NASA SPACE PHOTOGRAPHY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 15
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 3, 2013
• Sequence Number: 17
• Publication Date: November 9, 1965
• Content Type: MEMO

? f
?
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
?
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON
9 NOV 196c
MEMORANDUM FOR THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL IN l'ELLIGENCE
SUBJECT: NASA Space Photography
I appreciate your memorandum of October 16 regarding NASA
space photography and certainly agree with the necessity to formalize
the review of these activities in terms of their security impact on
intelligence programs.
My staff will be pleased to participate as necessary in setting up
and operating the review procedures. Mr. Louis F. Mazza will arrange
the initial contact between your security staff and representatives of the
NRO, in this regard.
IEXCLUDED FRi'M fiTOYATIC P.EGRADING;
DOD DIR. 5200.10 DOES NOT APPLY
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
Ate'271
Alexander H. Flax
Director
National Reconnaissance Office
50X1
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26:
CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6 _IP 12 Nov 65
TO:
ER
ROOM NO.
BUILDING
REMARKS:
-
Copies have been sent to DWI,
D/DCl/NIPE, D/Security via DD/S,
C/COMOR, and CIA Director of
Reconnaissance. ,
?
FROM:
O/ExDir/HKnoche
ROOM NO.
BUILDING
EXTENSION
FORM NO.2,4.1 REPLACES FORM 36-8 * GPO .1957-0-439445
1 FEB 55 WHICH MAY BE USED.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26:
CIA-RDP8OR01580R002004220017-6
(47)
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release
2013/06/26: CIA-RDP8OR01580R002004220017-6
KtMUKANUUM Executive Director
DCI has not seen.
Suggest copies to Sheldon and DDI, who
started this exercise.
W. Elder
10 Nov 65
( DATE )
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release
2013/06/26: CIA-RDP8OR01580R002004220017-6
50X1
(47)
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
Iv f
1 6 OCT 1965
itstionel isconamlissettat, Office
IlhatehrsphY
1. f have noted the recent memorendua on the headline el
photography obtsiaed b tteQueotar emcee durins the MINI V flight.
2. The ineressIng use of photoaraOhtw wewtionent IA Protrows
would necomitsto emasidervitioe of the security of intolllawsne
program in terms al both equipmest end prodoet If pooh use should
result in photography opproeshins intelligence recommsimssmco qualltf.
I hallow. that poltwV goidamoo tor equipment is adequately established
at this illos hy the OolliCIA-MaS0 *greenest of August 1$43. Moverver,
slime 1 as charged with the otototoa7 responsibtlity tar the protection
of istelligenoe sources and methods from unauthorised dlaslosure, I
geoid prefer to hoe, a more forma procedure for ossaidering the
intelligence aignitiosece and security tid the photegrephie product
obtained fres these programa ThervIere. I am asking my ietelligawne
end security prineipsle to examine the existine simengemouts regarding
this problem, in coosultsties with the airector, WIC, Chairman. MIMS
(in his cepocity as WIWI Centrol Officer, CIA). Your afAttf nod aitimPrw,
as appropriate, sad to report their findings and recoumnedstions to me
O n procedures tor dissemination of the photographic product.
3. %weld then review the.. fielding* with tho Valk it seeessery,
sad tormalste appropriate guiltlesso with their essistsoca I invite you
to join I. this effort se that complete represontotton can be achieved.
:
J. lhince
Seastus
EGRET
(signed) W. F. Pab-orn
5. 7,1110.11011111
50X1
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
bUA"I
DDIAGSfieeonnaissanee Group:
Distribution:
Copy #1 2 2
I
#4
? 6
.4 6
#7
#8
#9
#10
4114
11/19
#13
014
016
Addressee
? Mr. Venue
- Dr. Sesnses
- Signer
- 22
- 20/27Pli
? 20/8214
^ Streeter of Severity
- ilirseter, MSC
- Chairmen, COMM
- 002/2seee
- CGS/teem
- COS
(8 Oct 85)
50X1
50X1
50X1
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6 ?
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26
: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6 rION TOP AND Borrom
. , r UNCLASSIFIED I I CONFIDENTIAL I SECRET
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
OFFICIAL ROUTING SLIP
TO
NAME AND ADDRESS
DATE
INITIALS
lI.
Executive Director
/0//g
AI/
2
3
DDC I it44, Austif;T.
/eV/3
4
5
/4_,LI___,A,
DCI
67 bLi
/4 tr,T bi
1-2,- " ?
6
ACTION
DIRECT REPLY
PREPARE REPLY
APPROVAL
DISPATCH
RECOMMENDATION
COMMENT
FILE
RETURN
CONCURRENCE
INFORMATION
SIGNATURE
Remarks:
The attached letter to D/NRO
for the DCI's signature was prompted
by D/NRO's letter to the DCI on the
handling of Gemini V photography. As
a result of our experience in this
case, we believe it would be prudent
to put on the record the principle of
an intelligence and security role in
release of NASA and DOD space
photography.
Attached text has been coordinated
with DDS&T, Director of Security,
Chairman COMOR, and D/NIPE.
FOLD HERE TO RETURN TO SENDER
FROM: NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NO.
DATE
DDI.IA) 7E32
12 Oct
UNCLASSIFIED CONFIDENTIAL
I
SECRET
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26
5 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1961 0-587282
: CIA-RDP8OR01580R002004220017-6
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
?
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
/V/1
? r
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY
MEMORANDUM FOR DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
SUBJECT: GEMINI V Photography
3 SEP 196b
?
As you know, arrangements previously were made between
Dr.'McMillan and Dr. Seamans to process and review, here in
Washington, all film taken from GEMINI V with the Questar
cathera prior to any public release. This included not only
DOD experiments but also NASA film exposed in the same
camera.
Dr. Seamans and I, along with representatives from CIA,
State Department, the NRO, and NPIC, reviewed the film last
Wednesday. There follows a brief summary of my observations:
a. Although several DoD facilities and systems
were photographed (for example: Bergstrom AFB and the air-
craft carrier Champlain), the bulk of the astronauts' attention
was directed toward cloud patterns and unusual terrain features
around the world;
b. Resolution varied from about 20 to 50' with the
black and white film, and from about 40 to 60' with the color
film;
c. Although there probably is no real intelligence
value in any of the photography, the fact remains that air-
craft can be observed in the Bergstrom AFB photo and the USS
Champlain is clearly identifiable as an aircraft carrier.
d. The ability of man to identify a specific ground
target, and point his spacecraft at and track that target, is
obvious from the photography.
r.V14:71.
r !0:'.7 CA.LED
50X1
50X1
rE0 10"s 7c,72 ' ,Y
I Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
? 4.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
,
' .?
At the meeting, we agreed to the following:
a. NASA color film taken with the Questar camera
was all releasable, subject only to State Department guidance
with regard to possible foreign relationship problems. There
is no significant intelligence information evident in any of
these photographs;
lb. All of the DoD film (black and white, plus color
through an IR filter) would be classified;
c. The DoD film would
and appropriate members of the
material. This review for the
evaluating mission performance
end.
be reviewed with the astronauts
GEMINI team as classified
purpose of assisting them in
will be accomplished this week-
d. Since the press was aware of the DoD experiments,
some DoD film would probably have to be released as typical
of the results obtained.
We have reviewed the DoD film and are taking the following
action:
a. Several prints are being delivered to General
LeBailly as releasable to the press, if necessary. Specifically,
these include photographs of Dallas, the Cape Kennedy NASA
industrial area, the moon, Venus, and Alpha Centaur.
b. General Le2ailly has been instructed that, if
necessary to release these prints, it will be done from
Houston and with minithum fanfare. His spokesman will be
cautioned that we seek minimum DoD publicity, and that all
aspects of DoD Washington interest in this event are classified.
51101..LED
2
Sk..Su.C1 ?
J
Alexander H. Flax
Acting Director
ional Reconnaissance Office
50X1
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release
2013/06/26: CIA-RDP8OR01580R002004220017-6
MtMUKANUUM rUK: (4e?burtA"..c./
?
eA)
, rr
av-b , eP.44,) .)
icp
2/0
(DATE)
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release
2013/06/26: CIA-RDP8OR01580R002004220017-6
(47)
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
50X1
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved forRelease2013/06/26 : CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
12RLI
OCT 1965
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Central Intelligence
SUBJECT
: Response to Memorandum from Acting Director,
NRO, dated 3 September 1965
Concerning Release of GEMINI-5 Photography
1. This memorandum contains a recommendation in paragraph 5
concerning the attached memorandum to Director, National Reconnaissance
Office.
2. The purpose of this memorandum to the Director, National
Reconnaissance Office is to establish better management over the
security aspects resulting from the acquisition of photography
by NASA flights. DDCl/NIPE, DD/S&T and the Director of Security
concur in the memorandum as drafted.
3. Formalizing the procedure for reviewing and determining
the security classification of NASA-acquired photography is ?
considered necessary because of your statutory responsibility of
protecting intelligence sources and methods. You will recall that a
meeting was arranged by Dr. McMillan and Dr. Seamans on 1 September
at NPIC to process and review the photography obtained by GEMINI-5.
The decisions made at this meeting (i.e., that all the DOD film would
be classified but reviewed further for possible release of
individual pictures, and that all NASA color photography would be
released) were reported to you in a memorandum from Dr. Flax on
3 September. Our representatives at this meeting were in agreement
with the decisions made at the meeting but it must be noted that the
DOD film was to be reviewed further and that some "would probably
have to be released as typical of results obtained." This also
posed no objections on our part because of the simplicity of the
security problems involved. The decisions on releasing future
acquisitions, however, will become more of a security problem since
future experiments in the NASA manned programs may well produce
photography of sufficient quality to reveal U.S. intelligence
capabilities for photo-satellite reconnaissance.
50X1
50X1
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
5nx1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
UUllt I
4. It is for these reasons that we feel a response to Dr. Flax'
memorandum is in order and that more formalized control over the use
of future photography gained from the NASA programs is necessary
and commensurate with your statutory responsibility.
5. It is recommended that you sign the attached memorandum to
Dr. Flax.
Attachment
RAY S. C NE
Deputy Director fo Intelligence
SECRET
50X1
50X1
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/06/26: CIA-RDP80R01580R002004220017-6