
may :ondition the extent of such arrangements in .hose fields.
i,ene xa i
1?, As further knowledge of outer space 14 obtained, the
Advantages to be accrued will become more apparen?::. At the present
?:ime,, space activities are directed toward technoi.ogical development
and scientific exploration; however, it is anticiaated that systems
will be put into operation, beginning in the near future, that will
,sore directly contribute to national security and well-being and be
f ir.:.ter?nationai benefit.
i4.: Present and planned outer space activities will require
..he use of the following classes of vehicles:
aa. Sounding Rockets* - Vehicles that are launched
~tical y or in a ballistic trajectory to heights well
utslde the earth's atmosphere and return -o earth.
1,. Earth Satellites - Manned and unmtinned vehicles
.hat orbit the earth.
c. Space Probes and Interplanetary Space Vehicles -
ned and unmanned vehicles that escape tie earth environm+2nt
-) Traverse interplanetary space.
it is not possible to foresee all the uses of outer space,
ut the ability to identify and develop such uses will be significantly
aallaenced by the breadth of the exploratory scientific research which
s ur_dertaken.
ific Research and Exploration
3 Space technology affords new and unigae opportunities for
Jmaneuiate and long-range scientific observation, experimentation, and
Sounding rockets have also been defined as those vertically
un hed rockets that do not penetrate outer space beyond one
narta radius, approximately 4000 statute miles.
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exploration which will add to our knowledge and understanding of the
earth, the solar system, and the universe. Immediate opportunities
exist in many areas, including among others:
a. Atmosphere - Study of the structure and composition
of the earth's outer atmosphere.
b. Ionosphere - Measurement of the electron density of
the earth's outer ionosphere and its temporal and spacial variations.
c. Energetic Particles - Measurement of cosmic ray intensity,
radiation belts, and auroral particles and their variations with
time and space in the vicinity of the earth and moon.
d. Electric and Magnetic Fields - Measurement of the magnitude
and variations of the earth's magnetic field and the associated
ionospheric electric currents.
e. Gravitational Fields - Study of the detailed motion of
existing and special satellites with the object of determining a
more detailed picture of the earth's and moon's gravitational field..
f. Astzronvmy v Preliminary investigation of the moon; and
measurement of spectra, especially in the ultraviolet and X-ray
regions, including the brightness and positions of interesting
regions of the sky.
g. Bich Sciences - Investigation of the effects of outer
space on living organisms, especially those which have most
application to the manned exploration. of outer space.
h. Geodesy - Measurement of the size and shape of the earth,
and location of land masses and water.
17. Future possibilities for scientific research and exploration
include: continuation on a more sophisticated basis of the measurements
of atmospheres, ionospheres, electric and magnetic fields, and expansion
of such measurements to Mars and Venus and ultimately throughout the
solar system; astronomical observations from points beyond the earth's
atmosphere; manned and unmanned exploration of the moon and the planets;
advanced experiments designed to test certain predictions of the theory
of relativity and other theories relating to the fundamental nature of
the universe; investigation of the occurrence of biological phenomena
in outer space.
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`c. All op} l_..: titans at We t?chi
promise of early ,c_-pea aticna i utility for Mil
poses are based on the earth satellite These
cnf,ense program or the cl'ui ian `_ ,ra av. New
j these appiiCatl'ons, but the full extent cl t:t
ec iv.e ext:ens ion of an i-:xis ting a LVi_ m.V Lt
it^siraole activity. Jr is expected gnat aural
WtLcal and social implications has "Yet to of dE
pplications are aesigned to enhance rnili :ary Lape
fated requirements of the Military Services anni e
. vei.Sped for use as operational systems. 1h e apl.:
expected to be available earliest. art as :Al ws
tier space that now
..aiy or cii llian
-.nplications ulticnaleiy
r'e to survive in either
will either have W
L Ling activity, te:e
ceation of a new
L~ will be gained
Lr military, ecenorr.ic,
ermined. Military
i ~ities by fulfillin,=
a currently being
i..ations that ate
a, Sa c . i i t 5 , rj;C't p .-,vide weather'
zi.at: on a global scale, maki.nc use rt such shniques as television,
ptics., inlrared c.eteci"o''c's anc .a'c1al. WO eiatiO:n on cla;'ud cover,
.a-arm locations, plecip1 tatio:. tai ".i? to i ark _ '-"o, heat C_7alance and
_er vapor would permit impr-sad wratneo i recasting, including
Dliii warnings., useful in a variet'1 of (:.v, ac".tivitie5 such av
1'lx'cl-cta! , iod.o triot and ianso'?rta`:LOt ativities, and wcuia
we a t,!t" '.. 11'4f. rY?Cidt l: ,a to 'eW r ,711 r3t ~. peratioual needs.
13a ..:tTdaT~-'4.i~a Sa--,aILI" "v' , .' r improve and
at nd e.ciet"ng w ..?iLOW, a i r r the MLLitar?
r:.wive ,. such sysi;?eod. w':..li pr vile m o- :'.tt:ivte' g abal
s .n . , 5 , i AA , , control, and
-r C L L af,f; , s Will ;anted
--ugh m;,? v p' mp'.e sa;rt,l. j, o. r, _ x y'a4en;i 45. s g cdpacivy, any
a, r eiiahility. Duerr w:.rlo:wid- t ^iission r vci e
" ,, Naili}':.f l :iC Sai:l[lie SMOM6 .x vide gi- oa1..
weather iap.abilii i:r: Tana, s:a u r vehicle:e which
pe mi t a'_ ur Ot OM rmtrar ion T p i s. ; in the Casio
M111W;cv., v.`' P .a:L. c-, a u,.:J b, pt.sible.
'ice lsi c dja is . ~ Ll Wt 1 Sa nice systems
'Y;.? ffdijpink. da: i t ec"oncmic,,
ary and no 11s Lici imps, t"tarcr end L. ~ p. -rid'e ge:acx tic
it data s.:oh as tb-s_, r,e, _lr: 1 i m mi. tie operas: ions.
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u at t & s api;'ea 1 pet ) LULL I'
)r
i
t
;
ai runcLi aS. (a.) tac i.1LaLil g i kli!: j ional c ,a:pera,.
a T ,., a ,d Zrs4. .L r.., ite per .., di.t::u. ( j.r, vidtt a four;}
~'lr 3ur_rm Itt: re.-pecLittg in tit i;ufldl pL Jicall5 ar'i y
ate ::tiv, i ;S, Fut lee devcwi.plr, uL make it desLrai4t'
,p
3e pe,:L,,rMk,1 u V is the at. pi eS oZ
2D, 4i.nIA'fi1 St:at,Cs s'Lpremacy' lei
er :nil L. A. Wup-erioorit1 in ..lltC Spiaoe ~C
W~a y+ Oct energetically a itt
titer space by the L .S., based upon s tip .e
i ai i rOgLeSS, dresign ti a) !.a> aC...,.i_:L'
kr.o.aiedge, military stre.ngtil, - tat
wa s i e i which may be de`t L ec iix? -fit
a t _ida~ ti: space; L i1P._ t4 and Lh r is agft app L
iE_+ tt..:e*3 in 3.eLaLed matters. ana t- -I- (I;
ii;ternati )nally
~peaatic rs
Xs; (b) liabi it'
reservation of
ad problem of
Lerferenee between
nd landing: of
t rritory of 0L`.,er
ki;ie eXpi iuaLiO:L dlt ~y
,L lent if lc. and
LAat enna cemenE- .I
'-apabiii.'_ les, and
advantdieuus
)Li ate interrrat--;.)nai
and deer tnstra` e
u?-. necessarily
spacer _ ;ivl
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POLICY GUIDANCE
PRIORITY, SCOPE AND LEVEL OF EFFORT
32. Commit and effectively apply adequate resources with a
priority sufficient to enable the U.S. /at the earliest practicable
time/1 to achieve the objectives as stated in paragraph 31.
33. Relate the resources and effort to be expended on outer
space activities to other programs to ensure that the anticipated
gains from such activities are properly related to possible gains from
other programs which may be competitive for manpower, facilities, funds
or other resources.
34. In addition to undertaking necessary immediate and short-
range activities related to outer space, develop goals and supporting
plans for outer space activities for the longer range, through at least
a ten-year period.
35. Study on a continuing basis the implications and possible
consequences which United States and foreign exploitation of outer space
may hold for international and national political and social institutions.
Critically examine such exploitation for possible consequences on
activities and on life on earth (e.g., the use of nuclear energy for
auxiliary or main power sources or for other applications in outer space
which may affect health, or other outer space activities which may
affect weather or other factors relating to activities and life on earth).
36. Periodically evaluate and compare the space activities of the
U.S. and USSR with a view to determining, in so far as possible, the
goals and relative rate of progress of each country's program,
PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPLOITATION
37. To minimize the psychological advantages which the USSR has
acquired as a result of space accomplishments, select from among those
current or projected U.S. space activities of intrinsic military,
scientific or technological value, one or more projects which offer
promise of obtaining a demonstrably effective advantage over the Soviets
1Budget wants to delete.
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vie;; and to present U.S. outer space prugess n the mos
s= ta.r as is consistent with solid achievement is the over-all
cram, stress these projects in present and future programming.
W. Identify, to the greatest extent posslo e, the interests
asuizatons of other Free World nations in cute space with
-
"-S.-sponsored activities and accomplishments.
39., Develop information programs that wrii xploit fully U.S,
.apace activities on a continuing basis; espec lily develop programs
er overseas the psychological impact at Sov et outer space
4h. At the earliest practicable date, suujet to limitations
sed by the President, use reconnaissance sac~lJ Les to enhance the
iligence effort.
atioliEd to civil purposes.
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nsider the extent to which t.,niurataLic . obtained through
it;ary use of space, as ::n the case of ir,::onr xissance sateiliL.es;
ANNED SPACE FLIGHT
~ me
P'
th;: earliest practicable time, - ~-i,.a- , ed with manned
aa.d exploration, starting with the recovery rom orbit of a mare,=:?d
' iLE,RRNATICNAL PRINCIPLES PROCEDURES AND ARRANGEMEII'S
'!tinue t support the pr'Lncip. e thhdc
to use wcof outer space ar- corcerncu,
r exploration and use by all, and in t
consider as a possible U.S. position the ri.gnt
T. s{ice. of orbital space vehicles or objects n
carnage (b) where the U.S. contemplate
q(-ihicles and significant adverse internal
seek to develop measures designed
t.t.ogt; and (c) consider the usefulness of
,r= emsrts respecting ceiesiiai bodies.
'on(iuct a study of the implications} 10
tag ?ession peaceful uses of outer spat:-w
;is.--Kpression in a manner that would best serve
i., so tar as peac , .c i
.Lrr space is f.r:o'e
Ls connection:
.,1 transit through
equipped to intl
military applications
sonal reaction is
nimize or count orac
ternationa1
Utne national secu r i r_y
n a view Lo deli in in;
fie interests of
C
E
.
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45,1 Taking into account, among
other factors, the relationship of outer
space capabilities to the present and
future security position of the
United States, study-
a. The scope of control
and character of safeguards
required in an international
system designed to assure
that outer space be used for
peaceful purposes only; include
in this study an assessment of
the technical feasibility of a
positive enforcement system and
an examination of the possibility
of multi-lateral or international
control of all outer space
activities.
b. The relationship between
any international arrangement to
assure that outer space be used
for peaceful purposes only and
other aspects of the regulation
and reduction of armed forces
and armaments.
45.2 Considering fully the
relationship of space capabilities
to the present and future over-all
U.S. military posture, ensure that
no international agreements might
be reached which would result in a
net disadvantage to the United States
by sustaining or enhancing over-all.
Soviet military capabilities while
restricting those of the United States.,
In this connection, study the relation-
ship between any international arrange-
ment to assure that outer space be used
for peaceful* purposes only and other
aspects of the regulation and reduction
of armed forces and armaments,
46.2 Ensure that any inter
national agreements which would place
major restrictions or limitations
upon military use of outer space are
accompanied by enforceable and
positive guarantees of compliance
with such agreements. In this
connection, study the scope of con-
trol and character of safeguards
required
in
an international system
designed
to
assure that outer space
be used
for
peaceful* purposes only;
include
in
this study an assessment
of the technical feasibility of a
positive enforcement system and an
examination of the possibility of
multi-lateral or international
control of all outer space activities.
*This does not necessarily exclude
military applications
IState, Budget, NASA, NSF and Spec. Assistant to the President for
Science and Technology proposal
2Defense/JCS proposal
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the i.n ~ecest o> establishing an suLe
1v a .vompiishrlent 4-i space flight operations,
re se illdizaLed, seek international afire
'ome for..n Cr identification and ra_gistLs_i
t `he ner advantage tc natio ..ai s* curie
Ar. damage caused by space vehicles; (c) es
nLies for space vehicles and the reia :.eo p s ayo.
ission; (d) avoidance of interteren:e be F S*'ee
t; and (e) the re-entry and landing of spact
c 3.her cY design., On the 'cerritory ci path-r na Lor
s i.oaa basis fc
pure the desirability
on such problems
si of spac*_ vehicles
Liab~ ity fir
cation of radi .~
of termination of
space vehicles and
err hicles, -hrou,gh
;() seek to vnc:ease international L.uopt L: a. in seled.ced
;; i.=,ies rmlating to the peaceful exploration and Est: of ouer spae
such means as: a) Arrangements within the =_ ar :work of the
ational scientific community including the at -,.,i?-tee on space
d he net 3UVd.LLL :
0,Ater space
W La.Y t.dYCLII':Y, Li E: SA-Viet Uni in< LnV t ?nai.s.iriia cl fangeme;.tu C
31 _ ar.d mul ti-lateral arrangemennLs wy 1 the U,S, and
rtm: t or consui tation and agrees :ant t' spe: ?~ titer:lat >nal
-u- OIL the United Nations in
~ , .
ti n ill the exploration anc use or o,ater ypm and in s r infra
:"s r"?_ S in_g ..:.r s:~nl ~Au - s ija,: e act - w_ L L
i)dvelop means and Lake app ?:pt-atr -,Las alts to in nL. re
d,s the USSR in. making the sciertifL, an technological
LLt :: -- from its cu>:.er space progzaw a.:. 1 Wit: he wcr d at
availability and use or sc?lePt-i iC and .. ugicai
aLin. ; sec.crLty L.1as:.s i Lt.
g~
:aunt j ? ne Lead acciieved by tbl.: UJS? So L )i ter spa-,t
r%>l l '- -'
--e ;~he a6varLta#?,es the t . s . f rum C;
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THE SOVIET SPACE PROGRAM
1. Soviet Objectives: The USSR has announced that the objective
of its space program is the attainment of manned interplanetary travel.
At present, the program appears to be directed toward the acquisition
of scientific and technological data which would be applicable to Soviet
space activities, their ICBM program, and basic scientific research.
While the space program was undoubtedly initiated to serve scientific
purposes, one of the primary underlying motivations which continues to
give it impetus is the promise of substantial world-wide political and
psychological gains for the USSR. Military considerations may have little
bearing on the decision to develop certain types of space vehicles,
although the successful development of these vehicles may result in
military applications. Thus, it can be concluded that the Soviet space
program has four major objectives. These objectives will have varying
priorities as the program itself progresses and as new political and
military requirements develop:
a. Manned space travel
b. Scientific research
c. Propaganda
d. Military applications.
Of the above, it appears now that flight test priority has been on the
scientific and propaganda objectives rather than on man-'in-space or
military applications.
2. Back round: Russian interest in space flight dates back to
1903 when a scientific paper was published entitled: "Investigation of
Universal Space by Means of Rocket Flight," by the eminent Russian
scientist Tsiolkovsky. Several other Russian actions took place during
the succeeding years to the present which have been identified as at
least partially associated with a space program. These have included
the founding of the Soviet Institute of Theoretical Astronomy in 1923,
establishment in 1934 of a government-sponsored rocket research program,
flights of animals in vertical rockets since the early 1950's, and
systematic investigations of moon flight problems starting in 1953.
The establishment in early 1955 of the Interagency Commission for
Interplanetary Communications was indicative of the Soviet realization
that theory and capability for space flight were both feasible and
that accomplishment of a long cherished ambition was within sight.
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icrity: The Soviets have demonstrates nat they are
v J1 Lng a well-planned space flight program. The importance attached
.!1--.s program is illustrated by the high quality o the scientists
to its direction, by the broad range of tac icies and specialists
gaged in its implementation, and by the wealth of neoreticai and appiied
saarc being conducted in its support. However, te numbers of space
actually launched over the past few years hive not been as
.nerous as had been expected and it is apparent tha their actual
A.. program is proceeding, at a fairly deliberate ace. While there
direct evidence on the priority or the over-al Soviet space program
Fir, the military missile program, it is beizev?a that any interference
:ween the two would be resolved in favor of the mi site program. To date
;,sever, there is no indication that the space prc:ogr -m has interfered with
missile program.
t;apabiiities; The Soviet Union dramatica iy demonstrated its
'et, and capability in space flight with the oft, Ling of two earth
I.- es in the fall of 1957, and a third in May I?ao. These were
w4'd by the launching of three lunar associated enicles in 1959.
indicates that the Soviet space program has been built on the
zdaF_ bn of military rocketry and guidance systems with military and
Eicies probably engaged dually in supporti.g tests or military
._
issiles and space experiments. Thus, alt oough these first
its were doubtlessly undertaken for the tu-tnerance or scieentiiic
e and for whatever psychological and poi.iLic ii advantage wouid
the Soviet military, by intimate participaci n of its nardware,
=nxl, and facilities, has been in a position cc utilize immediately
:krnwledge for the. enhancement or the Soviet mi Lary position and
The realization of more advanced space rojects, particularity
)vt, ving manned flight, must be preceded by s vast amount or
'ic anad technological. work directed towards t i~e development or
space vehicles, the determination of basic c. erational requirements
rittati:Dns, and the creation of an environment n: equipment capable
.asi.iining human life in outer space. Since such a program embraces
+7ua y .il fields of science and engineering,, the rollowing areas
particularly examined for evidence of Soviet tc .hr~ical capability:
idde_d nissiles, (including vertical rocket launchir s), re-entry venicies
iniues, propulsion, guidance, communication:, space mecicine,
wer supplies, and celestial mechanics. t .lie firm association
fields with a space program varied considei o:y, it is noted
Late of Soviet art in all the sciences re(aired in a space
i, is such that no scientific or technical ?7ari Hers of magnitude
,lii -)-?n noted. Four areas deemed critical to a si .ce program have
ezc l.y? received considerable attention by the UssR; e.g., development
rocket-engine propulsion systems, vertical ocket flights with
_
-y(including recovery devices), space medi.cfnt and celestial
c :s. (here are indications that Soviet adsvan< -d thinking and study
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in astro-biology apparently have been de-emphasized in favor of providing
an artificial environment within a vehicle suitable for manned space flight.
5. Future Capabilities:
a. There is no firm evidence of Soviet future plans for the
exploration of outer space with either unmanned or manned vehicles.
It is believed they will continue and expand their scientific research
with further unmanned earth satellites, lunar probes (including
satellites and soft landings), solar and planetary probes. Manned
experiments will probably be conducted in earth satellites, circum-
lunar flights and soft landings on the moon. It is expected that
all manned flights into outer space will be preceded by similar
tests with animals, unless for political purposes the Soviets
attempt a high risk program. Man-in-space programs are confronted
by many problems or hazards, the most immediate of which are
recovery and life support over extended periods. While data which
might lead to solutions or better understandings of both can be
obtained from instrumented packages which are orbited and recovered,
accomplishment of the same test with animals would provide data of
more direct application to subsequent attempts with man.
b. The dates estimated for specific Soviet accomplishments
in space represent the earliest possible time periods in which
each specific event could be accomplished. It is recognized that
the various facets of the space flight program are in competition
not only among themselves, but with other priority programs, and
that the USSR probably cannot undertake all the space flight
activities described below at the priority required to meet the
time periods specified. At this time it cannot be determined
which specific space flight activities enjoy the higher priorities
and will be pursued first.
c. No attempt has been made to estimate manned space missions
beyond the earth-moon realm. The time periods in which the
successful development of sub-systems essential to planetary
flight activities can be brought to fruition and integrated into
a complete space flight system cannot be foreseen.
d. Similarly, considerations of military applications have
been limited to earth orbiting types of space vehicles. Missions
beyond this realm are considered only in the scientific or
exploratory sense because we believe they cannot be successfully
accomplished in the time period considered.
6. An estimate of a possible Soviet space development program
is as follows:
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1LE SOVIET SPACE DEVELOPMENT PLWAIM
nd the milicary tTllssile program as :ell as within the space
:m itself makes it unlikely that all if these objectives will he ic..hao'
snrciAed time periods.
Inhia: 2_3 -ears after the beasibili v demons ration.
,::a: le, mil=tariiv useful vehicles w;uld>e
Satellires:-The dates shown are We earli st in
.asi_lail?icy d:?monstrati',ns could aegin
.
raabl=:y (inc udir.:s biological) satellites 1959
;, Satellites - The specified Lme petit s for
1 ampl?'shn~rcrts are predicated on the Sav d-:ts
a?:z ? ro iou.ly s.r.ecerstjt 1v a(c;_.mpli!.hed a :au )c r
dy.lar
V h =. 1 4 ...,
y~hic: rs--
War
1.... 1 i 1 La4.
CAPA11iL1TY DAA..;..
rep r ? s 'nt. t.-he Bar i ies t possib t u C i e 1 r "d in which each r..cu l..
by s'v: ss:uliv accomplished. Ho.erJ'i:I r.ompetitinn between t1'#
-d s:' and C:mmunications?__
is 19- J.960
009- 1940
lb 19-190)
19-x9- 190)
Mid-196U-mid-196,
1 "a 2 vear
19x3
ac?c.t 1910
190.5
about 1970
i r
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at rempt6d a tew
1 RE
,f.OO z unds, W orbit satellites 1919
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SECRET
09, HV GS II 91 IF
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