multiple satellites to collect solar radiation data. Although orbiting multiple
satellite vehicles by one launch had been successfully accomplished in the

Transit series, this time the attempt failed. The satellites failed to go into
orbit, 113 .

over-all management of the Navy. Its purpose was to furnish useful geodesy
data to the three military services and the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, The space division again performed its usual functions ‘but
in this instance had.a Proprietary interest in payload Performance. Each
service was responsible for tracking its own equipment. The Air Force
furnished a flashing light system, the Navy a Transit doppler system, and
the Army a transponder for radio Fanging data. Regrettably, a malfunction
in the usually reliable Thor booster resulted in a disappointing failure.

Anna 1B, with similar objectives, was launched in the fall of 1962. This

time the launch and orbital Performance were characterized ag outstandingly
successful, 114

to the Air Force ballistice division on 1 July 1959. The division was asked
to launch a Courier 1A Thor-Ablestar vehicle carrying an Army-developed
relay communications satellite Payload. The vehicle was launched on

18 August 1960 but an unfortunate booster malfunction resulted in failure of

, SSEH-40
47


followed a series of 11 launches which resulted in seven satellites achieving
orbit but which for one reason or another failed to end in the physical
recovery of a data capsule. Either the attitude or the timing of the capsule
recovery process proved incorrect in several instances, while faulty
parachute deployment caused the re- entry body to go directly to the bottom

of the Pacific in other trials, Twice the test series was halted for Program
overhaul, Finally, on 10 August 1959, months of intensive engineering
research paid off. Discoverer XIII attained orbit successfully; the capsule
was ejected on the 17th orbit and recovered in the water. The next launch

on 18 August was completely successful, culminating in the first air recovery
of the data capsule. Thereafter the program recorded an ever increasing
ratio of orbital flights, successful data collection, and air recoveries. By
30 June 1962, 33 of the 45 Discoverer vehicles launched had attained orbit
(two of the launches involved non-recoverable operations) and 17 satellites
had been recovered. Of these, 13 were recovered in the air and 4 were
retrieved in the water. Moreover, ascendancy of program objectives
resulted in approval for 18 more Discoverer flights through 1962 and 1963. 13

Continuation of the orbital program offered wide ranging opportunity
for bold space experimentation and research by various agencies of the
government. Among these experimenters and experiments were the Army
Corps of Engineers which sent aloft a satellite-borne transponder to measure
unknown distances by means of triangulation from two know Points; the
School of Aviation Medicine, which sent living tissue into orbit; measure-
ments of several types of radiation encountered in space; a determination
of the frequency of micrometeorites wandering in space; and investigation
of the reaction of metals to a space environment,

Scientifically dramatic flights also marked the Discoverer series.
Among these was Discoverer XVII, launched 12 November 1960 to measure
ambient radiation which happily encountered and dutifully reported extra-
ordinary quantities of radiation from a massive solar flare that occurred
shortly before launch. On 12 December 1961, a satellite containing Oscar I,
an orbiting amateur radio transmitter, sent a morse-code "Hi" to delighted
radio "hams" scattered around the world and at the same time returned vital

experimental data, 15
13


iv

THIS PAGE IS UNCLASSIFIED

TABLE OF CON TENTS

VOLUME I
Page.
POREHORD vit
CHRONOLOGY... .. . TTT eee, Cn tT?
CHAPTER 1
ESTABLISHMENT OF WESTERN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 1
NN 6
CHAPTER 2
MISSION AND PROGRAMS... ., tee, 7
Discoverer . . , : 12°
Midas... 14
Samos... . 16
Anti -Satellite ystems......,., 0° : 19
Launch Vehicles... || 23
Communication Satellites. . 32
Nuclear Effects Detection . , 34
Space Biomedicine... , 36
Man-In-Space...._ 11" 38
Nuclear Auxiliary Power 39
Ballistic Missile Defense 41
Lunar Projects 42
Support of Space 44
Notes...) 51
CHAPTER 3
ORGANIZATION TO MEET THE oC) eee 62
1959 Reorganization . 69
Space Comes of Age tee 77
Notes....., Pree eee eee, oe 91

SSEH-40



McCone, John, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, 35
McMillan, B.H., Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, 26

McNamara, R. S., Secretary of Defense, 34, 86
Mercury I (Gemini), 22

Metcalf, G.F., 3 _

Meteor, rocket stage, 31

Midas, 10, 14-16, 66, 76

Military Lunar Base Program, 43

Millikan, C.B., 3

Minne apolis-Honeywell Regulator Company, 42
Minuteman, 8, 23, 64, 76

Morton, W.R., Colonel, Commander, 6592nd Support Group, 74

NASA-Delta, space vehicle, 29
National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, 31

National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Programs, 8, 22, 23, 24,

25, 26, 30, 31, 35, 38, 39, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47
National Security Council, 18
Navy, 46, 47, 66
Navy-Douglas, Property, 83
Nike-Zeus, 21, 41
North American Aviation, 42, 43
Northrop Corporation, 43
Norton Air Force Base, 83, 84, 89, 90

Office of Assistant Commander for Missile Tests, 76

Office of Missile and Satellite Systems, 18
Office of Secretary of the Air Force, 18

O'Neill, J. W., Colonel, Assistant Deputy Commander, Ballistic Missiles,

68, 69, 73, 74, 76
Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, 66, 67
Oscar I, satellite, 13

Pacific, 13

Palo Alto, California, 65, 66

Pacific Missile Range, 15, 32, 40, 66, 76
Panofsky, 15; Panel, 36

Patrick Air Force Base, 72, 76, 88

Pentagon, 21, 86 :

Permanent Satellite Base and Logistics Study, 43
Phillips, E. W., Colonel, Comptroller, 74
Phoenix Study, 23, 26

Pioneer V, 44, 45

Point Arguello, 15, 18, 19, 32, 65, 66

Polaris, 23, 46 :

Power, T.S., Lieutenant General, 1, 2

Powers Incident, 17 .

President Eisenhower, 17

President's Science Advisory Committee, 15, 36

Project, Bambi, 41; Mercury, 45, 46, 76, MX-1593, 3;

1; Wizard, 41

Score, 76; Thumper,

SSEH-40
107


50.

51,

52.

53.

54,

55.

56,

57.

58.

59.

60.
61,
62.

Congressional Sheet, Program 623A, 18 Jan 1962, in USAF Proj Ofc :
files; Abbreviated Dev Plan for Large Solid Propellant Motors, Program
623A, ssp, 22 Dec 1961, in SSD SPO Ofc files.

Ltr, J. Rubel, Dep DDRA&E, to Asst SAF (R&D), 2 Aug 1962, subj:
Large Solid Rocket Motor, in USAF Proj Ofc files,

Briefing, Phoenix Military Space Launching System Study, 1961, prep
by Aerospace Corp; MFR, Col L. F. Ayres, Asst Dep Solid Motor Dev,
2 Oct 1961, subj: Conversation with Mr. Joseph C. Jones, Dep‘Asst

SAF for R&D, on Selection of Contractor for Large Solid Motor Program,
in SSD Hist Ofc files,

Memo, J. Rubel, Dep Dir, DDR&&E, to Asst SAF (R&D), 15 Sep 1961,
subj: Request for Studies of Titan Tas Standardized Space Launch
Vehicle, in ssp Hist Ofc files. .

Ltr, MajGen oO, J. Ritland, Cmdr SSD, to LtGen B. a, Schriever, Cmdr
AFSC, 4 Oct 1961, no subject, in SSD Hist Ofe files, :

TWX, AFSDC-s-3 71987, USAF to AFSC, 20 Oct ‘1961; TWX, SCGN
20-10-31, AFSC to ssp, ‘29 Oct 1961; Program 624A Management
Philosophy and Technical Approach, 9 Jun 1962, in ssp Hist Ofc files.

Rpt, Systems Review Board, Mgt 62-40, 2 May 1962; memo, B,
McMillan, Asst SAF (R&D) to DDR&E, 7 May 1962, subj: Standardized

>

28 Jun 1962, Subj: Titan II, in USAF Proj Ofc files; Min of 40th DSMG
Meeting, 3 May 1962; Charts, Contracts Awarded and Contracts in Pro-
cess, 30 Jun 1962, prep by Dep for Prog 624A; Jan — Jun Hist Rpt, Prog
624A, 6 Aug 1962, in sSp Hist Ofc files, ,

Funding Hist, Jan-Jun 1962, Prog 624A, 6 Aug 1962, in ssp Hist Ofc
files.

ARPA Order 17-59, 4 Sep 1958; Amendment Nr 3, ARPA Order 17-59, :
26 Nov 1958; Amendment Nr 4, Order 17-59, 10 Apr 1959; Amendment . ,
Nr 6, Order 17-59, 18 May 1959, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

Hist Rpt for Standard Launch Vehicle n, 1 Jan-30 Jun 1962, in SSD
Hist Ofc files, : .

Ibid,
Did.

Ltr, Maj E. F. w, Eisemann, Ch, Procure & Prod Div, tos_y I Dir,
26 Jul 1962, subj: Historical Report, in ssp Hist files,

SSEH-40 . ay
56


The 6594th wing was thus assigned the mission of manning, Operating and
supporting a launching squadron at Vandenberg, and tracking and data acquisi-
tion stations at Vandenberg, Annette Island, Kaena Point,j
In addition the 6594th Recovery Control Group would, as a subordinate element
of the wing, direct Hawaiian air recovery operations based at Hickam field,
Thus by 1 January 1960, the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division possessed
the basic organizational structure which, ae it increased in experience and
manpower, could assume full operational control of vital reconnaissance and
communications satellite systems, !

While these events were taking place, the Air Force Ballistic Missile
Division was actively pursuing its mission commitments in other areas. The
most demanding proved to be design, development, installation and final check-
out of elaborate ground equipment which operational missile systems required,
The division's first major confrontation with the complex installation and
checkout task occurred in England in the late fall of 1957, occasioned by the
accelerated pace of Thor intermediate range ballistic missile deployment. .
Atlas bases in the United States Proper reached a comparable activity level
in 1958. The division found it necessary to expand vastly its administrative
@pparatus to direct overseas and stateside contractual activity. To keep abreast
of these rapid developments, the division created field offices at each missile
base to direct technical installation and final checkout of ground support equip -
ment, Concurrently, development of ballistic missiles continued, the flight
test program was accelerated, and an increasing number of Space projects
were assigned to Air Force management and operation.

Apart from these developments, other less dramatic but important head-
quarters organizational changes were taking place. On 1 August 1958 the
6592nd United States Air Force Dispensary was organized and located within
the management complex area to furnish convenient medical and dental
services to division military personnel. At about this time the 6592nd Support
Squadron (Missile Technical), staffed with mathematical specialists, com-
pleted its training in computer-missile targeting applications at division
headquarters. On 15 August 1958 it was transferred to Offutt Air Force Base,
Nebraska, to Practice its obscure arts for the Strategic Air Command. 15

SSEH-40
67


Increasing impetus for strong new direction in this undertaking was
furnished, not surprisingly, by groups of scientists enlisted by the Air Force
to provide advisory guidance on its weapons development programs. As far
back as December 1952, an ad hoc committee of the Air Force Scientific
Advisory Board had reviewed the Atlas Program, then a glacial Project
MX-1593 under the prime contractor direction of Convair.* The committee
vigorously recommended development of an intercontinental ballistic missile
designed to carry an atomic warhead. 6 Additional recommendations contained
Proposals for drastic changes leading to a completely re-oriented Program to
assure its succes sful early development. Sometime later, the Armed Forces
Policy Council established a Department of Defense Study Group on Guided
Missiles to evaluate various missile Programs of the military departments.

_ The group's report contained the important recommendation ". . . that inter-
continental ballistic missiles could best be evaluated by a special group of the
nation's leading scientists."7 ,

Thus was established in October 1953 the Air Force Strategic Missiles
Evaluation Committee -- more frequently called the "Teapot" or Von: Neumann
Committee -- under the chairmanship of Professor John Von Neumann,
Institute of Advanced Study, Princeton University, * This group proposed
far reaching changes in the Atlas Program to assure its rapid development.

In addition to prompt revision of Atlas military specifications in the light of
new thermonuclear warhead technology a bold new management entity was
Proposed to direct the entire Program, including the Convair effort. Addition-
ally, the committee contended that, "The nature of the task for the new agency
requires that over-all technical direction be in the hands of an unusually

—_—___..
* The committee was composed of C. B. Millikan (chairman), H.W. Bode,
M.V. Clauser, C.S. Draper, G. B. Kistiakowsky, G.F. Metcalf,
H.J. Stewart, and M.J. Zucrow.
"* In addition to the chairman the committee included Clark B. Millikan,
Charles C. Lauritsen, Louis G. Dunn, Hendrik W. Bode, AllenE. Pucket,
George B. Kistiakowsky, J.B. Wiesner, Lawrence Hyland, Simon Ramo

and Dean Wooldridge.
LY SSEH-40

3


In May 1955 Colonel Charles H. Terhune, Jr., was in charge of
technical operations and Colonel William A, Sheppard was in charge
of program Management,

SSEH-40 ; i:
62 . i



the basis for the first Projection of anti- satellite weapon systems. N;

the release of General Operational Requirement 170 on 19 June 1958, Plans
were laid for a ®pace tracking Control center and the preliminary design of
@ satellite space defense system was Prepared. Various studies conducted

be launched to survey the stranger at close range and if necessary destroy
or disable it, 32

The Air Force Ballistic Missile Division had Prepared, by 10 August
1959, a Preliminary satellite interceptor and inspection development Plan,

was to be designed to assure utmost reliability in ali Components. Only
when that had been achieved, and as the last step, would the feasibility of
the complete system be. demonstrated, 33

SSEH~40 . . (Y


%

10.

ll.

12.

NOTES - CHAPTER 3

O'Neill Committee Report, AFBMD Management Study, Mar 1959,
In SSD Hist Ofc files.

Organization Charts, 18 Noy 1955 and 12 Apr 1956, in SSD Hist
Ofc files.

Organization Chart, 13 Apr 1957, in SSD Hiet Ofc files,
O'Neill Committee Rpt, AFBMD, 15 Jun 1959; Resources,

Official Program Schedules and Data Series, Chart, AFBMD
ersonnel, Jun |, in ‘ist ic es,
Hist Rpt, SAC MIKE, 1 Jan-30 Jun 1958, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

Organization Chart, 1 Apr 1958, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

D/Cmar, Installations, Weekly Diary, Week Ending 7 Feb 1957;
D/Cmdr Tech Ops, Weekly Activity Rpts, Weeks Ending 10 Jan
1958, 2 May 1958, and 23 May 1958; memo, Col. W.E. Leonhard,
D/Cmar, Installations, to MajGen B. A, Schriever, Cmdr AFBMD,
24 Oct 1958, no subj, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

Minutes of the AFBMD Staff Meeting, 7 Mar 1958 and 27 May 1958;
D/Cmar, Installations, Weekly Diary Items, Weeks Ending

14 Feb 1958 and 23 May 1958; D/Cmdr, Resources, Weekly
Activity Rpt, 24 Jul 1958, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

GO No. 38,. Hq ARDC, 22 Jul 1958; Minutes of the AFBMD Staft
Meeting, 24 Jun 1958; and D/Cmdr, Resources, Weekly Activity
Rpt, 24 Jul 1958, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

GO No. 28, Hq ARDC, 3 Apr 1959, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

Ltr, Cmdr ‘AFBMD, to Cmdr 6594th Test Wing, 22 Jun 1959,
subj: Organizational Announcements, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

GO No. 49, Hq ARDC, 6 May 1959; GO No. 54, Hq ARDC, .
17 Jun 1959; GO No. 207, Hq ARDC, 25 Sep 1959; memo, D/Cmdr,

- Installations, to Schriever, 24 Oct 1958; Monthly Summar of
AFBMD Activities in Space, Jun 1960, in S85 Wei Oic files.

GO No. 207, Hq ARDC, 25 Sep 1959; GO No. 224, Hq ARDC,
27 Oct 1959, in ssp Hist Ofc files.

a SSEH-40
91


important aspects of what he designated the Titan mT system. The study was
to include vehicle specifications, design analysis, and mission applications.

The Space Systems Division, assigned the task, was to submit its report by

6 October 1961. 53

The report was completed and forwarded on 4 October 1961. The
division, confident in the soundness of the proposal, stated that with immedi-
ate approval and adequate funds, first development flights could be scheduled
for the summer of 1963 and the first full solid booster- Titan flight for
January 1964, °4

the management structure of. the program. * The concept involved a “rugged-
ized" Titan 0, an upper stage, and solid booster engines 120 inches in diam-
eter by 176 inches long. Possessing an additional third stage, Titan 01
would be able to loft to high trajectories payloads varying in weight from.
5,000 to 25,000 pounds, >

The division began evaluating possible contractors during November 1961.
During February and March 1962, study contracte were: awarded to Martin
Marietta Corporation, Aerojet-General Corporation, and Aerospace Corpora-
tion, By early May, division contract specialists were negotiating for
development of the solid boosters by United Technology Corporation, At
the same time, the first phase study effort was sufficiently well along to
Permit preparation of a development plan (Proposed System Package Plan)
which contained several inovations over the original proposal: more flight
teats, a four segmented solid booster, and production follow-on. The plan
was forwarded for approval of Air Force headquarters and the Director
of Defense of Research and Engineering. There followed intensive program
analyses, additional development proposals and an attempt to define Program

_-
*

Phase I was stated to be the technical periodto ". . define the scope of
the program; identify principal areas of technical work; complete the.
preliminary design effort and establish development Principles and
objectives that will not change during the life of the program,

27


10.

NM.

12.

13,

14,

15,

16.

17,

18,

19,

20.

ARPA Order Nr 95, 1 Jul 1959; ltr, MajGen O. J, Ritland, Cmdr,
AFBMD, to Dir, ARPA, 8 Feb 1960, subj; Development of a J 10-104
(Able -Star) Upper Stage Vehicle as of 31 Jan 1960; Air Force Ballistic
Missile Division and the Able Program, 1958, prep by AFBMD Hist Ofc;
Program Plan 165-7, Project Able (Phase 1), 28 Feb 1958, Prep by STL,
in SSD Hist Ofc files. '

Ltr, P. H, Horn, Dir, USN Res Lab, to Dir, ARPA, 23 Jul 1958,

subj: Delivery of Vanguard Improved Third Stage Rocket (Allegany
Ballistics Laboratory Model X-248) to Air Force, Teservations concern.
ing; Lunar Probes Program Status Rpt for Jun.1958 thru Dec 1958, dtd

10 Jul 1958, prep by AFBMD; STL Space Log, 1 Jul 1960, prep by STL,
in SSD Hist Ofc files,

Ltr, J. HL Carter, Mgr, XA Weapon System Br, MSD, Lockheed, to
ColF. CG. &, Oder, Dir 117L, AFBMD, 6 May 1958, subj: Contract Nr
AF 04(647)-181, Biosatellite Flight Program Plan; memo, R, Ww.

Johnson, Dir, ARPA, to Cmdr, AFBMD, 4 May 1959, Subj: Discoverer
Recovery, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

STL Space Lo, » Sep 1961; Monthi: Summary of s ¢ Systems Division
Activities: Nov 1961; 622 A Bro, ram Summary st Tee Discoverer
Program Chronology, 23 Jul 1962, prep by Dir, 6224 Prog, in SSD Hist

Ofe files,

Space Systems Division Accomplishment Rpt, Jul 1962, prep by DCAH
Hist Ofc, in ssp Hist Ofc files,

622A Program Summary Hist Rpt, Discoverer Program Chronology;

Monthly Summary of Space Systems Division Activities, Aug 1959 through
ov 3 pace » Jun st Ofc Tiles,

N 1981 STL Space Log Tun T962 tn SSD Hist OF HH

Memo, R. w, Johnson, Dir, ARPA, to SAF, 4 Dec 1958, subj: 117L,
Program, in SspD Hist Ofc files,

Ltr, LtGen B. A. Schriever, Cmdr ARDC, toGen T. p. White, C/s
USAF, 15 Sep 1959, no Subj; memo, T, s, Gates, Jr., to Asst SOD
(Compt), 7 Dec 1959, no Subj in SSD Hist Ofc files.

Monthly Summa. of Space Systems Division Activities, Jun 1960, prep
by APHMD, BPE pce teg pe Diinion Activities, pace Log, Tul 1960, aso MTOR set

Evaluation of Midas R&D Program, 39 Nov 1961, Prep by DDR&E Ad
Hoc Group on Midas; STL Space Log, Jun 1961, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

Hist Rpt, WS-2394 Directorate, } Apr 1961-30 Jun 1962, prep by Engr
Div (SSZME), based on Midas I, Iv, v, System Test Evaluation and
Performance Analysis Rpts, dtd 16 Aug 1961, 3 Apr 1962 and14 May 1962,
in SSD Hist Ofc files,

SSEH-40 ——e
52 . :


complete system Pending redefinition of national strategic Considerations, 4°

Launch Vehicles
ticles

As the tempo of military and scientific space activity increased, there
was an accompanying demand for development of improved yet standardized
all-purpose space launch vehicles. The division, particularly since 1959,
had explored various Possible solutions to the Problem of lowering costs on
one hand and significantly increasing thrust on the other.

were underway. The Air Force, in March 1959, solicited industry Proposals
for demonstration ofa one-million-pound-thrust solid motor with a 20- second
burning time. By ‘April 1959 Aerojet-General had been tentatively selected
to conduct the Program. - But work reviews and redefinition of objectives
Postponed final contractual action until mid-1960, At that point the Air Force
decided to enlarge the effort by adding a Separate segmented-motor research
Program. By August 1960 both Aerojet-General and Grand Central Rocket
were conducting research in large solid motors, Concurrently, United
Technology Corporation, an unsuccessful bidder for the Air Force contract
which Aerojet won, was working on state-of-the-art developments for the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The company was also
carrying on an internally funded Program to develop super-size solid motors, *!


40.

41.

42,

43,

45,

46,

47.

48.

49,

Memo, H. Brown, DDR&E, to Asst SAF (R&D), 28 Jun 1962, subj:
Satellite Inspector Program, in USAF Proj Ofc files.

R. F. Piper, The Development of the SM-80 Minuteman, DCAS Hist |
Ofc, Apr 1962, Chs T IV; jum, BrigGen R. L. Wassell, Dep
Dir, R&D, to C/S USAF, 17 May 1960, subj: Large Solid Rocket
Program; Prog-623A Background, Pt I, 25 Jul 1962; ltr, LtCol M. M.
Bradshaw, TAM, 750G, to LtCol W. Penn, AFSC, 26 Jun 1961, subj:
Solid Propellant Applied Research; MFR, 5 May 1960, subj: Project
Engineer's File of Events Prior to Initial Contract, in SSD Hist Ofc -
i

Briefing, Phoenix-Military Space Launching System Study, 1961, prep
by Aerospace Corp, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

Hearings, House Cmt on Science and Astronautics, Apr 1961;. memo,
E. M. Zukert, SAF, to SAFUS, 6 Mar 1961; no subject; memo, J, Vv.

Charyk, SAFUS, to SAF, 7 Apr 1961, no subject, in USAF Proj Ofc
files, .

Memo, E. M. Zuckert, SAF, to SOD, 1 May 1961, subj: USAF Proposed
National Space Program, in USAF Proj Ofc files,

Study: Jt NASA/AF Study of Large Solid Rocket Motors for the NOVA
Vehicle, 6 Jun 1961, prep by Elliot Mitchell, NASA Rep and Col R.
Herrington, USAF Rep, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

Proposal for a Large Solid Propellant Booster Engine Program, 13 May

. 1961, SspD; Preliminary Discussion of Large Solid Rocket Motor Develop. .

ment Plan, 8 Jun 1961, SSD, in SSD Hist Ofc files. :
TWX, SSRTE 24-5-5, SSD to SAFUS, 24 May 1961, in ssp Hist Ofc files,

Memo, J. vy. Charyk, SAFUS to V/CS USAF, 5 Jun 1961, subj: Air
Force Program for Development of Large Solid Propellant Motors;
Preliminary Discussion, Large Solid Rocket Motor Development Plan,
AFSC, 8 Jun 1961; Rpt, Weapons Board Meeting 61-39, 9 Jun 1961, in
USAF Proj Ofc files,

Memo, J. vy. Charyk, SAFUS, to V/CS USAF, 21 Jun 1961, subj: Air
Force Program for Development of Large Solid Propellant Motor; itr,
Gen F. H. Smith, v/cs, USAF, to SAFUS, 13 Jul 1961, subj: Air
Force Program for Development of Large Solid Propellant Motor, in
USAF Proj Ofc files; ltr, Col L. F. Ayres, Asst Dep/Solid Motor Dev,
SSD, AFSC, to Asst DCS/s&L, (Systems), USAF, 24 Jul 1961, subj:
Proposal for Immediate Initiation of Projects Supporting the Large.
Solid Propellant Motor Development Program, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

| SSEH-40
: 85


SSEH-40
92

14,
15.
16.

17.
18,
19,

20.

21.

22.

23.

24,

25.

GO No. 2, Hq ARDC, 4 January 1960, in ssp Hist Ofc files.
GO No. 46, Hq ARDC, 15 Aug 1958, in ssp Hist Ofc files.
Memo, MajGen B.A. Schriever, Cmdr AFBMD, to Col C.H. Terhune,

18 Sep 1958 subj: STL Manpower and Funding Requirements
Rpt on Selected Interface Relati st:

Organization Chart, 15 Jan 1959, in SSD Hist Ofc files,
O'Neill Organization Study Rpt, 15 Jun 1959, in ssp Hist Ofc files,

Ltr, Dr. H, Guyford Stever, Chmn of the Ad Hoc Comm on
Rand D, to Dr. J. Doolittle, Chmn of the Sci Adv Bd, 20 Jun 1958,
no subj, in SSD Hist Ofc files. .

Stever Rpt, 20 Jun 1958, pp 2-3, in ssp Hist Ofc files,

SO F-2953 and SO F-2989, Hq ARDC, 20 Nov and 24 Nov 1958
respectively; ARDC Council Paper 59/17, 25 Feb 1959, cited in

Hist of ARDC Jul - Dec 1959, I, 174; Hist, Aeros ace-- The
Evolution of USAF Wea; ns Ac sition Polic. = Teas TG
st Ofc, Aug » Pp

GO No. 44, ARDC, 13 May 1959; Go No. 238, ARDC, 14 Dec 1959;
memo, Gen C. FE. LeMay, VCs, USAF, to Deps, Dirs, and Chs of
Comparable Ofcs, 29 May 1959, subj: Weapon Systems Manage-
ment; memo, Composition Weapon Systems Study Group, n.d. ca.,
Feb 1960, in Weapon Systems Management Systems Study Group
file in Sec of the Air Staff files, as cited in unpublished draft,
"AFRD Becomes OAR: The Why and Wherefore of the Change,"
1961, Prep by S. Milner, OAR Hist Ofc, hereafter referred to

as Milner Study; Hist of ARDC, Jul - Dec 1959, in SSD Hist Ofc
files,

Rpt of the Special Task Force on ARDC Organization, 31 Jul 1959,
Pp 2, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

Hist Rpt, Management of the USAF Space Program,: Apr 1962,
in SSD Hist Ofc files, .

Memo, ARDC to AFBMD, 12 Sep 1959, subj: ARDC Organizational
Guidance; ltr, LtGen B, A. Schriever, Cmdr ARDC, to Cmdr
AFBMD, 12 Sep 1959, subj: Organization of Headquarters Western
Development Force, in Ssp Hist Ofc files, uo



satellite by 1962, , The communications Payload would be developed by the

Army Signal Corps and the booster and satellite vehicle by the Air Force.

A joint development plan was to be Prepared for issue in early December
70 .

1958,

The program continued in the discussion-definition phase through early
1959. Divergent interests of the Army, Advanced Research Projects Agency,
and the Air Force proved difficult to compromise. In any event, on20 January
1959, the Department of Defense agency issued orders to the Air Research
and Development Command and the Army which marked off their respective
roles in developing the delayed repeater interim and the 24-hour equatorial
satellite systems. Meanwhile, the Air Force continued its efforts toassure
@ project development that would meetits most urgent communications
needs.

On 22 May 1959 the Advanced Research Projects Agency directed
important changes in Project planning. The plan was divided into three parts:
Steer was to be a Strategic Air Command polar satellite; Tackle would follow
as an electronically advanced polar satellite; Decree would, hopefully, function
as a 24-hour global satellite on an equatorial orbit 22,000 miles in space,

The Army Signal Corps was to develop payloads and ground communications
for Tackle and Decree; Wright Air Development Center was to take care of
aircraft equipment for all three projects and Steer payload, and overall
technical direction was to remain in the hands of the Advanced Research
Projects Agency.

A private contractor was to be selected to take care of system engineer-
ing.

For all practical purposes the Ballistic Missile Division managed
the Air Force portion of the project. On 9 June 1959, Space Technology
Laboratories was approved as the systems engineering contractor. Sub-
sequently the Missile and Space Vehicle Division of General Electric Company

33


HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE BALLISTIC MISSILE DIVISION ARDC

AFBMD Organization, November 1959


Feb 12

26

29

Mar 11

Apr 1

13

21

May 24

27

Jun 22

Jul 1

A biomedical space Capsule successfully Sustains the life of
@ primate for 55 hours. The test included full simulation of
orbital flight through re-entry and recovery,

The three -phased Satellite communications Program is can-
celled in favor of a single Advent 24-hour microwave satellite
system. —

A Tiros three stage Thor-Able with a camera equipped
Satellite ig succesefully launched from the Atlantic Missile
‘he

je. The experiment demonstrated feasibility of long range
weather forecasting by satellite,

Satellite In, Pector Program, called Project Saint, is assigned
to AFBMD.

Midas 0 is Jaunched from the Atlantic Missile Range into an
almost perfect circular orbit, Malfunctions in & payload
Subsystem Prevented collection of useful infrared data.

AFBMD Publishes an abbreviated development Plan for a
nuclear system orbital flight test Program,

A Transit 1A vehicle (Thor Able-Star) Successfully places a
Transit navigation satellite and a smaller Parasitic radiation

measuring satellite, called Greb, into orbit, uaing an Able-Star
restart second stage.

NASA's Scout | (basically the. Same vehicle as the Air Force'g

Blue Scout), carrying vehicle instrumentation, is successfully
launched on a ballistic trajectory,

The government chartered non-profit Aerospace Corporation
begins replacing Space Technology Laboratories in furnis:
7


>

FOREWORD

One Purpose of this study--a part of the first formal history of the Space
Systems Division- ~is to trace the main Currents in organizational develop-
ment and mission growth which resulted in the creation of an Air Force .
organization exclusively concerned with military space systems.

The narrative follows the evolution of a small Western Development
Division Organization of 1954, initially responsible for development of a
single ballistic Missile system, into the Substantially larger complex of
1961, which was actively engaged in developing and activating missile and
Space systems. The chief concern thereafter is the transition of the Air
Force Ballistic Missile Division into two entities, the Ballistic Systems
Division and the Space Systems Division. . .

military satellite Programs. The space vehicle program began with modest
concentration on a Single military Satellite, was stimulated by overwhelming
public reaction to the first Soviet Sputniks in late 1957, and proliferated into
a series of varied, heterogenous Programs. Despite the Presence of diver.
gent objectives which led the Air Force at One point to describe its Space
effort as "confused and inhibited," the Air Force systems development
command tenaciously continued its attempts to acquire the facilities, Special -
ized manpower, and program Stability essential -to the creation of a militarily
useful competence for Operations outside the earth's atmospheric envelope.

Documentary sources for this brief Study were the files of the Space
Systems Division historical and program offices, and Project files located
at Air Force headquarters in Washington, D.C. The influences, trends, «.
and mission assignments associated with concern for an Air Force "space
identity" were, of course, far more extensive and complex than those brought
forward in this historical summary. For these ommissions and even less

R. F. P,
February 1963

SSEH-40
} vii


scheduled for November 1962, with nine more launches to take Place
through 1963, 61 : :

Increasing emphasis on space standardization inevitably focused attention :
on Atlas booster Procurement. As demand continued to mount, the advantages
of standard Production run boosters and standardized kits which could be ;
quickly integrated to perform, Specialized missions became obvious. During

negotiations after a detailed Space Systems Division Proposal had been favor-
ably received at all management levels within the Air Force Systems.
Command, Air Force headquarters, National Aeronautics and Space Adminis-
tration, and the Department of Defense, Contract Provisions, including
radically new cost and reliability incentive Provisions, were settled by the
close of June. General Dynamics- Astronautics agreed to develop a standard
vehicle of improved Performance and reliability that could be quickly con-
verted to various booster Purposes. The negotiated contract called for
Production of 35 boosters at @ cost of $78,000,000, 63

Force headquarters, By later standards the Performance requirements were
modest: to boost a maximum payload of 200 pounds some 200 miles into Space
or to function ag a ballistic missile re-entry test vehicle, A second and

third phase development was Planned leading to higher Performance, orbital
experiments and Payloads of Sreater weight. .


113.
114.

115,

Hist Rpt for SLV Uf, 1 Jan-30Jun

Major W. C. Re.

ed, Ops Div of §

Ofc, 27 Nov 1962,

ARPA Order 98,

Space, Oct 1960,

in SSD Hist Ofc

1962, in SSD Hist Ofc files;

LV If Dir,

by RLF. Piper,

thly Summa r: of AFBMD
les

Interview,
SSD Hist

1 Jul 1959; Mon x y Activities in

SSEH-40
61


The Air Research and Development Command
should be reorganized along the distinct functional
lines of the research and development Program,
Lee., research, technical development; we:
systems, and testing. There should be Deputy
Commanders in Air Research and Development

8
and other facilities which are directly engaged
in their activity,

gram and clarify the lines of authority to the several centers. in an exercise
in realism, the committee declared that the Stever objectives and those goals
Specified by other investigative 8roups could only be achieved by “radical and
wholesale upheaval of the existing situation," As amore Palatable substitute,
the committee Proposed Consolidation of command functions into "four broad

areas, aerodynamic Systems, ballistic and military space systems, electronic
Support systems, and basic research." The 8roup also suggested a deputy


KB/QC Comments

wits

THE SPACE SYSTEMS DIVISION - BACKGROUND
(October 1957-dune 1: 962)

History of the Space Systems Division
January-June 1962

Volume I

by
Robert F. Piper

Historical Division
Office of Information

February 1963

APPROVED!" f+

ROBERT L, Penny |

Chief, ssp Historical Division

hehe S 4 Li N

KENTON D, McFARLAND

pe 2 USAF
Director of Information

UNCLASSIAED «= suzsee=. we

SSER- 0
iii.
Fes seis




MajGen 0, J, Ritland

IDERS WHO DIRECTED THR EARLY Bp,
DEVEtOPuES ENT ORGANIZ A’ ATION ‘ED AT dos ANG:

8CH CHRIEVER, iPLY 1c 1959.
Gen eeal ESTEs,

MajGen B. I. Funk

HL att SUBSEQUENT spa,

CE
CALIFORNIA, FR 1954 1962.
GENERAL ND, MAY 9b MAY ea

1962.” GENERALY PUNKS OCTOBER

ALLISTIC MI
MAY i962-0cTOBER

SSEH-40
vi


0961 28qGQ0399 7 ‘uonezesig angay

—_ ==
a



his findings and recommendations, This evaluation was actually performed
by Charyk, John Ruble (York's deputy in the Office of the Director of Defense
for Research and Engineering), and Dr, G. B. Kistiakowsky (the President's
scientific advisor), Concurrently, the Senate Appropriations Committee
characterized the Samos pro

the Secretary of the Air Force, 2

Missile and Satellite Systems in the Pentagon (SAFMS) and an Office of the
Secretary of the Air Force, Samos Project (SAF SP) to manage and direct the
Program, Bridadier General R. &, Greer, formerly Assistant Chief of Staff
for Guided Missiles, became director of the Samos Project Office located
together with Air Force Ballistic Missile Division headquarters in Los Angeles,
California, 27 , ,

fae =
18


The division continued to urge positive action to get the program moving.
At the same time, additional studids recommended selection of the Atlantic
Miasile Range for a good starting place. Here, in fact, early action in this
regard had already been taken. The 6555th Guided Missile Group, established
for the specific purpose of developing a military ballistic Capability in launch
operations, had for some time been working closely with the division office
directing contractor ~conducted missile flight tests. The close association of
the two elements and the similarity of their missions led, when final action
was decided upon, to a decision to merge the two activities. Thus on 21
December 1959, command headquarters acted to create an Air Force military
test and evaluation capability by establishing the 6555th Test Wing (Develop -

the division commander, 31

The division was fully aware that this was only the first of several actions
which would be necessary if a genuine "blue suit" test and evaluation capability
were to be created within the Air Force, Consequently, plans to advance this
area of command interest continued to receive attention, On 19 April 1960,
the director of operations at command headquarters set up a committee to
establish plans and Procedures for expanding this capability anda"... system
of controls to insure fulfillment of this desired Air Force and ARDC goal."

The committee acted favorably on division Proposals to establish a second
wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base and approved other recommendations
which would begin remaining phases of the program. 32

Space Comes of Age

Reorganization of the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division was now
complete. For the most Part, except for some shifting about of key personnel

and some name changing, pre-November organizational structure was little

altered. Not so, however, for the other newly created divisions within the

—

* Colonel Henry H. Eichel, formerly Assistant Commander for Missile
Teste, was reassigned as commander of the 6555th Teast Wing.

SSEH-40
. d 7


Tesources at aj} levels." Finally, the Stoup noted *, | | confusion arising
out of a lack of clear definition of responsibility and authority for Program


Apr 17-18 Study Group on National Military Communications Satellite

30

May 3

23

unl

Tun 25

SSEH-40
xviii

28

Systems recommends a new start on developing a Single
medium altitude System operational by 1965,

Space Technology Laboratories (STL) and ssp complete nego-
tations of a definitive Cost-plus -incentive -fee contract for
the Vela Hotel Spacecraft,

Designated System Management Group approves the Titan 0
Proposed System Package Plan,

SSD and Aerospace Corporation complete a review of the
ballistic boost intercept concept of an anti-missile defense
weapon. They conclude that current data was insufficient to
affirm or deny the Plan's technical feasibility, but that its
economic feasibility was highly questionable,

The DDR&E restates his view that Midas "must Temain an
R&D program oriented toward developing techniques, "

DDR&E Suggests that the Air Force make Several significant
changes in the Titan IT program including use of &@ modified
Titan If guidance system, five Segment solid motors, and an
improved Upper stage for 24-hour orbit. :


(SPAD). These studies were thoroughly reviewed (1960 and 1961) by the

Scientific Advisory Board and other qualified 8roups within the Air Force
and Department of Defense. Opinions and recommendations varied from

critical disapproval to enthusiastic endorsement, 97

cluded that no system or Concept so far Proposed *, . , showed enough
Promise to warrant further development, " There was one note of optimiem,
"That some of the technologies associated with Previously identified Problems
inherent in a mid-course intercept System should be re-investigated, 2 98

The purpose of the study was to Mee determine an economical, sound and
logical &@pproach for establishing a manned intelligence observatory on the
moon." The missile division, charged with Conducting the study, assigned
the investigation to Boeing, North American Aviation, and United Aircraft
Corporation, Other Corporations, with highly Capable Study staffs, Partici-
Pated in the research at their Own expense, Among these’ were Douglas
Aircraft, Minneapolis -Honeywell Regulator Company, and Republic Aviation
Corporation,

System Requirement 192, entitled "Strategic Lunar System, " The purpose
of this study was to ", ++ explore the Possible advantage of a lunar weapon

required to develop and Support such a system." Again, the Air Force paid


for moving certain elements of the ballistic division and Materiel Procurement
*
functions to the San Bernardino base, 41

Colonel Leonhard and Colonel Richard p, Curtin, deputy commander of
division Space Programs were Promoted to brigadier Seneral on } May
0.

SSEH-40 ak
84


In the spring of 1957 the director of installations became the assistant
to the commander for installations, functioning in direct staff support. At
the same time under the commander and staff elements on the organizational
chart appeared deputy commanders responsible for resources (internal support
and housekeeping), plans and Operations, and weapon systems (formerly
technical operations). * It may be recalled, in connection with these changes,

in its organization. Through 1957 the division continued to increase in size--

though at a much slower rate than in 1956--as early hardware Production and
giant static and flight test Programs sprang into being, **4 .

Despite this rapid expansion of manpower, the existing organizational
structure proved reasonably effective, Indeed, the division organization
Possibly would not have been changed at all in 1957-1958 had it not been for the

These were Colonel J. B, Hudson, Resources; Colonel w, Large, Plans
and Operations; and Colonel C, H, Terhune, Weapon Systems,

From a total of 58 military and civilian employees on } January 1955,
totals increased to 177 by January 1956, 502 by January 1957 and 601 by
January 1958, In addition, Occupying the same or adjacent offices and
buildings, by 1 January 1958 the Ballistic Missile Center (AMC) and the
Strategic Air Command Office brought the total number of Air Force
People employed in the complex to 919, Also, by 1 January 1958, Space
Technology Laboratories, furnishing materiel support to the division ag
well as technical and engineering services, had increased to 1,976
Personnel, As the programe continued manpower figures continued to

mount,
Gur SSEH-40
63

co


Obviously, use of solid boosters to accelerate the United States space
effort to some degree of competitive equality with Soviet massive thrust
rockets appeared attractive. Moreover, it was a view supported by strong .
and sound technical Progress. By early 1961 Aerojet had successfully fired
a 65-inch three Segmented solid motor which developed. a thrust output of
400,000 pounds for 18 seconds. This event as well as additional evidence
Supported Charyk's opinion, expressed to Air Force Secretary E. M. Zuckert
in early April 1961, that a large-solid motor with performance comparable
to that of the clustered-engine, liquid-fuel Saturn could be developed earlier
than Saturn, and probably at less cost, 43

Soviet space achievements. In the opinion of the Air Force this could be
most rapidly achieved by using first stage large-solid Segmented rocket
motors topped oxygen-hydrogen Upper stages. In any event, the segmented

tion to the moon.

On 8 May 1961, the Secretary of Defense and the head of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, in @ joint Memorandum of Understand- .
ing forwarded to the Vice President, recommended a national Program leading
to a manned lunar landing and return. It was agreed that dual @pproaches--
liquid and solids--would be pursued for the first or second. stages of the
required launch vehicle, Parallel development was to be continued until ‘the
superiority of one was demonstrated. The defense department and the space
agency agreed that the Air Force should be responsible for the solid-fuel

Preliminary plan of approach for developme nt of large solid boosters. The
division concluded that Segmented rocket motors", , . may be wrapped around
a liquid rocket engine second stage to keep overall vehicle height to desirable
limits," 46 On 24 May, in response to a request from Charyk received the


detection system. Booster stages might be Thor, Atlas, Agena B or Able.
An idea then current was that it might become a multi-nation Program. At

@ representative from the Air Research and Development Command, prepared
a new Vela Hotel development plan, Similarly, a joint 8toup was selected,
organized in the same fashion, to supervise technical @spects of the Program.
The latter Sroup gave its attention to "low orbit" phase of Vela Hotel by
arranging for piggyback instrumentation flights aboard Discoverer satellites,
However, by mid-1961, information was received from the Panofsky Panel

of the President's Science Advisory Committee that Vela Hotel must include
two high altitude (50,000 miles) Atlas- Agena satellites. The development

of electrons in Space. Other launches of a similar nature eccurred on
17 September, 5 November, and 12 December 1961, By June 1962 Plans for

In the early stages of the Post-Sputnik 117L Program, the Advanced Research
Projects Agency had directed that five Theor boosted flights be used for

SSEH-40 .
36


Courier, satellite project, 11, 29; 1A, 47
Curtin, R.D., Colonel, Deputy Commander, Space Programs, 69, 74, 84

Decree, communications satellite, 33

Defender Program, -4]

Defense Communications Agency, 34

Department of the Air Force, 34

Department of Defense, 5, 7, 8, 21, 25, 33, 35, 39, 40, 42

Department of Defense ‘Study Group on Guided Missiles, 3

Deputy Commander for Aerospace Systems, 87, 89; for Ballistic Missiles,
73; for Installations, 64; for Military Space Systems, 69; for Resources,
64; for Technical Operations, 64

Deputy for Budget and Program Management, Office of Air Force Assistant
Secretary, Financial Management, 4

Deputy Secretary of Defense, 5

Deputy for Space Communications Systems, 34

Designated Systems -Management Group, 22

Detachment Nr 2, 74

Detailed Test Plan, 76

Director Defense Research and Engineering, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22,
26, 27

Discoverer, program, 10, 11, 12-13, 16, 29, 36, 37, 65, 66, 76

Dispensary, 6592nd United States Air Force, 67, 74

Douglas Aircraft Company, 29, 30, 42, 43, 90

Draper, C.S., 3

Dunn, Louis G., 3

Eastern Development Force, 72, 73
‘Edwards Air Force Base, 66, 76, 88
Eichel, H.H., 77, 89

El Segundo, boulevard, 80, 83
Electronics Systems Division, 87
England, 67

Evans, H.L., Colonel, 89
Executive Officer, 64

Explorer VI, satellite, 44, 76

Ford Motor Company, 31

Garlock, Lyle S., Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, 86
Gardner, Trevor, 4

Gemini, 22

General Dynamics- Astronautics, 30, 43

General Electric Company, 37, 43

General Electric, Missile and Space Vehicle Division, 33
General Order Nr 1, 74

General Operational Requirement, 20
Geneva, 34 .

Geophysics Research Directorate, 37
Gerrity, T.P., Major General, 86, 88

SSEH-40
105


on

Ballistic Missile Defense
ie Befense

In September 1945, the Air Force outlined military characteristics of
@ weapon capable of detecting and destroying ballistic missiles at altitudes
to 500,000 feet. Two contracts to study the problem, called Project Thumper
and Project Wizard, were issued in 1946. Nothing much came of these
except a final gloomy conclusion in 1952, when the last study was completed,
that a defense against the intercontinental ballistic missile appeared to be
impossible. By 1955, unwilling to concede complete defeat, the Air Force
had decided to conduct new anti-missile studies. Review of study reports in
May 1956 and again in 1957 resulted in the conclusion that a defense system
would be premature but that study of the problem should continue. 95

But by now there was an added complication. Since 1955 the Army had
been developing its ground-to-air Nike-Zeus defense system to intercept
intercontinental ballistic missile warheads in their terminal dive. In
January 1958, the Secretary of Defense, to avoid duplication of systems,
issued a compromise directive which limited the Air Force to development
of passive defense (radar early warning nets) and studies, and the Army to
sole pursuit of its Nike -Zeus development work. Then the Advanced Research
Projecta Agency, newly established in February 1958, was assigned the task
of devising an active anti -missile system other than Nike-Zeus. To perform
this task, the agency created the Defender Program, which enlisted the aid
of the Air Force in investigating all aspects of the problem. The Ballistic
Missile Division and its Successor, the Space Systems Division, undertook
intensive study of what became known as the Space Counter Weapons Pro-
gram.

In general, the anti -missile systems as proposed by Air Force studies
(roughly classified under Project Bambi- -ballistic missile boost intercept)
envisioned satellites equipped to detect the launch of enemy missiles and"
capable of taking counter action by releasing interceptors to disable the
missiles during the early phase of their flight. Variations were proposed
bya Ramo - Wooldridge study which offered a random barrage system (RBS)
and a Convair study which proposed a Space patrol area defense system —

ry SSEH-40
41


biomedical experiments, About two weeks later the Air Force Ballistic
Missile Division authorized Lockheed to develop through a subcontractor,

life support system and a recoverable capsule.

The first Mark J biomedical capsule was successfully orbited on .

- 3 June 1959, Although there were no live specimens: aboard, the Capsule
was electronically rigged to report through telemetry successful operation
of the life support system, A second capsule was launched on 25 June 1959
with four mice aboard. Although the capsule was not recovered, 600 seconds
of telemetry Teported the justifiably worried animals in good condition,

From October through December 1960, the experimental basis of the program
was significantly widened by Participation of the School of Aviation Medicine,
Air Force Special Weapons Center, and the Geophysics Research Directorate
in including biomedical Packages aboard Discoverer, Atlas E, and re-entry
vehicle test flights. In some cases capsules Containing live mice and
biological tissue were safely recovered,

From this modest beginning the Program acquired, on 9 November 1960,
a capsule which would Support a six pound primate for as long as 27 hours
in orbit. This was 4 significant acquisition and, although it was not put to
immediate flight use, was valuable in Conducting ground simulated orbital
missions. It was 10 November 1961 before a luckless and very small monkey

Range. The missile was destroyed about 30 seconds after launch. Again on
19 December 1961 another monkey, equally fated, was selected for a ride
aboard an Atlas E test missile, 4 highly personal record of the flight was
obtained by a means of a one channel transmitter surgically implanted in
the monkey's body. He sent back good telemetry signals, but neither
capsule nor monkey was recovered.

Force headquarters, a8 appropriate, Proposals for long range bioastronautics
research and development programs, Following the submission of one such
Plan on 16 May 1961, the division wag advised to integrate its bioastronautica

37


drag-line arrangement designed for mid-air Tetrieval of Parachuting data
Capsules ejected from orbiting Discoverer satellites. In Case air snatch
failed, a sea force would attempt Tecovery,

Effective 6 April 1959, the division established a headquarters for the
6594th Teat Wing at Palo Alto and made the wing Fesponsible for the direction
and maintenance of subordinate units at Edwards Air Force Base, and Chiniak
and Annette Island, Alaska, 10 The wing organization Stadually absorbed the

. Work of the Palo Alto division field office, which wag discontinued on 1 June
1959, Simultaneously, the Hawaiian air Tecovery squadron and the Hawaiian .
field Office, heretofore assigned to the division's Weapon System 117L Direc-

of the wing. On 1] October 1959, the 6594th Instrumentation Squadron was
Organized at Grenier Field, Manchester Municipal Airport, Manchester,
New Hampshire, And, one month later, the Promised realignment of the
Hawaiian satellite operational units Occurred, On} November 1959 the
6594th Recovery Control Group, formerly the division's Weapon system 117L

Hawaiian management arm, directing the 6593rq instrumentation Squadron,
located at Wheeler Air Force Base, and the 6593rd Test Squadron (air
recovery), at Hickam Air Force Base, 13

66 :



included the Discoverer, Samos, and Midas Series; Able Program; Military

Man in Space; lunar Probes; Project Score; Project Mercury; communication
Satellite system; Transit; Tiros; and the Explorer Satellites, Missile flight
tests and space launches kept the Atlantic and Pacific missile Tanges at Peak

The plan Proposed training ang eventual transition to full competence of
Air Force "blue suit# units at the Atlantic ang Pacific Missile Ranges and
Edwards rocket base, Additional momentum for adoption of the plan was
furnished bya division follow on study which affirmed that the Air Force
depended toomuchon contractor gelr ‘ppraisal, 9 Th, contractor evaluation

ofa Weapon System should be completely objective and the development
contractor should not be the sole evaluator of hig Product, «30

i
i



‘between 100 and 320 miles. The plan successfully ran the gauntlet of the

Air Staff but was turned down by Richard E. Horner, then acting Assistant
Secretary of the Air Force ({R and D). Apparently the secretary felt there

was insufficient justification for another rocket, at least of the kind described.©5

Another development plan was prepared which sought to overcome the
objections to the first. The project was designated as the Ballistic Research
and Test System, No. 609A, and the plan for its development was submitted
18 December 1957. This Plan too was favorably received by key elements
within Air Force headquarters but at higher echelons the climate was not
favorable for starting another rocket system no matter how useful it might
appear tobe. Air Force plans for the Project were apparently stalemated

agreement on vehicle characteristics. The vehicle was to consist of a 40-
inch Aerojet-General first stage, an improved Sergeant second stage, and
Meteor third and fourth stages. As discussions continued NACA came to
favor a less complicated vehicle than the Air Force required. It was
decided--by this time it was October 1958--that the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA, successor to NACA) would develop the

vehicle it wanted and the Air Force would modify the vehicle as neceasary
to meet its requirements.

Based on the agreement with the civilian agency, the Air Research and
development command drew up an abbreviated development plan for a Hyper
Environment Test System, No. 6094. The responsibility for working out
the plan was assigned to the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division and a
joint division- civilian team was organized to run what wag now called the
Blue Scout project. In the spring of 1959 the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration signed a development- production contract with Chance- Vought
to produce the basic Scout vehicle. In June 1959, the Air Force selected
the Ford Motor Company, Aeronutronics Division, to handle test, payload
and systems integration functions. In order to bring its planning up to date,

SSEH-40
_ 31


Engr
Eqp

FY
Gen
GOR

Hist

Ind
Intel

Lt
Ltr

Maint

Memo
MFR
Mtg -
Msg

NASA
NSC

Ofe
Off
Opns
Ord
OosD

Prep
Presn
Progs
Proj

Rand D
Rep
Res
Rpt

SA
SAC
SAF

‘Engineering

Equipment
Fiscal Year

.General

General Order

General Operational Requirement
Group

Historical
Headquarters

Indorsement
Intelligence

Lieutenant
Letter

Maintenance

Major

Memorandum

Memorandum for the Record
Meeting

Message

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Number
National Security Council

Office

Officer

Operations

Order

Office of the Secretary of Defense

Prepared
Presentation
Programs
Project

Research and Development
Representatives

Research

Report

Secretary of the Army

Strategic Air Command; Scientific Advisory Committee
Secretary of the Air Force

SSEH-40
101


T.D., yreneral, “Chief of statt, 64, 69, 86
Wickland, pb? we Colonel, Intelligence 74
Wiesner, IB, 3.

Wilson, R, C., Lieutenant General, 17, 8
Wing, 6555th Test (Development);
67, 74

Wooldridge, Dean, 3

Working Group to Review He: Marters ARDC Organization, 79
Wright air Development Center, 33

Wright Air Development Division, 73
Wright Field, 7 ,

Wright Patterson Air Force Base, 72, 87

Yates Report, 7]
York, H. F., 17, 20

Zuckert, Eugene M., Secretary of the Air Force, 24, 86
Zucrow, M, J, 3

SSEH-40
110

6
6565th Test, 88; 6592nd, 90; 6594th Test,


Page

APPENDIX
ORGANIZATION CHARTS
. L April 1958... .., 95
15 January 1959 %6
1 October 1960. . 7
Lduly 1961... 00022 i itt thee eeeeee 98
L July 1962.00.20 D Dit: beeeeuaee 99
GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS ...................., io
INDEX... ... eel sdb eee ences 103
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
FRONTISPIECE. .......0..........., . . See eee vi
LIST OF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. ..... fee eee bee e ees 48
TABLE OF FUNDS ALLOCATED TO AIR FORCE
SPACE PROGRAMS ........, sees c can eet eraeteaee Lee 50
AFBMD ORGANIZATION, NOVEMBER 1959..............,.. 75
MAP OF BALLISTIC MISSILE AND SPACE DEVELOPMENT
COMPLEX ......., See ec eee e eee e ee een ee ee nace go
SSEH-40


39, jgrouPace-- The Evolution of USAF Weapons Acquisition,

Hist,
Aug 1
40. Ltr, LtGen B.A. ‘Schriever, Cmdr, ARDC, to Gen T.p, White,
c/s USAF, 23 Sep 1960, n0'subj, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

41. Ltr, Morton to Ritland, 11 Jan 1961; TWx, AFCVC 82197, Usar
: to ARDC and AFBMD, 31 Aug 1960, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

42. Ibid.
43, TWx, AFCVC 89501, Hq USAF to AFBMD and AMC, 29 Sep 1960,
in SSD Hist Ofc files, .

44. Hist of DCAS 1961 Vol I, Jun 1962; Hist, Asrospace-- The Evolution
of USAF Wea; ns ‘Ac wisition Policy; ltr, Mor ‘on to Ritlan, ,
TTYan T96T,

45. TWX, SAFsp 30- 12.42, SAFSP to SAFMs (BrigGen R.E. Greer
to Dr J.v, Charyk, SAFUS) 1 Jan 1961; R, BrigGen R.D, Curtin,
Dir Space Systems, SAFUS, no subject, in ssp Hist Ofc files,

46. MFR, BrigGen R, D. Curtin, Dep Cmar Space Prog, SAFUs,
. 20 Jan 1961, no subject, in SSD Hist Ofc files, coe

Working Papers-on Reorganization, Gen Ritland'g file, 1961; Twx,
RDE 17-3.54, Hq ARDC to All ARDC, 17 Mar 1961, in SSD Hist

“48. Hist of pcas 1961, Vol I, Jun 1962; TWx, RDE 17-3-54, Hg ARDC
to AIARDC,T7-Kia. 1961.

49. TWX, AFCAY 95578, Hq USAF to Hq ARDG, 20 Mar 1961, in SSD
Hist Ofc files.

50. Memo, LtCol L. gE, Vandeveer, D/Cs, AFBMD, to BrigGen HW,
Powell and BrigGen R. E, Greer, 4 Apr 1961, subj: Transfer of
Personnel; TWX,. SCG 1-4-1, Hq AFSC to SSD and BSD, 1 Apr 1961;
GO G-2, AFSC, l.Apr 1962; so G-3, AFSC, 1] Apr 1961; so G-27,
AFSC, 19 May 1961, in ssp Hist Ofc files,

51, Memo, 5, M Zuckert, SAF, to C/s UsaF, 1 May 1961, no subject,
in SSD Hist Ofe files,

~52. Hq AFSC Opng Ord 61-4, } Apr 1961, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

53. Ltr, Morton to Ritland, 1l Jan 1961; Hist of DCAS 1961, Voi q
1961
54, Ltr, LiGen B, A Schriever, Cmdr ARDC, to Gen T. p, White,
es.

55. Ltr, Schriever to White, 14 Feb 1961.

SSEH-40
94



30. Memo, J. v. Charyk, ‘SAFUS to C/S, USAF, 6 Dec 1960, subj: Basic
Policy Concerning Samos; TWX, 1509-60, SAF to all Maj Comds, 15
Dec 1960, in USAF Proj Ofc files.

31. Ltr LtGen D. L, Putt, DCS/D USAF, to Cmdr, ARDG, 28 Jan 1958,
subj: Antisatellite Interceptor; ltr, 1st Ind, MajGen J. w. Sessums,
V/Cmdr ARDC, 26 Mar 1958, subj: Antisatellite Interceptor; ltr, 2d
Ind, LtGen D. L, Putt, 18 Apr 1958, in USAF Proj Ofc files,

320: Ltr, MajGen J. w. Sessums, V/Cmdr, ARDC, to Hq USAF, 20 Mar 1959,
‘Orrgabj:-Satellite Interceptor Study Recommendatione; ltr, Sessums to Dir
TUCARPAiCa0 Mar 1959, subj: Task 1, ARPA Order 6-58, Final Recom-
mendation, ‘inUSAF Proj Ofc files.
SEL AT Pit
3310 Satellite int pt ‘and Inspection System, Development Plan, 10 Aug
19592 Brep by AFBMD; : in. SSD Hist Ofc files; TWX 79042, Hq USAF to
AFBMD, 1 Oct 1959; ltr, MajGen V. R. Haugen, Dir Development
Planning, to Cmdr, ARDC, 7.Dec 1959, subj: Satellite Intercept and
2 “inspection Systemjota USAF'-Prdj Ofc. files,
Singargole sd Bros sq see rd, &.
342 Satellite Interowpt-and ‘Inspeéctié: ‘System; Dsvelopment Plan, 8 Feb 1960,
a B¥ep:by: AF BMD; in ‘SSD-Hiet:Ofd fleay 1t8,)tGen R. C. Wilson, DCs/D
to Asst SAF (R&D), 28 Mar 1960, subj: Satellite Inspector; memo, C. D.
Perkins, Asst SAF (R&D), to DDR&E and Dir/ARPA, 5 Apr 1960, same
YOM dgubjectAimtusar Proj Otc. fileé}\ Abbreviated Satellitay Inspector Dev
Tt Fishy TUE, . preppy. ‘AFBMD} in2SSD: HistCOfc. fies
. . RS iow WASU at te
35. Minutes of the 54th Meeting of the AFBMC, 15 Jul 1960, in SSD Hist
Oke Liles; memory. Rubel,. Dep-DDRA&E; jta AGst.SAFO(RED)o 25 Aug
21197600 Leda jy: Satelite. Inépectionjimemp;, Colcr, Bi" Whitehouse; iActg
VOIS, 1 MeiGharyky SAPUS 9:25.Novo1960) subj:: Selection fj Gontrac -
‘LA2 Hor! forosaiat Rik Stage Vehicle;. meknv; AGi:DA. PatkinssvAakbt BAR (RD)
to Asst DCS/D, 9 Jan 1961, subj: Contract Action on. HawhoEy¢5:i
USAF Froj Ofc fil
35: 33H . a

BeOS Ok ot OSM tag 39KE ore 2D ed Las
Sibemte on DOD 'AppropriomF Bo p25 3ilieise 22K8
SLAABU af ty ge ue yd SSN ezisanooeD tidve .9d07

H. Brown, DDRR&E, to SO: 29 Jul 1961, Subj: Ballistic Missile

Defeiise'ct ‘Coritinental: United States; ltr). Col Tus H.? Rayer Baths Secs,
DSMG, to DCS/S&L, 3 Oct 1961, subj: Space Study Group; TWX, 67166,

= CHgi USA to: AFSC,'-3Oct'1961 ;: incUSAP Pro}. Ofc fildsy Nitmntem mathe <
9th Meeting of the DSMG, 2 Oct 1961, in SSD:Hist ‘Ofe flea TAL a;

38P°Menib, (Bie McMillan;é As SAP (RUDY; $oGem Oy ELEM » GISNISAR,
31927. O0uS961 , Heubij:, ARropraim6A1 Aj Roiiline: Bebete ge) one wee ae
‘RGB 30 Sh elite Tels pacttonsin USAR Proj Ofe Fihe@. 21 42 oF de .
: -eolit 930 ford TAaY ai 2
39. Rpt of the Systems Review Board Meeting 62-28, 22 Mar 1962, in USAF

Proj Ofc files; Minutes of the 35th Meeting of the DSMG, 23 Mar 1962,
in SSD Hist Ofc files.


and Development Command to Prepare a development plan for round and
flight testing of the nuclear power unit. On 27 May the ‘Air Force Ballistic
Missile Division submitted a plan for a "SNAP" teat program embracing
four Atlas ~Agena B Jaunches over the Atlantic Missile Range. Generally
five to seven months 4part, launches which would Seek to orbit nuclear power

ing full 2pproval on 27 December 1960. Adequate funding Seemed assured, 92

of Agena test vehicles to the nuclear power system, Curiously in view of °
the long range planning such &@ program entailed, there apparently were some
last minute diplomatic quaims at the Prospect of Orbiting radiation devices. 93

"Snapshot" working group. The Sroup also included representatives of
Lockheed ang Atomics International, Contractors for the Air Force and the
Atomic Energy Commis sion, Arrangements Called for the Air Force to
furnish flight vehicles, launch Services and payloads with the commission
Providing completed flight ~Teady nuclear power units. Their development,
although somewhat delayed, was among the most Promising technical advances
in satellite Systems so far achieved in Space research, The first unit (SNAP


Thus the new Space Systems Division acquired the identity and capability
essential to further advanced Programs in the new Space arena. Some con-
cessions to reality were necessary, For example, for the time being, the

Planning Personnel with the Space Systems Division. Each group would service
the needs of the other division ag requested. These and problems of a similar
nature were ironed out by 1 July 1961, when manning actions involving the
three organizations were virtually complete, *

While the reorganization was going on, the move to Norton Air Force
Base at San Bernardino was not forgotten. On ] May 1961, the Secretary of
the Air Force ruled that "After careful consideration, it has been determined
that the entire Ballistic Miesile Systems Division should move to Norton Air

employees. A plan to remodel an. existing warehouse and to furnish Aerospace
Corporation support at the new location delayed the move of the Ballistic
Systems Division until June and July of 1962, 51

Thus nearly a year passed before the basic objectives involved in estab-
lishing a single space agency were finally realized, The close association of
the two divisions in Los Angeles directly under the Deputy Commander for
Aerospace Systems was widely considered to be an "interim" pattern of organi -
zation, By May of 1962, a plan was in existence to provide the two divisions

General O. J, Ritland, Commander; Major General R. EL Greer, Vice
Commander, Colonel R. A. Berg, Assistant Vice Commander; Colonel

N. M, Lulejian, Advanced Systems Plans and Analysis Office; Colonel

H. H. Eichel, Deputy for Technical Development; Colonel J. §, Bleymaier,
Deputy for Launch Vehicles; Colonel H. L, Evans, Deputy for Satellite
Systems; and Colonel J. C, Manatt, Deputy for Foreign Technology.

Total manning, military and civilian, stood at 977,

SSEH-40
89


Midas

Beyond the Discoverer Program, one of the paramount interests of the
Air Force was developing of an early warning system effective against
ballistic missiles. Lockheed, contractor for weapon system 117L had
Proposed as early as 1956 that infrared sensitivity be used as the basis of
a swiftly responsive missile defense alarm system. If the idea Proved
workable, satellites equipped with infrared "eyes" would signal the launch
of large rockets as soon as they left their launch pads. The plan projected
accurately positioned polar orbiting satellites which would Sweep over the
vast Sino- Soviet land mass and instantly report their findings to one of
three strategically located ground data stations. After initially managing
the development as Subsystem G of WS 117L, the Air Force in December 1958
decided to conduct this phase of the program as a Separate undertaking. 16

Through 1959, despite the importance of early warning to the nation's
total defense structure--it was regarded by Lieutenant General B. A. Schriever,
head of the research command, as of the greatest national urgency--limited
funding imposed a slow approach, In February 1959, the Advanced Research

tional system. Obviously, such components would take a little time to
develop, Nevertheless, although denied approval for total system acquisition,
the division continued research and development work on the system. 1

On 25 February 1960 the first Midas was launched from the Atlantic
Missile Range but, disappointingly, the heavily instrumented satellite failed
to achieve orbit. However, on 24 May 1960, the second Atlas- Agena A Midas
vehicle functioned with astonishing precision to enter the, "Most Perfect

strated before a critical camponent failure. On the 13th Pass the vehicle
fell Permanently silent. Nevertheless, the test produced enough information

SSEH-40 %
14



booster phase of the Program became an indepemiliant: project ultimately
identified as Discoverer. The infrared reconnaissance phase of the Program .
became a separate missile defense alarm system (Midas). Nonetheless,

Sentry, later renamed Samos, remained the backbone of the future’ reconnais-
sance satellite system, 6

On 17 November 1959, full development responsibility for Discoverer, ;
Midas and Samos was officially returned to the Air Research and Develop- _
ment Command and the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division, Samos was
Segregatedas a secretariat - leve) Project in August 1960, but Discoverer,
Midas, and offshoots of each remained as paramount development goals of
the new Space Systems Division after 1 April 1961. 7

Notwithstanding these varied changes, the development of upper
stage and satellite vehicles Proceeded with remarkable success. The second-
stage vehicles were those designed and Produced by Lockheed Aircraft
Company, Aerojet-General and Allegany Ballistic Laboratory and ultimately
included such excellent performers as the Agena, Able-Star, Able and ABL
248. Except for the Agena, developed in the WS 117L Program, the second
stage vehicles were derived from modified Upper stages of the earlier and
lamentably unreliable Vanguard rocket; these, inturn, were based on the
still earlier Aerobee rocket. This Parentage was rather attenuated, however,
and by January 1958 advanced second stage vehicles were in full development
and early production, Moreover, the vehicles, depending on their use,
could be made compatible with both. Thor and Atlas boosters. As develop-
ment continued more sophisticated designs, characteristic of the Lockheed
Agena and Aerojet-General's Able-Star, were made susceptible to ground
directed orbital adjustment and control. In any event the division was
Prepared, during a crucial Period, to conduct and manage the development
of space vehicle systems readily adaptable to the varied objectives of military
and civilian space programs. 8

oe ann
lo


26.

27,

28.
29.

30.

31.
32.

33.

34,

35.

36.

37.

38.

Memo, Cmdr ARDC, to Cmdr, AFBMD, 12 Sep 1959, subj:
Organization of Headquarters Western Development Force, in

MFR, LtCol H.W. Eddy, Asst to AFBMD Cmdr, 12 Oct 1959,
subj: Reorganization; ltr, Cmdr, AFBMD, ta Cmdr, ARDC,
9 Nov 1959, subj: Organization of the Hq Ballistic Missile
Division, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

GO No. 231, ARDC, 12 Nov 1959, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

Ltr, BrigGen C. H, Terhune, V/Cmar, AFBMD, to Hq ARDC,
21 Oct 1959, subj: Air Force Test and Evaluation Capability for
Weapon Systems, Atch Tab 2, Status Rpt on AFBMD Blue Suit —
Plan, 29 Jan 1960; ltr, MajGen J, Ferguson, V/Cmdr ARDC, to
AFBMD, 30 Sep 1959, subj:. Air Force Test and Evaluation
Capability for Weapon Systems, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

Ltr, BrigGen M. F, McNickel, Dir RD and E, ARDC, to AFBMD,
6 Nov 1959, subj: Air Force Test and Evaluation Capability for '
Weapon Systems; Study, Col J.C, Manatt, Ch Test and Activ Ofc
AFBMD, to Col J. L. McCoy, Spec Aset Cmdr, ARBMD, 20 Nov
1959, subj: Study of Category I and I Testing of Ballistic
Missiles, in ssp Hist Ofc files,

GO No. 238, ARDC, 14 Dec 1959, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

Status Rpt on AFBMD Blue Suit Plan, 29 Jan 1960; ltr, BrigGen
M.F, McNickel, Asst DCS/R and E, ARDC, to AFBMD, 13 May
1960, subj: Military Test and Evaluation Capability, in ssp Hist
Ofc files.

Hist, Aero ace--The Evolution of USAF
Policy--T = » ins st Ofc files.

Milner Study; ltr, Gen c, E. LeMay, VCs, USAF, to Cmdrs AMC
and ARDC, 24 Mar 1959, subj: Weapons Systems Management,
cited in Milner Study, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

Weapons Acqu:

Milner Study; Aerospace--The Evolution of USAF Weapons

Acquisition Policy.

Milner Stu dy.

Program Schedules and Data, Manpower Charts, 31] Jan 1959,
prep by AFBMD, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

Ltr, Col W.R. Morton, Cmdr 6592nd Support Group, to
Gen O.J. Ritland, Cmdr AFBMD, 11 Jan 1961, subj: Long Range
Facility Briefings, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

SSEH-40
, 93



Although funding Problems remained acute, efforts to work out a coordi-

strictly scientific interests and military requirements, Early in 1962, the
Air Force Systems Review Board, in an effort to accelerate matters, ruled

which established a need for an early weapon system capability -7 an opinion
the Air Force did not share, Nevertheless, the Air Force was directed to
Conduct the Saint Program as a limited research and development effort and
was reminded that it had been instructed to do 80 on 16 June 1960. Procure-
ment of six launch-vehicles and spacecraft wag authorized, although spending

was not to exceed $40 million in fiscal year 1963, sat mid~- 1962, development

SSEH-40 : 7
22


INDEX

ABL 248, upper stage, 10, 12 .

' Able, upper stage, 10, 11, 36; Programs, 12, 44, 76

Able Star, 10, 11, 29, 45

Abort Sense and Implementation System, 46 :

Advanced Research Projects Agency, 9, 10, 14, 15, 20, 28, 32, 33, 34, 35,
36, 38, 41, 44, 46, 47 :

Advanced Reconnaissance System, 9

Advent, 29, 34

Aerobee, rocket, 10 .

Aerojet-General Corporation, 10, 11, 23, 24, 27, 31, 43

Aeronautical Systems Division, 87

Aeronutronicg Division, 31

Aerospace Corporation, systems engineering and technical direction, 23, 27,
34, 42, 83; creation + 85; relation with Air Force, 89, 90

Agena, upper stage, 10, 11, 12, 28, 29, 36, 38, 39, 40

Air Force, Assistant Secretary, 86

Air Force Ballistic Missile Division, origin and early actions, 5, 7; space
missions, 9, 10, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 40, 41; organi-
zations, 63, 67, 73, 74, 77; location, 83; discontinued, 87

Air Force budget, 7

Air Force Chief of Staff, 69

Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff, Development, 1, 2, 17

Air Force Flight Test Center, 88

Air Force Logistics Command, 87

Air Force Strategic Missiles Evaluation Committee, 3

Air Force Systems Review Board, 22

Air Force Under Secretary, 17

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, 78

Air Force Weapons Board, 17

Air Materiel Command, 4, 8

Air Research and Development Command, Programs, 1, 2, 10, 19, 20, 30,

31, 32, 33, 36, 38, 40, 42; organizational changes, 70, 71, 74, 77, 87
Air Staff, 20, 78

Allegany Ballistic Laboratory, 10, 12
Anderson, §, + Lieutenant General, 70, 78
Anderson Study Group, recommendations, 87
47a, satellite Project, 29, 47

Annette Island, Alaska, 65, 67

Anti- satellite ystems, 19.23

SSEH-40
103


cant contributions,

The Advanced Research Projects Agency, following its organization
in early 1958, assigned a series of projects to the Space division, :
Among these, distinct from military space Programs, was the Transit
satellite Project which became a Part of the division's mission on

System of utmost Precision--and one particularly valuable to Polaris type
submarines, Priority of Navy interest was recognized by transfer of manage -

1959 failed to achieve orbit. The second, on 13 April 1960, was very success -
ful. Of seven launches --the last on 15 November 1961--only two failed com.
Pletely and One was a partial success. The Transit Program, in addition to
other returns, demonstrated its versatility in furnishing Tadio "fixes" which
Permitted, for instance, a ship at sea to determine its location with Pin point
accuracy--an absolute essential for Polaris firing submarines, 12

On 24 January 1962 the space division furnished its by now usual ser
vices to launch a Thor-Able-Star on a project called Composite I which was


DsMG

SSEH-40
100

Acti
Administration

mic Energy Commission

Liaison Office, Headquarters USAF
Air Force Logistics Command
Air Force Missile Test Center
Air Force Systems Co;
Air Force Tactical Air Command
Air Materie} Command

Board
Ballistic Missile Test System
Branch

Brigadier General

Ballistic Systems Division

Captain
Commanding General
Chief of Stafe

Chieg .

Deputy Commander, Air Force Systems Command,
for Aerospace Systems

Deputy Chier of Staff

Deputy Chief of Staff, Development

Deputy. Chier of Stagg, Materiel

Deputy Chief of Staff, Systeme and Logistics

Director of Defense Research and Engineering

Defense .

Deputy

Development

Director; Directive

Division

Designated Systems Management Group

—


7

of General T. D. White; Air Force Chief of Staff, the Strategic Air Command
onl January 1958 assummed all Tesponsibility for ballistic missile Operations,
This caused a considerable reshuffling of command areas and the transfer, in

Although the deputy -commander Organization was continued, the deputy com-
mander for weapon systems reverted to his early title of deputy commander
for technical Operations and became responsible for two basic and highly
important mission elements: development of ballistic missiles (through an

Thor, and Minuteman, The other element Contained not only a directorate for

__

* The list of division key personnel now included in addition to the com-
mander, Major General B. A, Schriever; Vice Commander, Brigadier
General ©, 3, Ritland; Colonel cee os Hamilton, Executive Officer;

Deputy Commanders Colonel C. Hy. Terhune, Technical Operations:
Colonel w. E, Leonhard, Installations; and Colonel J, B. Hudson, Resources,

SSEH.40 .
64



These problems, notwithstanding Air Force Conviction that the Concept
should move forward Tapidly to system development, led the Director of
Defense Research and Engineering to schedule & second critical review of
the whole Midas idea. A blue-ribbon scientific group to handle the assign-
ment was organized under Dr. Jack Ruina of the Advanced Research Projects
Agency. The gist of the resulting study, completed at the end of November

Midas Program to the revised approach, Accordingly, the Space Systems
Division overhauled the Midas development plan with.emphasis on resolving
basic technical shortcomings. In mid-1962 development of the Midas
System remained an important, if somewhat uncertain, element of the
mission of the Space Systems. Division. 24

Samos
The remaining portion of the original 117L, system, that element con-
cerned with visual and electronic Teconnaissance, wag to undergo a unique

Priority to Samos development. To be sure, the Discoverer Project, which

was receiving major program emphasis at the time, included development
of certain subsystems (such as recovery) essential to Samos Operation, By

Program to provide for acceleration of a camera readout system, develop-
ment of a recovery program for high Feaolution. photography, and photo-
reconnaissance mapping and charting. In mid-1959, however, the defense
agency instructed the missile division to defer work on key aspects of the




Aug 10

12

18

26
26:

Sep 6-9

15

41

Oct 14

20

31

Nov 30

Discoverer XIII is launched from Vandenberg AFB, orbited,
and Successfully recovered on 11 August after 17 Passes,
This was the first recovery of an orbiting payload from outer
space.

An Office of Vice Commander for Satellite Systems is estab-
lished at AFBMD for management of the Samos project.

Discoverer XIV is launched from Vandenberg AFB. After

the 17th orbit the Payload ejected on command to be recovered
in mid-air over the Pacific by an Air Force crew flying a
C-119 "Flying Box Car, " . °

Discoverer program is increased to a total of 41 launches.

The Air Force Ballistic Missile and Space Committee is
briefed on AFBMD facility requirements and possible alternate

Twelve scientists from the President's Science Advisory
Committee, chaired by Dr. W. K. H. Panofsky, review the
Midas program and report that, in their view, the Midas
concept is sound and its development should continue.

The Secretary of Defense directs transfer of administrative

and technical responsibility for the Advent program to the
Army. .

The first Air Force Blue Scout rocket is successfully launched
from the Atlantic Missile Range.

The Secretary of the Air Force establishes a Directo rate of
the Samos Project {(SAFSP) at AFBMD. The new directorate
is responsible to and reports directly to the Secretary on
Samos project managemen: and is a field extension of his
office.

6565th Test Wing is organized at Vandenberg AFB and assigned
to AFBMD. :

Air Force headquarters announces a move of the Ballistic
Missile Center from Los Angeles to Norton AFB, California,

on an orderly timed basis extending from November 1960 to
late 1961.

A Transit 3A vehicle launched from the Atlantic Missile
Range is destroyed after 152 seconds of flight.

: SSEH-40
xv


Operations, The Air Force took over and appropriately modified launch
facilities at these locations and began the construction of two more Atlas
booster launch stands at Point Arguello, adjacent to Vandenberg Air Force
Base. This location was made to order for boosting satellites into polar orbits,

Finally, satellite Operations required an extensive, world-wide ground track-
ing and communication

were ultimately located on Kaena Point (Oahu), Hawaii; Vandenberg Air Force
Base; and on Annette Island, Alaska. Such stations were erected to control
orbiting polar satellites and to convey satellite control information to the

data reduction center planned at Palo Alto, California (home of Lockheed
Missile Systems Division, prime contractor to the Discoverer Program).
There the division established, in the fall of 1958, a field office to direct

the full range of growing space activity focusing in this area, 8

Plans to acquire an operational space force moved ahead rapidly. To’
satisfy requirements for the recovery of Discoverer capsules from orbit, the
division organized a squadron equipped with C-119 aircraft and shipped it to

Squadron (Special), with station at Hickam Air Force Base. The aircraft
were equipped with appropriate guidance - tracking instrumentation and a

7 65


chief of staff structure with a considerably greater consolidation of
of responsibility and authority under the four major field commanders.

Effectively on 25 April 1959, officially on 13May, General Schriever was
relieved of command of the ballietic missile division to assume direction of
the Air Research and Development Command. At once the generally recognized
need for a new approach to weapons development--which had been in the fore-
front of command thinking for some time --assumed a new command wide |
emphasis and specific direction. * Moreover, in addition to reorganization
interest which gained new impetus when Schriever took over direction of the
command, assiduous study and planning was under way at Air Force head-

quarters to search out new management concepts for application to weapon
ae
system programs. 22

On 15 May 1959 General Schriever--holding in abeyance the recommenda-
tions of the “Working Group to Review Headquarters ARDC Organization"
submitted to General Anderson in February--appointed a "Task Force on -
ARDC Organization" (more popularly called the Maxwell Group for its chair-
man, Colonel J. C. Maxwell) to start an immediate review of the command's
organization and mission and to recommend appropriate changes. The task
force did an exhaustive analysis, concluding that ". . . lack of clear, vertical

“ Hardly had Schriever taken. over his new duties when he was appointed a
member of a general officer study group charged with the development of
a major analysis of Air Force weapons acquisition management and
recommendations for its improvement.

f SSEH-40
; 71


Aug 1

Vy

26

Sep 10

Oct 11

22

Nov 12

17

Dec 4

18

1959 Jan 28

30

6593rd Test Squadron (Special) organizes at Hickam AFB,
Hawaii.

Total number of Thor-117L vehicles on order is extended |
from 10 to 19.

The first Able-1 lunar probe vehicle is launched from the

Atlantic Missile Range (AMR). The Thor booster exploded
74 seconds after launch.

Commander ARDC informs the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff,
General C. E. LeMay, that because of increased Air Force
interest in military Space programs he had instructed AFBMD
to establish and man an organizational element for Space
systems development.

ARPA separates Midas, the infrared attack alarm system,
from the 117L program. .

A second lunar probe, Pioneer I, is launched from AMR.
Although the payload did not reach escape velocity it set a
new altitude record of 71,700 statute miles.

ARPA informs the Air Force of its plans to develop a satellite
communications system. The Army is to develop the communi-

cations payload and the Air Force the booster and satellite
vehicle.

AFBMD is assigned responsibility to furnish the vehicle
Portion of the 24 hour communications satellite program. .

ARPA orders design and construction of the first 117L launch
complex at Point Arguello.

ARPA directs Thor - Sentry launches be managed as a separate
program called Discoverer.

NASA requests AFBMD to procure, modify and launch nine
Atlas Series D missiles for manned "Project Mercury"
program.

ARDC completes an abbreviated development plan for a Hyper -
Environment Test (Blue Scout) System, Nr. 609A.

ARDC assigns management of System 609A, "Blue Scout" test
rocket, to AFBMD.

AFBMD issues a Midas program plan calling for an accelera-
ted full-scale system development effort.

_ sem
xi




essential and diverse Support elements; i.e., dispensary, chaplain,
administrative services, and go on, However, the original concept of divert-
ing all indirect mission and support activities to the deputy commander for
resources had been subjected to some erosion. A special staff and independent
offices existed in the new organization to Perform such functions as Plans and
Policies, Programming, judge advocate, and comptroller services. At the

tinued to report directly to the division commander. Although there were no
further significant changes in division organization until November 1959, the

Problem of achieving the most efficient form of Management structure continued
under intensive study, “17 .

One of the more important investigations concerned a proposal to adopt
a chief of ‘stage organization. This study, like the management study just
completed, was assigned to a committee headed by Colonel J. w. O'Neill,
On 15 April 1959 he reported to Brigadier General oO. 3. Ritland, division
vice commander, that hig committee recommended a modified chief of staff
structure. There was no immediate response to the O'Neill recommendations,

affect the division's organization, 18

The 1959 Reor anization
ear ganization

Rapid exploitation Of scientific and technological advances to create
superior weapon systems had been for years one of the crucial Problems of
the command, This concern was, of course, not new. Since the beginning of
the research and development command, high level and critically introspective
analyses of the research -to-hardware development cycle had emphasized the
urgency of compressing time and improving Weapons quality. One of the most
Penetrating investigations wag directed by General Thomas D, White, Air
Force Chief of Staff, -on 21 November 1957, The Scientific Advisory Board

ee

* Deputy commanders remained as they were in early 1958 but with the
addition of Colonel R. D. Curtin, Deputy Commander, Military Space

69


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Physical Office Space required by continued accessions in manpower to cope
with the division's increasing expansion of its Mission,

Within a few Months, as the Organization began to Brow, these quarters became
extremely crowded, shared as they were with Ramo- Wooldridge technical

sion
or similar designe

§FEH-40 . an
ee


am

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS*

Atlas ICBM May 1954
Titan ICBM May 1955
Thor IRBM Nov 1955
Initial Operational Capability : Nov 1955
Weapon System 117, Feb 1956
Solid Propellant IRBM Apr 1957
Weapon System 224A, Early Warning System Nov 1957
Atlas Acceleration Dec 1957
Initial Operational Capability Transferred to SAC Jan 1958
Weapon System 117L, Acceleration Jan 1958
Weapon System 224A, Transferred to AMC Feb 1958
Solid Propellant ICBM, Minuteman Feb 1958
Able-O (Re-entry Test) © Apr 1958
Acceleration of Installation and Checkout, ICBM May 1959
Lunar Probes (Able-1) . Mar 1958
Bioastronautics-Capsule Development May 1958
Project Score , Jul 1958
Venus Probes Sep 1958
Samos Project ‘ Sep 1958
Able-3 and Able-4 Space Projects Noy 1958
Midas Satellite System Nov 1958
Communications Satellite System Nov 1958
Project Mercury ; Nov 1958
Discoverer Program Nov 1958
Able-2 (Re-entry Test) — Jan 1959
-__

* Sources: Histo Western Develo; ment Division, Hq ARDC, 1 Jan-

31 Dec 19 Tonologies i ic, 1 Jan 1956 to
31 Dec 196 3 and monthly issues of Summary of AFBMD Activities in
Space, Aug 1959, through November » in Hist Ofc files.
SSEH-40
48 ;

oe


Satellite into a giant elliptical solar orbit Spanning millions of miles



NOTES - CHAPTER }

1, Ltr, LtGen D. L. Putt, to Cmdr, ARDC, 21 Jun 1954, subj: Project
Atlas, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

2. GO No. 42, ARDC, 15 Jul 1954,. in SSD Hist Ofc files.

3. Ltr, LtGen T.s. Power, Cmdr, ARDC, to BrigGen B.A. Schriever,
Asst to the Cmdr, 29 Jul 1954, subj: Assignment of Authority,
Responsibility and Accountabilit » in SSD Hist Ofc files.

4. Rpt, Combat Rea Aircraft, A Special Report Based on an Air
Fores Study Completa eat 1951, prep by DCS/D, USAF, sip
Hist Ofc files.

5. Rpt, The Ballistic Missile Program, Evolution of a Management
. hes: r 62, prep ry Cc, re c files,

6. Memo, SAB to C/S, USAF, 13 Dec 1952, subj: Report of the USAF
Scientific Advisory Board's Ad Hoc Committee on. Project Atlas,
13 Dec 1952, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

7. Trevor Gardner, Spec Asst for R and D to SAF, in transmittal ltr,
Recommendations of the Strategic Missiles Evaluation Committee,
16 Feb 1954, in SSD Hist Ofc file.

8. Recommendations of the Strategic Missiles Evaluation Committee,
10 Feb 1954, p 7, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

9. Rpt, Overall Ballistic Missile Program, 16 Aug 1960, Vol II, p 47,
in SSD Hist Ofc files.

10. Rpt of the Atlas Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting, 20-21
July 1954 and Subsequent Actions, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

ll. Memo, C.E, Wilson, SOD, to All Asst SODs, et al, 8 Nov 1955,

subj: Establishment of the OSD Ballistic Missile Committee, in
SSD Hist Ofc file.

12. Rpt, The Ballistic Missile Program, Evolution of a_ Management
- The r .



Such a commission would have to be armed with radiation detection systems
to enforce the ban. Curiously, there was an absence of reliable data which

Here and there ‘committees of the nation's leading scientist were asked
to wrestle with the problem. The Presidential special assistant for science
and technology, Dr. J. R. Killian, Jr., conferred with Deputy Secretary of
Defense D. A. Quarles and Chairman John McCone of the Atomic Energy
Commission. They agreed the Department of Defense should undertake a
research and development Program directed toward detection of nuclear
explosion--radiation effects. At the same time the Atomic Energy Commission
and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration were to undertake .
certain phases of the research effort. The entire program was called
Project Vela. The high altitude phase of the program became, for reasons
not too apparent, Vela Hotel, TM :

On 2 September 1959, the Advanced Research Projects Agency became
manager of the Vela Project. About two weeks later the agency asked the

nuclear expolsions of one kiloton or larger in space. While this study was
Continuing, the missile division, on 6 October 1959, issued an abbreviated
development plan covering the Vela Project. 78

system. The Advanced Research and Projects Agency assigned the job of
Producing a satellite and integrating the Payload to the Air Force Ballistic
Missile Division, Rather than authorizing an immediate start on system
development, however, the Advanced Research Projects Agency during the
first week of 1960 urged six more months of study of a satellite high altitude


on the tenth flight. Immediately following the release of this plan the division
was again instructed to revise the plan to include use of Atlas boosters and
Agena second Stages. Several more changes were introduced into program

planning in subsequent months, changes that were reflected ina lengthening
list of revised development plans.

It was during this period that space Programs and objectives became'a
matter of national policy debate. On 29 July 1958, the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration was established with authority to plan, direct and
conduct aeronautical and space activity. It shortly became apparent that
any manned military space program would have to receive the approval of
the civilian agency. On 14 August an agreement between the two Organiza-
tions was devised which sanctioned continued Air Force development of a
manned space system but at a reduced level of effort which, in effect,
removed "soonest" from the program,

division published the eighth and final "Man-In-Space -Development Plan" on
11 September 1958, ‘the direction of events was counter to any immediate
development of a manned military space system, 90

Nuclear Auxiliar Power
ary Power

The essentiallity of a nuclear auxiliary power source was recognized
simultaneously with the birth of the 117L, system. Initial studies began as
early as 1952, and in 1955 and 1956 the Atomic Energy Commission launched

committee to insure compatibility of the power unit with 117L, satellite
vehicles. The first subsystem for nuclear auxiliary power (inevitably


As 1958 advanced, division organization was subjected to inevitably

8reater stregg in the face of augmented Programe and rapidly increasing
Manpower, The major 8rowth areas were in such division elements. ag space

Committee study was directed to determine if the management structure |
of Space Technology Laboratories, Deputy Commander, Ballistic Missiles, :
m


CHAPTER 1
ESTABLISHMENT OF WESTERN DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

On 21 June 1954, Lieutenant General D. L. Putt, Air Force Deputy Chief
of Staff Development, directed the commander of the Air Research and
Development Command to attain". . . an operational long-range ballistic
missile at the earliest possible date." This was to be accomplished through
reorientation and acceleration of an Atlas Program revitalized with the high-
est priority of any program conducted by the Air Force. Putt further
instructed the development command to "establish a field office on the west
coast with a General Officer in command having authority and control over
all aspects of the program." 1

It was, without question, an assignment of some magnitude. The task
was to include not only hardware development but a much wider mission:
", . . development of a complete weapon system including ground support and
the development of recommended operational logistic and personnel concepts."
It was with this assignment that Brigadier General B. A. Schriever, formerly

pUsdan t°

assistant for development planning, deputy chief of staff reeemeny gt Air
Force headquarters, arrived at Inglewood, California, during early july 1954,

with a small and highly competent staff to get the program going. 2*

From the very beginning of the new command, unusual departures in
normal Air Force organization and procedures were apparent. On 29 July
1954, Lieutenant General Thomas S. Power, then head of the Air Research
and Development Command,: informed Schriever that, "In your assignment
as Assistant to me you will occupy the status of a Deputy Commander for all
matters pertaining to Project Atlas." Elsewhere in the letter, Schriever was

The first facility occupied by the newly named Western Development
Division was the premises of a Parochial school at 409 East Manchester
Boulevard in downtown Inglewood.

1


for this search for ideas by Aerojet-General, Douglas Aircraft, and North
American Aviation, -At the same time Bell Aircraft Corporation, Northrop

Corporation and the Martin Company participated without cost to the Air
100 .

During April 1960 evaluations of the lunar studies resulted in prepara -
tion of a “Military Lonar Base Program," a two volume summary of the
studiés already performed leading to a defined logical approach to establish-
ing a manned base on the moon.’ It would be a gigantic project but within
reach of Air Force development and technical resources. Financial resources

were another matter: The plan, if undertaken on the scale Proposed, would
result in an operational lunar base by June 1969, 101 ,

Yet another study was undertaken to complete the cycle of lunar investi-
gations. On 29 August 1960 the research command issued System Require-

study concentrated on the problems of lunar transport vehicles, supporting
a lunar base, and the design of the base itself. The division issued cost
contracts to General Electric, North American, and the Martin Company.
Chance Vought, General Dynamics Astronautics, and Douglas Aircraft
volunteered to participate in the Program without pay.

The program was revised in May 1961 to the stature of an Air Force |
recommended national Space goal. It was the view of the Air Force that the
lunex program offered the most complete plan for a lunar expedition from
which the nation could derive lasting and repeatable benefits. The plan
acquired supporters, but not so the proposal for Air Force management,

On 25 May 1961 the President called for a NASA-managed moon expedition
a6 a national objective. Within a few months the civilian Space agency was
embarked on preparations for the vast decade long assignment. The Air
Force, aware that it was, for the time being at least, out of the moon race,
turned over to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration the studies
and plans on which the original proposal had been based, 103

-: sory
43


1954 Jun 21
Jul 15
1955
Jul
Oct 10
1956 Jan 14
Mar 1
Apr z
ll
Jul 24
Aug 28
SSEH-40
vidi

CHRONOLOGY

Air Force headquarters instructs the Air Research and
Development Command (ARDC) to attain an operational
ballistic missile at the earliest Possible date.

ARDC General Order Nr. 42 Provides for "Reorganization
of Headquarters ARDC and Establishment of the Western
Development Division, " effective | July 1954, duty station
at Inglewood, California.

The Air Force affirms its need for a long lived auxiliary
Power unit in reconnaissance satellites, The Atomic Energy
Commission (AEC) begins to develop subsystems for nuclear
auxiliary power to meet the need.

Western Development Division (WDD) is reorganized to
include a deputy commander for plans.

ARDC transfers responsiblity for management of Weapon
System 117L from Wright Air Development Center to WDD.

Lockheed Proposes to develop a capability to detect ballistic
missile launchings by means of Satellite-borne infrared
Sensors, :

WDD publishes a first full development plan for the 117L,
system, Proposing a military reconnaissance satellite pro-

ARDC submits to Air Force headquarters a Proposal for

development of a family of ballistic, orbital and lunar research
and test vehicles,

Air Force headquarters approves 1171, development Plan,

ARDC issues System Requirement 143 fora determination
of the fea, ibility of weapon systems to combat hostile

Satellites,


7

97. Ltr, EM. Zuckert, SAF, to SOD, 12 May 1961, subj: Assessment of
Ballistic Missile Defense Program, in USAF Proj Ofc files,

98. Ltr, BrigGen H. L, Evans, Dep for sat Sys, ssp, to Hq AFSC, 13 Aug
1962, forwarding Teport, "Study Review Of Area Defense Against Ballistic
Missiles, * 9 Aug 1962, in ssp Hist Ofc files,

99. Lunar Expedition Plan, Lunex, SSD, May 1961; Evaluation Guide for
SR-17532, Permanent Satellite Base and Logistics Study, 24-28 Jul
1961; ARDC SR 183, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

100. ARDC SR 192; Evaluation Guide for SR-17532, May 1961, in SSD Hist
Ofc files, .

101. Military Lunar Base Program Vols I, u, Apr 1960, in SSD Hist Ofc
files. .

102. Evaluation Guide for SR-17532, May 1961, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

103, Proposed System Package Program, Lunar Expedition Plan, SSD, May
1961, in ssp Hist Ofc files, :

104. STL Space Log, 1 Jul 1960, in ssp Hist Ofc files,

105. Memo, Dep Cmar Space Prog to AFBMD Hist Ofc, 29 Jun 1960, Subj:
Space Chronology; sTL Space Log,’ 1 Jul 1960, in ssp Hist Ofc files.

106. NASA Order 5-2365-g, 18 Feb 1960; Summary of AFBMD Activities in
Space, Jun 1960, in Ssp Hist Ofc files. :

107, Summary of AFBMD Activities in Space, Sep and Dec 1960, in SSD Hist

108. NASA Hist Rpt Nr 3, Milestones in Space Exploration, Sep 1960, in
SSD Hist Ofc files,

109, Monthly Summary of SSD Activities, Nov 1961, in SSD Hist Ofe files,

110. ARPA Order 17-59, R. Ww. Johnson, Dir ARPA, to Cmdr, AFBMD, 4
Sep 1958, in ssp Hist Ofc files.

111, ARPA Order 97-60, Amend Nr 6,9 May 1960; Hist Rpt for sty U, 1
Jan 1962.39 Jun 1962, -in SSD Hist Ofc files,

112. Hist Rpt for sty , 1 Jan 1962-30 Jun 1962, Prep by Dir SLy u,
Monthiy Summary of SSD Activities, Nov 1961, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

SSEH-40 4
60



on Midas operation to support contentions that the system was feasible.
Another important aspect of the second flight was sustained stabilization of
the satellite in a correct nosedown orientation during the recorded orbits. 18

- Encouraged by the moderate success of the second Midas flight and,
in early September 1960, a favorable review of the Project's basic scientific
and engineering concepts by the Panofsky panel of the President's Science
Advisory Committee, the division extended system development through 1960.
Discoverer XIX, launched 20 December 1960, carried Midas radiometric
equipment aloft to obtain background infrared radiation information, Although
the Agena satellite ran into attitude difficulties, useful information was
recorded for four days. The high-altitude U-2 aircraft was also used during
the months from January to June 1961 to obtain background infrared data,
On 18 February 1961, Discoverer XXI orbited another radiometric package
to obtain additional. background infrared data, 19

Preparations were now advanced for the third full scale Midas flight.
On 14 September 1961, an Atlas- Agena B, the latter a more sophisticated,
controllable, high fuel capacity second stage vehicle than any heretofore
used in the prograrh, soared from Point Arguello into a near circular 1,900
nautical mile orbit, Again, payload operation was short lived. Data was
transmitted for only five orbits and despite the advanced guidance devices
aboard the satellite, it suffered from attitude instability after the first orbit.

A month later, the Air Force tried again. On 24 October 1961 Midas Iv
was launched from the Pacific Missile Range to enter a 2,000 nautical mile
orbit. Thia time the system worked much better. Although there were
symptoms of attitude instability, infrared data was transmitted for 50 orbite
before power exhaustion. The final flight of the first series occurred on
9 April 1962 when Midas V was launched over the Pacific Missile Range to
enter a 1,500 to 1,800 nautical mile earthly circuit. Power failure stopped
data collection on the seventh pass, but the system collected background
infrared data of good quality. Thus the series of flights proved the basic
technical feasibility of the system, although it was apparent that individual
components would need substantial improvement if its life and reliability
were to be significantly extended,

| SSEH-40
15



74, Ltr, BrigGen A, W. Betts, Dir ARPA, to Cmdr ARDC, 29 Feb 1960,
nO subject; memo, J. Hy. Douglas, -Actg SOD, to SAF, SA, 15 Sep 1960,
subj: Program Management for Advent, in Ssp Hist Ofc files.

75. Memo, H. Brown, DDR&E, to Asst SA (R&D), 26 May 1962, subj: Advent !
Program, in USAF Proj Ofc files; Memo, R, w. McNamara, SOD, to ‘
SAF, 23 May 1962, subj: Department of Defense Communications Sat-
ellite Program, in ssp Hist Ofc files,

76. TWx, 72247, USAF to AFSC, 6 Aug 1962, in USAF Proj Ofc files;

Advent Program Hist Summary, 1 Jan 1962-30 Jun 1962, in ssp Hist
Ofc files,

. Pa

77. Joint Space System Development Plan, Vela Hotel Program, 30 Mar
60, Prep by ARDC-BMp, AEC, NASA; memo, BrigGen A. W. Betts,

Dir ARPA, to Chm, Preg SAC, 8 Jan 1960, subj: Project Vela; ltr,

Dr. J. R. Killian, Jr., to SOD, 8 May 1959, no subject, in USAF Proj :
Ofe files. i

78.. Memo, N. McElroy, SOD, to DDR&E, 2 Sep 1959, subj: High Altitude
Detection and Seismic Improvement Programs, in USAF Proj Ofc files;
Vela Development Plan, 6 Oct 1959, Prep by AFBMD, in SSD Hist Ofc
files.

79. Joint Development Plan, 30 Mar 1960, in ssp Hist Ofc files; itr, Brig 7G
Gen J. R, Rodenhouser, Comdr AFTAC, to Exec Ofc, President's Sei . 1
Adv Comm, 10 Dec 1959, no subject; draft memo, ARPA to DD: A . !
28 Dec 1959; ARPA Order 102-20, Amend 1, in USAF Proj Ofc files. 7 ot

80. ARPA Order 102-61, Amend 4, 13 Jan 1961; ARPA Order 102-61, Amend
9, 22 Jun 1961; Summary of AFBMD Activities in Space, Mar 1961, in
SSD Hist Ofc files, ”

81. Hist Rpt, Apr-Dec 1961, Prep by Vela Hote] Dir; Hist Rpt, Jan-Jun 1962,
Prep by 698 AM Dir, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

82. Memo, R. Ww. Johnson, Dir ARPA, to SAF, 28 Feb 1958, no subject;
ltr, J. Carter, Mgr, XA Weapon System Br, MSD, Lockheed, to
Col F. c. x. Oder, Dir 117L, AFBMD, 6 May 1958, Subj: Contract

Nr AF 04(647)-181, Bio-satellite Flight Program Plan, in SSD Hist Ofc
8.

file

83. Biostronautic -Discoverer Board Rpt, 22 Dec 1959; Month1 Summar
of AFBMD Activities in Space, Jan, Feb and Sep 1987, in fers Hist Oe
iles?

84, Summary of AFBMD Activities in Space, Feb and Nov 1961 issues; Hist
> Oastronautics Dir » Apr-Dec 1961, in SSD Hist Ofc
files, .
SSEH-40
58 .


1,

NOTES - CHAPTER 2

Thompson Briefing, 16 Feb 1960, prep by AFBMD Dir/M&O, 7a,
ment, Nov 0, in

AFBMD Organization and Functions, Mission State:
st Otc files.

sence. Systems Division, sor uization and Functions Chart Book, Mission
‘atement, Apr » in st Ofc Files.

“TWX, WDTI 12-12-E, AFBMD to USAF, 12 Dec 1959, in SSD Hist Ofc

files.

TWX, AFMPP-ws-} 55965, Hq USAF to Cmdr AFBMD, 31 Jan 1958,
in SSD Hist Ofc files,

ARPA Order 9-58, Roy w. Johnson, Dir, ARPA, to Cmdr AFBMD,
30 Jun 1958; AFBMD Staft Meetings held on 7 Mar and 27 May 1958;

Dep Cmdr's Notebook Nr 2, “Background, " prep by Pers and Manp Ofc,
in SSD Hist Ofc files, :

Ltr, Roy w. Johnson, Dir, ARPA, to Cmdr, AFBMD, 10 Sep 1958,
subj: Re-definition of WS 117L,; ltr, MajGen B. A. Schriever, Cmdr,
AFBMD, to Roy W. Johnson, Dir, ARPA, 9 Oct 1958, no subject; memo,
R. w. Johnson, Dir, ARPA, to SAF, 4 Dec 1958, subj: 117L Program,
in SSD Hist Ofc files,

ARPA Order Nr 9-60, MajGen D. R. Ostrander, Actg Dir, ARPA, to
SAF, 3 Dec 1959; memo, T. 5s, Gates, Jr., SOD, to Asst SOD (Compt),
7 Dec 1959, no subject, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

WS 117L Advanced Reconnaissance System Development Plan, 2 Apr
1956, prep by WDD; RAND Research Memo 2012, A Family of Recover-
able Reconnaissance Satellites, cited in Short Hist Explanesion and

Chronology, WS I17L, 1946-1959; Space Log, Space Technology Labo-
ratories, 1 Jul 1960

”
» in SSD Hist Ofc files.

WS 117L Advanced Reconnaissance System Dev Plan, 2 Apr 1956;
Weekly Diaries, prep by Spec Proj Dir, Ballistic Missiles Ofc, 24
Mar-14 Nov 1957; WS 117L Dev Plan for Prog Acceleration, 6 Jan 1958,
Prep by Missile Systems Div, Lockheed; ltr, MajGen O. J. Ritland,
Cmdr, AFBMD, to ARPA, 8 Sep 1959, subj: Modification of Agena

Vehicle, 31 Aug 1959; Summary of AFBMD Activities in Space, “Agena, "
Mar 1960, in SSD Hist Ofc files. .

qn SSEH-40
51


Systems Division, was to "Plan, program, budget for and manage the

development of all ballistic missiles, military space systems, space Projects
and other specifically directed Programs,"1

The mission of the space division after April 1962 was not greatly dif. ;
ferent although it was Possibly phrased in more formal terms and, of course,
excluded any reference to ballistic missiles. It was to "... plan, Program,
develop, and manage space Projects and systems, make timely delivery of

ments. . ." and conduct applied research to insure the utmost advance in new
techniques and engineering; and finally, ". . . collaborate with other AFSC
development ‘agencies, other services, the DOD, and civilian agencies in
furnishing payload services, booster, launching, and on-orbit control
services in the attainment of national space objectives. "2

As the work of the division continued there were inevitable adjustments
to completed tasks and advancing technology. For example, formal develop. |
ment of the Thor intermediate range ballistic missile was completed on
1 Jamary 1960; Thor engineering maintenance heretofore performed by the
division was. transferred to the Air Materiel Command, Similarly, by
mid-1962,. the SM.65 Atlas was for Practical puzposes a completely installed .

for the former and underway for the latter, were-destined soon to fulfill a
vital strategic role in the nation's defense. Finally, the solid Propellant
Minuteman, embodying radically new technology, was moving rapidly toward
operational status. 3

After 1955, and Particularly after October 1957, the planning and
Management of space Programs occupied, in division activities, an increag-
ingly significant role. With interest and emphasis on space systems
heightened by the first Spectacular Soviet satellite successes, the Department |
of Defense, Air Force, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
assigned additional Programs to investigate spatial phenomena.

SSEH-40 : :
8 ’


in diameter, burning times from 60 to 90 seconds, and weights from 50,000
to 100,000 pounds, A tentative judgment contemplated a development time
of 30 months and a cost af $62,000,000, 47

burning time and weight in the neighborhood of 750,000 pounds. If develop-
ment were started immediately, vehicle flight tests could be scheduled in
1965 and manned flights by 1967, Total estimated Costs, admittedly elastic

in view of program vagueness,came to $939 million for development,
Production and test facilities,

By mid-1961 some difficulties and voices of dissent were apparent.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration could not bring itself
to submit booster specifications to the Air Force, Charyk was also lese
than hopeful that the management scheme. contrived by the two organizations,
defined in a "White Paper" issued 6 June 1961, would really work. Mean-
while, the Space Systems Division set up a system program office for the
solid booster effort and almost immediately requested that it be Permitted

and given the funds ($15,650,000) to start work on 14 Specific long lead time
elements of the Program.

for release to the Space division to start the program, Probably by coinci-
dence, the Air Force Systems Command on the Same day forwarded ite :
approval. By that time, however, the Air Force and the National Aeronautics
Administration, admittedly unable to see eye to eye on certain aspects of the
Program, discontinued the plan for Paralleltime schedules on solid rocket devel.
opment. Instead the Air Force decided to move inthree directions, First, it


If scientific "firsts" were meaningful, then Pioneer V gained the most
distinguished accolade of exceeding dll previous achievements in space
research including command control, range, scientific measurements and
power of the payload transmitter. 105

Encouraged by the success of Pioneer V, the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration acted to undertake (more accurately pay the Air Force
to undertake) additional Space exploration projects. In February 1960, the
division was asked to plan and prepare for the launch of two Atlas -Able three -
stage vehicles to place satellites into lunar orbits. These were rather
elaborate efforts involving detailed planning of ground requirements, payload
design, Atlas booster modification and other elements to be completed prior

Neither attempt to reach the moon environment was successful. The
two launches, on 25 September 1960, and 15 December 1960, were marred
by equipment failure. 107

engineering essential to the launch and Operation of the Tiros Program,

The division directed assembly of a three-stage Thor-Able-Star vehicle which
was launched from the Atlantic Missile Range on 1 April 1960. It carried a .
payload of more than Passing interest, two television cameras designed to
observe, record and transmit weather data on command. Although minor
malfunctions occurred in payload Operation, the first Tiros Satellite

returned high quality Pictures of the earth's surface and its cloud coverage
until it ceased operation on 29 June 1960. During the 90 days of its func-
tional life Tiros I transmitted an incredible 22,952 pictures of the earth's
cloud cover observed during 1,302 orbits around the earth, 108

Among the varied National Aeronautics and Space Administration Projects
aided by the division the most important in human terms was Project


The Air Force naturally looked to the firat upper stage satellite designed
by Lockheed for the 117L weapon system to carry the major load imposed
by new programs. A "space-rated" development of the Bell-Hustler rocket
engine, an interesting and highly useful by-product of another Air Force .
development program,* was basic to the versatility of the vehicle. Although
originally designed for use with an Atlas booster, it was successfully adapted
to the less powerful Thor. This variation in design permited early intro-
duction of low orbit instrumented Agena satellite flights--the famed
Discoverer series--essential to the conduct of more advanced military
space programs. Modifications subsequent to Agena's first use significantly

improved its value by doubling propellant capacity and adding in-flight
guidance and attitude control.

Apart from the Agena upper stage-satellite combination the division |
directed the development of two other second stage competitors that proved
to be particularly useful in highly specialized applicationa. These were
Aerojet-General's Able-Star and Able. The former, developed as an upper
stage vehicle compatible with Thor, and Atlas boosters, contained a sophisti-
cated propulsion system providing high performance, automatic starting,
re-starting, shutdown, and coast on command with complete attitude control.
Able-Star, operational in January 1960, was designed for a series of Transit
(navigational aid experimentation) and Courier (communications data) orbital
flights. The Able,. basically a modification of an upper stage used on the
Vanguard rocket, possessed an excellent guidance capability during second
stage operation. It was designed for use on Transit, Tiros (weather data
collection) and Able series of orbital, re-entry and space probe flights. 10

———

Bell Aircraft developed the engine for use in the Air Force B-58 bomber
Program. In 1957 it was decided to drop this idea but the Air Force
missile development division sensed its possibilities for use as a
second stage power source. Bell became a subcontractor to Lockheed
and continued engine development was assured.

1l


command. at these locations the reorganization created some significant
Organizational upheavals which, in their total effect, shifted the command

But, ina Sense, the successful: Creation of a Systems-oriented Command
was the first stirring of change increasingly discernable throughout the Air

Weapon systems Management, The Sroup first met on 2] January 1959, During
their one day Meeting, the nominees Produced a draft that, taking the whole ~
Air Force for its Province, directed formation of a study 8roup to produce

research command, and selected members of the Air Stagg,

The firgt accomplishment of the study group in early July 1959, was to
name an 11 man working Committee to investigate, study, and finally offer a

SSEH-40 .
78


the division completed a new detailed System 6094 development plan which
included a list of scientific test flights in store for the Blus Scout vehicle.

This plan, submitted 18 May 1959, was not formally approved by Air Force
headquarters ‘until September 1959, 67

Project development was essentially completed by November 1961 but
low reliability dictated Continued development effort, Nevertheless, its
potential ready availability and relatively low cost stimulated a wide demand
for its use. The demand ‘continued despite a Prolonged wait for adequate
development to support a flight schedule, Finally, on 1 July 1960, the first
Scout was successfully launched from Wallops Island. Launches thereafter
were conducted, as facilities and mission made appropriate, from the
Atlantic Missile Range and later from Point Arguello, looking out over the
Pacific Missile Range. Thus was Continued a series of test and experimental
flights vitally significant for the nation's military and civilian agencies. 68

Communications Satellites
ee Satellites

The space division also undertook development of one of the most
obvious and useful Satellite applications-- communications, Long before
satellites freely roamed through outer space Rand Corporation suggested
the Possibility (February 1947) of a 24-hour synchronous orbit Satellite.
Several necessary developments and a decade later the Advanced Research
Projecta Agency, on 11 July 1958, directed the Air Research and Develop-

ment Command to Prepare an abbreviated development plan for a communi-
cations satellite. 6 ;

acting on the Plan, the latter agency established an ad hoc committee of
experts from the three services to advise on technical Possibilities, military
applications, and funding. The group recommended and the Advance Research

Projects Agency adopted a dual plan which would result in.an interim relay.

SSEH-40
32


command headquarters, was to begin with the Air Force Ballistic Missile
Division. The four principal field elements were to be headed by Air Research
and Development Command deputy commanders with ample planning, Pprogram-
ming, budgeting and management authority to get their job done. This was to

, further insure that ". , + Programming will reflect total impact of the system
on the Air Force with the Philosophy of concurrency," 26

It was generally conceded that the missiles division was already well
aligned with the objectives envisioned for operating echelons of the command.
Nevertheless, much remained. Major General O, J. Ritland, commander of
the division since the departure of General Schriever, appointed a committee
to iron out the details of a new organization. The committee began work in
early September 1959 under the chairmanship of Colonel S.B. Hardwick, Jr. *

The committee worked through September and October to prepare, in
close coordination with command headquarters reorganization group, an
acceptable organization Plan. In October it was decided to drop the "Force"
designations in the Proposed organization. For the time being the Air Force
Ballistic Missile Division was to retain ita name (briefly and. unofficially it
was called"... Missiles and Space Division"). The Proposed Central
Development Force was called Wright Air Development Divia ion, and Eastern
Development Force was called Command and Control Development Division,
In any case, by 30 October 1959 the division had Presented its organization
Plan at command headquarters, where certain relatively minor revisions

the division vice commander, Brigadier General O.J. Ritland, was
elevated to command of the division and Promotion to the rank of major
general. Colonel C.H, Terhune, Deputy Commander, Ballistic Missiles,
was assigned to the position of division vice commander, June 1959,

and a month later was Promoted to brigadier general. Colonel John w.

Deputy Commander, Resources, became a full Deputy Commander with
the reassignment of his immediate superior, Colonel J. B. Hudson, to

command headquarters.
SSEH-40
; 13


1958 1959
10.114 226.515

Administered Funds

Funding by Programs >~.Division

Blue Scout
Aerospace Corporation
Snapshot

Satellite Inspector
Atlas Boosters

Authorized FY 1961
And Prior Years

14.339
26.100
-750
8.230

-963
30.200
10.000
26.800

. 4.000
Z iii.
Midas 184.033 163.800
Big Solids--Titan Booster 15.000
Agena D 21.600
Transit 2.205 4.700
Advent 25.000 5.493.
Vela Hotel 3.640 9.095 ;
Bambi 7.242 3.881 ;
Large Solid Propellant Booster 17.150
Mercury 44.754 12.800
Thor Boosters 2.954 11.120
Financial Management Handbook Status and Commentary, Vol v,
un + Prep by Financ. ysis Diy Omptroller, in SSD
Hist Ofc files.
span =



On 13 November 1959, the first of the legal formalities of Creating a
new organization from the materials of the ola were completed, The division

Was discontinued, Effective 16 November 1959, the 6592ng Support Group
was organized as a division subordinate unit, The 6594th Test Wing was
assigned to the division, and the 6592nq United States Air Force Dispensary
was assigned to the 6592nd Support Group. Finally, on 16 November t 259.
the division announced its own veorganization effective the same date.

The first General Order (No. 1, 16 November 1959) announced that Colonel
oR rton was assuming Command of the 6592nd Support Group,
The staff selected to aid Major General Osmond J, Ritland, Commander,
and Brigadier General Charles H Terhune, Jr., Vice Commander,
included Colonel Ss. B, Hardwick, Jr., Chiet of Staff; Colonel R, E. Soper,
ecutive Officer and director of the Policy Office; Colonel John Ww.
O'Neill, Deputy Commander, Ballistic Missiles; Colonel Richard p,
Curtin, Deputy Commander, Space Programs; and Colonel w, W. Leonhard
Deputy Commander, Facilities {formerly Installations), New di uty
chiefs of staff and their subordinate echelons, elements created by the
16 November Fe organization, included Colonel &, Ww. Phillips, Comp-
troller; Colone} N. M. Lulejian, Plans and Operations; Colonel D, w.
Wickland, Intelligence; Colonel 5, T. Johnson, Materiel; and Lieutenant
er.


Sputnik, 7, 36, 42

Squadron, 4999th, 66; 6592nd Support (Missile Technical), 67; 6593rd Test
(Special), 65; 6593rd Instrumentation, 66; 6594th Data Processing, 66;
6594th Launch, 66; 6594th Instrumentation, 66; 6596th Instrumentation, 66

Steer, communications system satellite, 33 .

Stever, H. Guyford, 70

Steward, H.J., 3

Strategic Air Command, 33, 63 .

Study, Research and Development of Guided Missiles and Space Vehicles Over
the Time Period 1955-1957, 71

System 609A, 32. - . :

System Requirement Nr 187, 20; Nr 183, 42; Nr 192, 42; Nr 17532, 43

Tackle, communications system satellite, 33

Task Force on ARDC Organization, 71

Teapot Committee, 3

Terhune, Charles H. Jr., Colonel, 62, 63, 64, 73; Brigadier General,
Vice Commander, 74 .

Thiokol Chemical Corporation, 30

Thiokol, Sergeant motors, 29

Thor, development, 8; booster, 9, 10, 12, 28, 36, 47, 64, 67

Thor- Able, space vehicle, 46; - Able 1, 28, 29; -Able 3, 44; -Able 4, 44;
Able Star, 29, 45, 46, 47; Model DSV-2C, 29; Model DM-21, 29;
-Sergeant, 29

Thor- Agena, 12, 29 .

Thor-Delta, 29 .

Titan, I, 7, 8, 64, 76, 89; U, 8, 26, 27, 28; m1, 26, 27, 28

Tiros, satellite, 11, 45, 76

Transit, 11, 29, 46, 47, 76

U-2, 15, 17

United Aircraft Corporation, 42

Under Secretary of the Air Force, 86
United States, 12, 14, 23, 24, 35, 44
United Technology Corporation, 23, 27, 28

Vandenberg Air Force Base, 12, 65, 66, 67, 77, 88
Vanguard, ‘rocket, 10, 11, 12, 38

Vella Hotel, satellite Project, 34-36

Vice Commander, 64

Vice President, 24

Von Neumann, Professor, 3; Committee, 3

Wallops Island, 32

Washington, D.C., 9

Weapon System 117L, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16,36, 39, 63, 66
Western Development Division, 1. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 62, 80
Western Development Force, 72

Wheeler Air Force Base, 66

White Paper, 25

SSEH-40
109


At this point of transition, ultimate Samos objectives were defined as
"... resolution of photographic images of low contrast objects from 20 feet
down to 1 foot ona side, on the ground from the operational altitude of ... .
300 miles..." Almost exclusive emphasis was to be accorded photo recovery.
“In addition, a new three-pad complex was to be constructed at Point Arguello.
Funding, as planned at that point, amounted to $160 million in
19603

Ve

the Samos Program. The program manager, General Greer, would report
directly to the Secretary of the Air Force. He, in turn, was to keep the
Director of Defense Research and Engineering fully informed on Progress. 29

By December 1960 it was apparent that the Program was to be aresearch
and development effort rather than a “concurrent development-operational"
Program along the ‘lines of the 1955-1959 ballistic missile effort. Asa
program of wide ranging experimentation was to be conducted, no effective
operational Planning was in immediate Prospect. Samos thus became an
Air Force Program excluded from normal management and Program documen-
tation procedures. Although the Samos Program office was associated with
the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division, and following the 1 April 1961
reorganization, the Space Systems Division, it remained an independent '
and tightly managed entity responsible to the air secretariat rather than
the air staff. On 15 December 1960 the Secretary of the Air Force directed

‘ all major commands to originate no new internal or public information con-

cerning the Samos Program. Thereafter, Progress was marked by the
oblivion of silence, 39

The Air Force early demonstrated an intense interest in exploring
techniques to combat hostile satellites. On 28 August 1956 the Air Research
and Development Command issued System Requirement 143, which became

SSEH-40
19


Sep 17

18

al

Nov I

16

16

17

Dec 21

23

1960 Jan

Transit 1A, navigation satellite, is launched from the
Atlantic Missile Range. The payload failed to achieve orbit.

ARPA directs ARDC to undertake @ contractual study for
evaluation of technical and Operational factors associated with
the detection and location of all high altitude nuclear explosions.

OSD assigns all responsibility for developing and launching all
military space boosters and associated systems integration

to the Air Force.

6594th Instrumentation Squadron is organized at Grenier .
Field, Manchester, N. H., and assigned to the 6594th Test
Wing.

6594th Data Processing Squadron, Lowry AFB, is redesignated
the 4999th Data Processing Squadron and moved to Offutt AFB
without change in parent organization.

AFBMD issues an abbreviated Vela Hotel development plan
for detection and location of nuclear detonations in space.

ARDC organizes 6594th Recovery Control Group, Hickam
AFB, Hawaii, and the 6593rd Instrumentation Squadron, .
Wheeler AFB, Hawaii. The 6593rd Test Squadron (Special)
is assigned to the 6594th Recovery Control Group.

AFBMD, in part of the command wide reorganization of ARDC, ©
is reconstituted and activated as a new military organization
with the same name, Personnel, equipment and location,

6592nd Support Group is organized and assigned to AFBMD
and the 6592nd USAF Dispensary is assigned to the 6592nd
Support Group. 6594th Test Wing, Palo Alto, is reassigned
from ARDC to AFBMD.

Discoverer, Samos and Midas programs are approved for"
transfer from ARPA to Air Force management,

6555th Test Wing (Development) is organized at Air Force
Missile Test Center and assigned to AFBMD.

A Ramo -Wooldridge Study proposes a satellite based random
barrage system as a defense against intercontinental range
missiles.

Aerojet-General Corporation completes development of the
Able-Star, a new second stage compatible with Atlas and Thor

boosters,
wi sss

xii


Difficulties continued through the fall of 1959 and into early 1960. Finally,
on 29 February 1960, the Advanced Research Projects Agency issued an


Feb 5

20

P®

Mar 6

Apr 6
25

May 22

Jun 1

Jul 1

Aug 6
10

25
Sep 9

SSEH-40

AFBMD completes Preparation of development plans for
Transit and Tiros satellite Systems,

Discoverer 1 launch Successfully boosts Agena satellite into
a polar orbit,

General c, &, LeMay, Vice Chief of Stage, States that both a
24-hour equatorial satellite and polar Satellite system are
essential to Air Force communications,

6594th Test Wing organized at Palo Alto, California,

Major General B. A. Schriever is Promoted to Lieutenant
General, relieved as commander AFBMD, and assigned as
commander ARDC, Brigadier General 0: J, Ritland is
assigned commander AFBMD.

6594th Data Processing Squadron, Lowry AFB, and 6596th
Instrumentation Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, are established
by: ARDC and assigned to the 6594th Test Wing,

ARPA changes the name Sentry-to Samos,

AFBMD issues @ preliminary Plan for a Satellite interceptor
and inspection (Saint) system.

Passing high resolution Photography, recovery, and ferret
readout to be managed "with the direction that the Air Force
has used on occasion, with Sreat success, for Programs of
over-riding priority,"


funding requirements, Finally, on 28 June 1962, the director of research
and engineering urged the Air Force to use a modified Titan I guidance

Motor, and construct only a two Pad instead of a three pad launch facility
at the Atlantic Missile Range. In early July the Space division's Titan m
Program office began to introduce these changes into the development Ppro-
gram. Meanwhile, the Air Force was instructed to restrict development

range ballistic missile, Although it was first used because it was the earliest |
booster available in quantity, Thor turned out to bea highly reliable and

Force Ballistic Missile Division to furnish two complete Thor Able 1 (Thor
booster, second stage Aerojet-General AJ10-101, and third stage ABLX248-9)
configuration vehicles for Space launchings, This order was amended on

26 November 1958 to provide for delivery of an additional eight Thor- Able
vehicles and, in this case, two Atlas. booster vehicles, Additional orders
followed for what became a series of Thor boosters and Stages in the general
Able 1 arrangement, >

SSEH-40
28


Pucket, Allen E., 3
Putt, D.L., Lieutenant General, 1, 20

Quarles, Donald A., 5, 34

Radio Corporation of America, al

Ramo, Simon, 3

Ramo- Woolridge Corporation, 4, 41, 80, 81, 85
Rand Corporation 9, 32

Random Barrage System, 4)

Ritland, 0. 3., Brigadier General, Vice Commander, 64, 69; Major General,
Commander, 73, 74, 86, 88
Riverside, California, 83

Rubel, ‘J, H., Deputy Director Defense Research and Engineering, 18, 26
Ruina, Jack, 16

Russia, 17

Saint, satellite System, ‘20, 22
Samos, 10, 16-19, 66, 76

San Bernardino, 83, 84, 85, 86, 89°
Sunnyvale, 88

Saturn, booster, 24

School of Aviation Medicine, 13, 37

Schriever, B.A., Colonel, 2; Brigadier General, 1, 5; Lieutenant General,
14; General, 62, 68, 71, 72, 73, 74, 78, 84, 86, 88, 90
1 69

Secretary of the Air Force, 4, 5, 18, 19, 24, 89
Secretary of Defense, 4, 17, 19, 24, 28, 30, 34, 41
Sentry, 9, 10, 17 .

Smart, J, E., Major General, Assistant Vice Chieg of Staff, 73
SNAP, 39, 40

Soper, R. E., Colonel, Executive Officer, 74
South Point, Hawaii, 65
4, 6

Space Systems Division, mission, 8; origin, 87, 88, 89, 90; manpower, 63,
81, 88, 89; key Personnel, 62, 63, 64, 69, 73, 74, 77, 84, 85, 86, 89;
subordinate units, 65-67, 74, 77, 88; facilities, 80, 81, 83, 85, 89, 90

84, 85

SSEH-40
108

oo


CHAPTER 2
MISSION AND PROGRAMS

Western Development Division (after June 1957, Air Force Ballistic.
Missile Division) rapidly augmented the dimensions of its operations to include
development of additional ballistic missile weapon systems and initial efforts
in the new arena of military space systems.

Briefly, these major development programe included the addition of:
Titan, a more advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, an intermediate :
range Thor ballistic missile and, most significant in terms of planning and
expended resources, development of a ballistic missile initial operational
capability. At about the same time (October 1955) the division acquired
responsibility for developing a reconnaissance satellite system, designated
Weapon System 117L, which had earlier been assigned, to Wright Field.
Because of Department of Defense hostility to the space flight thesis, rela-
tively little progress was recorded in the 117L Program until Sputnik I, in
October 1957, forced a complete revision of national space policies. Finally,
in February 1958, the division started one of its most important projects,

development of an advanced "second generation" solid propellant interconti-
nental ballistic missile. .

These varied increments and outgrowths from each were to create, by
January 1962, a development Program of truly monumental proportions. *
The division mission, until 1 April 1961 when the Air Force Ballistic Missile
Division was divided to create the Ballistic Systems Division and the Space

Aptly illustrated by a statistical study conducted February 1960. At that
time the division was allocated $2.6 billion of total Air Force fiscal year
1960 budget of $18.5 billion. The division, on the other hand, retained °
only 0.3 percent of the total Air Force manpower of 833,000. This com-
Parison would also generally hold true for fiscal years 1961 and 1962.

 ] SSEH-40
os : 7


advised that, "In the accomplishment of your mission you will be responsible

and accountable directly to me. Under my Policies and such instruction as I
may issue from time to time, you are authorized to issue orders direct to
ARDC Commands in the name of the Commander, ARDC, . +" Ina final
clarification General Power added, "The Western Development Division ig
not a staff agency of the Headquarters ARDC but is an Operating location of
the Headquarters as defined-in AFR 2-27,"3

Interestingly enough, the main elements of a new approach to weapon
system management underway in Inglewood had their genesis some years
before. In 1951, then Colonel Schriever, on the staff of the Deputy Chief of
Staff, Development at headquarters Air Force, had Prepared a study entitled

"Combat Ready Aircraft." Although the study undoubtedly expressed the views -

of each element involved--technical, operational-procurement-funding- «in
‘developing @ weapon system. Management was to be". continuously
effective during development, Procurement, test and operational use." Itwas
apparent that adoption of such an organizational concept was intended to
greatly enhance the rapid delivery of combat weapons to the Air Force,4

cisely defined in the weapon system acquisition Process asa"... shortening
of lead time from weapon concept to operational availability (lead time was



Oct 3

1957 Jun 1
Jul

Oct 4

Nov 1

1958 Jan6

29

Feb 3

1

27
28

Mar 3

WDD recommends expansion of the division's mission to
include additional space projects.

Western Development Division is redesignated Air Force
Ballistic Missile Division (AFBMD).

AFBMD and AEC establish a joint committee to insure

compatibility of nuclear power source and 117L satellite
vehicles.

Sputnik I

Secretary of Defense (OSD) approves "in principle" accel-
eration of the 117L program.

Lockheed proposes to accelerate the 117L program by using
Thor boosters and 117L (Agena) upper stages.

AFBMD issues a contract to Lockheed covering Thor-boosted
test vehicles in the basic 117L configuration.

President D. D. Eisenhower directs the highest and equal
national priority be accorded development of the interconti-
nental and intermediate-range ballistic missiles (ICBM,
IRBM) and the 117L military satellite system,

Air Force headquarters reveals tentative plans to use Thor

boosters to orbit instrumented satellites in support of the
117L program.

DOD Directive 5105.15 activates the Advanced Research
Projects Agency (ARPA) with authority to assume responsi-
bility for all Department of Defense (DOD) space programs
during research and development phase.

AFBMD establishes a deputy commander for Military Space
Systems.

ARPA assumes direction of the 117L program.

ARPA states its awareness of Air Force interest in develop-
ing a manned space flight capability,

OSD approves acceleration of the 117L program, including
the launch of test vehicles using the Thor booster

ARDC commander requests AFBMD assistance in preparing
a development plan for a manned Satellite test system.




63.

64.

65.

66.

67,

68.

69.

70.

71.

72,
73.

Ltr, LtCol w. c. Marcus, SLV III Dir, to SSD Hist Ofc, 27 Jul 1962,
subj: History Report, 1 Jan 62 to 30 Jun 62; ltr, LtCol J. M. Brigham,
Asst Ch, Eng Div, 706 Dir, to Col E. A. Blue, 29 May 1962, subj:

Standard Atlas Booster; ltr, Maj E. F. w. Eisemann, to SLV Ql Dir,
26 Jul 1962, in ssp Hist Ofc files.

Hyper -Environment Test System Development Plan, 18 May 1959,
AFBMD, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

Blue Scout Chronology, 1956-1958, dtd 1 Aug 1962, Dir, SLV I, Dep for
Engineering; Draft History, Evolution of Hyper -Environment Test
System, Nr 609A, undated, in USAF Proj Ofc files.

MFR, LtCol K. G. Lindell, Hq USAF, 4 Jun 1958, subj: System 609A
BMTS; MFR, Lindell, 26 Jun 1958, subj: BMTS Discussion with NACA;
MFR, LtCol B. H. Ferer, Hq USAF, 15 Aug 1958, no subj: memo,
MajGen J. EF. Smart, Asst V/CS to Asst SAF (R&D), 25 Nov 1958, subj:
609A, in USAF Proj Ofc files.

Draft, Air Force Space Program, Blue Scout Chronology 1956 -1962,

dtd Noy 1962, in SSD Hist Ofc files; Minutes, Air Force/NASA Com-
mittee Meeting on Scout Vehicle, 15 May 1959, in USAF Proj Ofc files.

Monthly Summary of Space System Division Activities, Nov 1961, in
st Ofc files. .

Ltr, BrigGen H. A. Boushey, Dep Dir, R&D, USAF, to Cmdr, ARDC,
11 Jul 1958, subj: Communications and Navigation Satellites, in USAF
Proj Ofc files. .

TWX, RDZGW 11-16-E, Cmdr ARDC, to Cmdr AFBMD, 12 Noy 1958;
memo, Rear Adm J. E, Clark, USN, Actg Dir, ARPA Ad Hoc Panel to
Cmdr ARDC and Ch R&D, Army Signal Corps, 31 Dec 1958, subj: Com-
munications Satellite ~Joint Development Plan; Expanded Chronology,
Communications Satellite, 27 Jan 1959, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

ARPA Order 54-59, 20 Jan 1959, in SSD Hist Ofc files; memo, Gen -
C. E. LeMay, VC/s USAF, to Deps, Dirs, et al, 6 Mar 1959, subj:

Air Force Position on Communications Satellite Programs, in USAF
Proj Ofc files.

Amendment Nr 1, Order 54-59, 22 May 1959, in Ssp Hist Ofc files.

Record of Meeting ARPA/BMD on Communications Satellite Order and

‘nagement Procedures, 9 Jun 1959; ltr, Col F. C. E. Oder, Asst Dep
Cmdr, Space Systems, AFBMD, to AFBMD Hist Ofc, 17 Mar 1960,
subj: AFBMD Chronology-Calendar Year 1959; DOD News Release Nr
987-59, 28 Aug 1959, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

GE SSEH-40

57


Allegany Ballistics Laboratory also designed and developed the ABL 248
Upper stage, based on the most advanced solid Propellant engine of its size
then available (1958). This engine was a solid Propellant unit adapted from
an existing design. * Used as a third and fourth stage, it furnished excellent
Performance for Able-1, Able-3 and Able-4 series of space flights, 11

Discoverer

The Air Force thus ‘armed hastened into the space arena with missiles
turned boosters and Upper stages developed or available. And among its
first actions was to introduce the Discoverer series of orbital flights which

The basic purpose of the Program was to achieve through the use of a
relatively economical vehicle, development of operational techniques and
acquisition of vital knowledge of the Space environment. Therefore the
Air Force focused Program attention on recovery of data or biomedical
capsules from relatively low orbits (which were neceasitated by the relatively
low thrust of the Thor). Ultimate Perfection of this technique open wide
vistas to speedy and reliable data acquisition as well as other potentially

Another by-product of the Vanguard project it was developed, begi
in 1955, as a third atage solid propellant engine. Development contracts

was to put them into use in its Able lunar probes pro, ram. The e
was by general concensus of the time the st Ber, ‘orming qualif: ine
solid propellant rocket the nation possessed, :

aoe =
12


15

1961 Jang

Mar

Apri

May 1

13

25

Jun 3

SSEH-40
xvi

20

that effective immediately nO new internal or Public informa.
tion Concerning Samos is to be originated by any Air Force

A Vela Hotel Joint Management Team, consisting of members
from AEC, NASA and ARDC, convenes at AFBMD to begin
Planning a high altitude Satellite system for nuclear detection,

General Thomas D. White awards the MacKay Trophy for 1960
to the 6593rq Test Squadron (Special), Hickam AFB, Hawaii,
for the Squadron's work in recovery of Discoverer Payloads
returned from orbital space flights,

OSD assigns the Air Force exclusive responsibility for the
dev.

elopment of military Space systems and vehicles, and
Jaunching Operations,

Effective date for establishing Air Force Systems Command,
Deputy Commander for Aerospace Systems, (DCAs), Space
Systems Division (SSD), and Ballistic Systems Division (BSD),

Air Force Secretary E, M. Zuckert forwards to the Secretary
of Defense a Proposal for a long term national space Program,

SSD offers a preliminary plan for developing high lift boosterg
by wrapping large solid fuel engines around a liquid rocket
Second stage,

President J. F, Kennedy @nnounces that manned lunar explora -
tion is a national space Objective and that NASA would conduct
the program,

Aerojet -General Single “Segment, 100-inch diameter solid

Propellant motor delivers 450,000 pounds of thrust for 45
Seconds, .

Under Secretary of the Air Force J, Vv. Charyk instructs the

Air Staff to Prepare a solid booster Program to Satisfy the
Fequirements of the Air Force and NASA, .

ARPA furnishes additional funds to Support the first four
Discoverer-Vela Hotel Piggyback flights and to pay f
technical assistance from the Aerospace Corporation:


Sentry system until a general review of the entire program could be com-
pleted. This situation Persisted until September 1959, when the agency
authorized the division to move ahead with a combined readout-recovery
Program based on a fiscal year 1960 funding level of $148 million. Then
on 18 September the Secretary of Defense agreed to transfer Samos back to
the Air Force. The Air Force Ballistic Missile Division immediately

‘ogram would move rapidly forward
to an operational system, 22

On 30 January 1960 the division published a revised Samos plan which
reflected the current emphasis on visual reconnaissance--both photo
recovery and readout systems. Twenty-five launchings were Projected to
test ferret and visual, airborne and ground equipment. But the plan, approved
by the Air Force Weapons Board and Air Force Ballistic Missile Committee,
failed acceptance “by the Director of Defense Research and Engineering.
Dr. H. F. York approved the plan "in principle" but directed additional
emphasis to visual recovery techniques, with visual readout and ferret .
readout following in priority. Moreover, in April 1960 York urged the
Air Force to reduce its emphasis on "operational aspects" of Samos,
forget the "concurrency" approach, and concentrate on developing system
feasibility and increasing reliability. 23

Before the Samos Program could actually adopt such an approach,
international politics intervened. U-2 flights over Russia were abruptly
terminated after the May 1960 "Powers Incident, " inevitably centered
attention on alternate data gathering systems. Just 15 days after the
abortive 1 May U-2 flight, the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff, Development
Lieutenant General R.C, Wilson, with approval from Air Force Under
Secretary J. Vv, Charyk, ordered the research and development command
to prepare a plan for early operational exploitation of Samos research and
development, Shortly thereafter, President Eisenhower told his Secretary
of Defense to re-evaluate Samos and brief the National Security Council on

= sone
17


executive management of the Materiel command. It was evident that the kind ©
of Cooperation called for in "375 Series Regulations" Was not always Possible,

Secretary of Defense R. s. McNamara a realistic @ppraisal of the Air Force's

Present were Secretary Zuckert, Under Secretary OV. Charyk, Assis-
tant Secretary Lyle s, Garlock, Chief of Staff, General T. D. White;
Vice Chier of Staff, General Cc, E. LeMay; Lieutenant General 8, A,
Schriever; Lieutenant General S&S. E, Anderson; Lieutenant General Mark
E. Bradley; Lieutenant General R, Cc, Wilson; Major Generali T, P,
Gerrity; ang Major General 0, J. Ritland,

SSEH-40
86


areas of management. * It soon became apparent that the working committee
was undertaking a no-holds-barred approach to the total weapons development-
procurement management problem, The committee reported its preliminary
judgments to the study group on 23-24 November 1959. The report was frankly
critical of the dual command practice of weapon system management and
strongly recommended weapon system planning be on a Package basis. The
working committee received approval of continuing its study along this line

The somewhat revolutionary plan was Presented to the study group on
11-12 February 1960. It Was not yet the time for bold inovations, however,
Neither, as matters turned out, was the design for reform allowed to gather
dust in some obscure file. But for the moment it was the occasion for compro-
mise. The principal committee endorsed a more conservative plan to improve

the two concerned commands. The role of the Program director was strength-
ened, the Package program concept was given wider application and, in general
terms, the management techniques practiced at the Air Force ballistic missile
development complex were endorsed for general use, This important although
admittedly far from complete reorganization plan was formalized in the "375"
series of regulations published by the Air Force in August 1960. 36

————___
* For example, there was a ballistic and space systems panel which spent
two months study and analysis of the “unconventional” management pro-

cedures practiced by the ballistics and Space division, Interestingly, the

panel offered some cogent comments about the Air Force space effort.

In the view of the panel, the Air Force Space effort was confused and

inhibited primarily because of a lack of a firm definition of its role and
Presence of outside influences. The Air Force was advised to".

develop an integrated, purposeful, and objective Space program and sell
it to the USAF, OSD, and NSC."

SSEH-40
. 79


Jul 5

12

Sep 15

Oct 3

13

20

21

Nov 17

18

30

Dec 12

1962 Feb

Mar

Apr 9

SSD creates a solid booster development program office.

Midas m (Atlas /Agena B) is launched into a polar orbit to
furnish data readout for tive passes,

Director of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E)
asks the Air Force to study potential usefulness of Titan II
as a core for a standardized space launch vehicle (Titan I).

DDR&E authorizes the Air Force to begin early actions for

development of the Titan Il (modified Titan II with strap-on
solid boosters),

Air Force headquarters directs SSD to begin expedited actions
leading to Phase I of the Titan Il program.

Midas IV is launched into an orbit which furnished payload
data for 34 passes before power failure occurred.

NASA, DOD, and the Air Force arrive at a mutual decision to
cancel 240-inch class solid rocket motor program but, at the
same time, continue state-of the-art effort in large solid
rockets. :

DDR&E approves the start of Phase I of the Titan III program
“subject to availability of funds."

The Ruina Committee, appointed to evaluate the Midas program,

reports that early operation of the Midas system would be
technically premature,

SSD completes Preliminary contractual arrangements for
Phase I development of the Titan Il program.

SSD asks Douglas Aircraft to define performance and design
of a "Standard Thor", Model DSV-2C, with three strap-on
solid propellant motors (Thrust -Augmented-Thor: TAT).

The Air Force and AEG Joint Working Group schedule the

first ‘orbital flight of a nuclear power unit during September
1963 .

. Midas V is launched into orbit,


be accommodated ona phased basis." He added that the Inglewood complex
would"... become the permanent focal Point and be strongly identified as
the USAF military space development agency.»43

. While these various threads were becoming thoroughly intertwined, signifi-
cant alteration had been made in the role of Space Technology Laboratories.
Because of its unique contractual relationship with the Air Force, the labora-
tories and its parent organization (Ramo -Wooldridge Corporation) were denied
ballistic and space hardware development contracts, This exclusion, in
addition to certain other aspects of its profit making relationship with the
Air Force and with industry, resulted in a plan to replace the laboratories
with a non-profit, government-chartered corporation to perform systems

The change-over was finally completed on 9 December 1960, when the Air
Force purchased the Research and Development Center on El Segundo, which
became, for the time being, the home of the Aerospace Corporation and Air
Force space Project offices, Some alleviation in office space availability was

own office and laboratory installations,

ment force seemed within reach, But as the moving plan matured, widening
fissures in its application became apparent. Heretofore such functions as
materiel Procurement and development management activity had been carried
on virtually side by side, working under accelerated decision making proced-
ures to hasten acquisition of weapon system hardware. Thus removal of

ry , SSEH-40
85


*

At the time of thig writing (February 1963) a final olution to the Space
Systems Divigion housing Problem had been found, After a Period of
Considerable uncertainty during the summer and fall of 1962, Plans were
underway to locate division headquarters and Supporting Offices in the
Air Force Owned Research and Development Center in El Segundo,
Aerospace Corporation Was constructing new quarters Rear by,


Gillette Committee Plan, 4

Gillette, Hyde, 4 . .

Grand Centra] Rocket ‘Company, Redlands, California, 12, 23
Greer, R, E., Brigadier General, 18, 19; Vice Commander, 89
Grenier Field, Manchester Municpal Airport, New Hampshire, 66
Ground tracking network, 65

Group, 6555th Guided Missile, 77; 6592nd Support, 74, 88; 6594th Recovery
Control, 66, 67

Hawaii, 65, 66, 67

Hickam Air Force Base, 65, 66, 67

Horner, R, E., Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, 31]
Hudson, .J, B., Colonel,. 63, 64, 73

Hughes, 42

Hyland, Lawrence, 3

Hyper Environment Test System, Nr 609A, 31

Inglewood, California, 1, 80; complex, 85
Institute of Advanced Stud: » Princeton University, 3

Johnson, J. T., Colonel, 74 _

Kaena Point, Hawaii, 65, 67
Killian, J, R., 35
Kistiakowsky, George B., 3, 18

Large, wW., Colonel, 63
Lauritsen, Charles c., 3 .
LeMay, c, E., General, Vice Chief of Stasi, 78, 86, 88
Lemes, R., Lieutenant Colonel, Personnel and Manpower, 74
Leonhard, w, E., Colonel, 64, 74; Brigadier General, 84

q 40, 65 :

» 40,
Los Alamitos Naval Air Station, 83
Los Angeles, California, 18, 62, 83, 87, 89, 90
Long Beach, California, 83
Long Range Facility Committee, 83
Lulejian, N, M., Colonel, 74, 89
Lunar observatory, 42; probes, 76

Manatt, J, C., Colonel, 89
Manchester, England, 65
Manchester, New Hampshire, 67
March Air Force Base, 83.
Martin Marietta Corporation, 27, 43
Mark I, biomedical Capsule, 37
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 9
eu, Ic, Colonel, 7;
ell Group, 7]

SSEH-40
106



21.

22.

23,

25.

26,

27,
28.

29,

Ltr, Col Q. A, “Riepe, Dir Midas Satellite System, to Col O. W. Cleven,
Dep Dir Sys Mgt, 13 Oct 1961, subj: Midas Review of DDRA&E Task
Group, 27-29 Sep 1961; Evaluation of Midas R&D Program, 30 Nov 1961,
prep by DDR&E Ad Hoc Group on Midas; memo, Harold Brown, DDR&E,
to SAF, 8 Dec 1961, subj: Midas; memo, Harold Brown, DDRB&E, to
Asst SAF for R&D, 25 Jun 1962, subj: Midas System, in SSD Hist Ofc

ARPA Order Nr 9-58, R. W. Johnson, Dir ARPA, to Cmdr AFBMD,

30 Jun 1958; memo, R. W. Johnson, Dir ARPA, to Cmdr AFBMD, 10
Sep 1958, subj: Redefinition of WS 117L, in SSD Hist Ofc files; memo,
R. W. Johnson, Dir ARPA, to Asst SOD ISA, 1 Jul 1958, subj: Priority
of Reconnaissance Satellite; memo, R. W. Johnson, Dir ARPA, to
SAFUS, 17 Dec 1958, subj: Reorientation of Sentry Program; TWx,
DEF 961412, ARPA to ARDC, 23 Jun 1959; memo, Niel McElroy, SOD,
to Chmn, JCS, 18 Sep 1959, subj: Coordination of Satellite & Space ©
Vehicle Operations, in USAF Proj Ofc files.

Memo, H. F. York, DDR&E, to SAF, 20 Apr 1960, subj: Samos, Midas
and Discoverer Research and Development Programs and Development /
Operational Plans for Samos and Midas Programs; memo, H. F, York,

DDR&E, to SAF, Apr 1960, subj: Intelligence System Samos, in USAF
Proj Ofc files. .

Ltr, MajGen V. R. Haugen, Asst DCS/D, USAF, to Cmdr ARDC, 16 May
1960, subj: Samos Development Plan; TWX 62784, USAF to ARDC, 17
Jun 1960, in USAF Proj Ofc files.

Memo, LtCol R. B. Allison, Exec C/S to V/CS, USAF, 2 Jul 1960,
subj: Samos; MFR, Col D. M. Williams, Ofc Dir Plans, 7 Jul 1960,
subj: Presentation of Revised Samos Development Plan; MFR,

Maj
H. H. Howard, Ofc Asst/Adv Tech, 12 Jul 1960, subj: Samos, in USAF
Proj Ofc files,

Ltr, J. Ss. Lay, Exec Sec NSC, to SOD, 1 Sep 1960, subj: Reconnais -
Bance Satellite Program; memo, T. S. Gates, OSD, to SAF, 10 Oct
1960, subj: Reconnaissance Satellite Program, in USAF Proj Ofc files.

SAF Orders 115.1 and 116.1, 31 Aug 1960, in USAF Proj Ofc files.

Samos Status Rpt, 3) Aug 1960, prep by Ofc of Missiles & Satellite Sys,
in USAF Proj Ofc files,

Memo, J. H, Douglas, Actg SOD, to SAF, 6 Sep 1960, subj: Revised
Samos Development Plan, dated 11 Aug 1960; ltr, J. HL Douglas, Actg

SOD, to SAF, 15 Sep 1960, subj: Reconnaissance Satellite Program,
in USAF Proj Ofc files,

53


85,

86.

87.

88.

89.

90.

gL.

92.

93.

94,

95.

96.

--

Ltr, MajGen M. Cc, Demler, Actg DCS/D, .to AFSC, 12 Jun 1961, subj;
Bioastronautics Orbital Space Programs; Hist Rpt, Jan-Jun 1962, prep
by Bioastronautics Ofc, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

Ltr, LtCol c. G. Strathy, Ch, Res and Target Sys Div, Hq ARDC, to
other Hq ARDC Ofes, 25 Feb 1958, subj: Man in Space; USAF Manned
Military Space Systems Development Plan, 2 May 1958, AFBMD, in
SSD Hist Ofc files,

USAF Manned Military Space Systems Development Plan, 25 Apr 1958,
in SSD Hist Ofc files. y

USAF Manned pee Space System Development Plan, 24 Jul 1958,
, ain st Ofc files.

USAF Manned Military ace System Develo, ent Plan, 1) Sep 1958,

AFEMD in SSD Hist oe ites:

Monthly Summar of AFBMD Activities in s ce, Nov 1961; memo, Col
~ o Gurtin, Dep Cmdr pace Sys, » to MajGen B. A.
Schriever, Cmdr AFBMD, 16 Feb 1959, subj: -SNAP Status; Presn, WS

117L Secondary Power Development Prog, prep by 117L Dir, AFBMD,
May 1958, in ssp Hist Ofc files.

Origins of the USAF Space Program, 1945-1956, Pp .12ff, 34 35; memo,
Wm. Weitzen, Dep Dev, Asst SAF (R&D), USAF, to DDR&E, 20 Dec
1960, subj: Snapshot, in USAF Proj Ofc files; Hist Rpt, Apr 61-Jun 62,
Prep by 239A Dir, SSD, in SSD Hist Ofc files.

Ltr, F. kK, Pittman, Dir, Dev Reactor Div, AEC, to MajGen M. lon
Demler, Dir Adv Tech, ‘USAF, 14 Feb 1962, no subject; memo, J. H.
Rubel, Dep DDR&E, to Spec Asst for Space, DDR&E, 17 May 1961, subj:
DDR&E Task RE 1; Staff Summary Sheet, Col 0. p, Thorne, Dep ADCS
Dev for Nuclear Systems, to USAF, 31 May 1961, same subject, in

Ltr, MajGen M. Cc. Demler, Dir, Advanced Tech, USAF, to F. K,

Pittman, Dir, Reactor Div, AEC, 23 May 1962, no subject, in USAF
Proj Ofc files.

Hist of Dcas 1961, Voll, Jun 1962; Space Counter Weapons Program,
vonology, draft, Prep by AFCHO Hist Ofc, in SSD Hist Ofc files,

Ltr, H. F, York, DDR&E, to SAF, SN, SA, 11 Jun 1959, subj: ARPA
Programs; Space Counter Weapons Program, Chronology, in SSD Hist

Ofc files,

59


At subsequent meetings the committee continued to urge a completely
revamped and accelerated missile development effort. Trevor Gardner,
Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force for Research and Develop-
ment and one of the chief proponents of a new program for development of
long range ballistic missiles, felt that"... the ICBM Program should be

the time period desired. A group responsible for ‘systems engineering and
scientific management! was needed. "9

The Air Materiel] Command moved quickly to assign contracting personnel to
the Inglewood office. Western Development Division assumed entire control
of all aspects of the development Program, even to the systems engineering
-and technical direction effort, which was contractually assigned to Ramo-
Wooldridge Corporation, a newly created scientific- engineering research
firm of particular competence. Moreover, as the Program advanced it
received the strongest support from higher managerial levels of the Air Force |
and Department of Defense. On 8 September 1955, the Atlas program was
assigned the highest national priority. A little more than a week later, on

17 September, the Secretary of Defense directed the Secretary of the Air
Force to, "Prosecute within hig assigned responsibilities the ICBM research

This was, in. effect, an Opportunity for the Air Force to institute radically
new patterns in administrative and managerial procedures, For this task,

Hyde Gillette, Deputy for Budget and Program Management, Office of the Air

of a special study committee to work out a genuinely streamlined management
system. The group brought forward a "Gillette Committee Plan" Proposing

.. SSEH-40 : =
4


Anderson Study Group recommendations. On the basis of such research, the
chief of staff Presented a reorganization plan to a special Air Force head=
quarters staff meeting on 13 March 1961. A public announcement of the
Sweeping command changes was made four days later. Effective | April 1961,
the Air Research and Development Command was to become the Air Force
Systems Command ", , + designed to centralize direction of the ballistic missile
Programs and to insure the most effective discharge of those military space
responsibilites assigned to the Air Force."47

The former research command was Placed in control of the entire weapons
acquisition process, Heretofore a principal function of the materiel command,

created to furnish, as its name suggested, logistic support to the Air Force,
Within the systems command new divisions were organized: Electronic
Systems in the Boston area, and Aeronautical Systems at Wright Patterson

Air Force Base, Ohio. But the greatest impact of the command reorganization
was felt at the missile development complex, There the Air Force Ballistic
Missile Division and the Ballistic Missiles Center were discontinued. In their
place were created two new organizations, the Space Systems Division and the
Ballistic Systems Division. To insure utmost response and close control in

There followed days of rapid shuffling of former ballistic division elements
to create a deputy command organization, two divisions, and an equitable ©
distribution of Personnel and available resources. It was a task performed
under considerable pressure without minimizing management energies normally
directed to ‘Mission assignments.


To be sure, the Air Force Ballistic Missile Divieion had been concerned
with military space programs since 1955 * and unquestionably had greater
competence in that area than any other American organization. Hence, in
January 1958, in response to the general urgency of the time, it was logical
to accelerate Weapon System 117L (also called "Sentry" the Advanced :
Reconnaissance System, or more simply, military space system). Among
the acceleration Proposals was one involving the use of a Thor booster instead
of the originally planned Atlas for 10 early satellite launches. 4

Throughout 1958, despite the desire to get the space effort rolling at
a faster pace, or perhaps because of it, several administrative changes
were introduced into the military satellite undertaking. The most significant
of these occurred on 30 June 1958 when the newly created Advanced Research
Projects Agency (established to conduct space research and to prevent its
duplicatory proliferation) assumed responsibility for the advanced reconnais-
sance satellite program. As matters were arranged, funding and basic
policy decisions affecting the program were made in Washington and day-
to-day technical management of the system was retained by the division, >

From 30 June ‘until 4 December 1958 the Advanced Research and
Projects Agency allocated funds for Thor boosters and Lockheed second |
" stages needed to get the program underway as rapidly as possible. (The.
money had mostly been transferred from the Air Force.) In the meantime,
a study effort carried on by the agency resulted in a decision to divide the
military satellite system into separate development projects. As these
adjustments were made, primarily to ease budgetary difficulties, the Thor

The Air Force had been thinking about exploiting "space" for intelligence
uses since 1946. Technical development had moved forward so that in

gence System. In the spring of 1955 the Air Force solicited design
proposals from selected contractors. In October 1955 Western

Technology was awarded a contract for research and development of the
orbital attitude control equipment, Thus the Air Force and the division
possessed well laid ground work for the beginning of a strong space ~
e

‘ort.
. | comnag


Planning effort with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
which wag most immediately Concerned with space life Support systems,
By mid-1962, allocation of funds to more demanding objectives resulted in

virtual Cessation, at least for the time, of the Space division's bioastronau-
tics research effort,

task of conducting manned Space flights, By mid-March the Air Research
and Development Command had completed an abbreviated plan outlining in
broad terms Program orientation and objectives, At the same time the

revealed the emphasis and Purpose of the program. The Air Force document
called for a series of non-manned data ~gathering exploratory orbital flights
to determine the extent of the hazards and adjustments man would experience
in the harsh Space environment, tf Program development started Promptly,
by October 1960 a man could be blasted into a 150 mile orbit and in due
course be safely returned to earth. It was estimated the Program would cost
’pproximately $398 million. It wag anticipated too that this would be but a
step in the development of @.complete B8pace military 8ystem which would
include lunar reconnaissance, a moon landing and a safe return to earth, 87

The division, shortly after submission of the development plan, was
instructed by command headquarters to limit development to a manned
orbital flight capability, 4 rapidly revised division Plan, released on 2 May,
envisioned a Phased development of a manned orbital capability by using a
Thor booster with an Agena or Vanguard second stage. System reliability


appointment of a full time Long Range Facility Committee to study and
recommend a future permanent location for the ballistic and space develop -
ment division. Several locations were studied, recommended, and eventually
rejected--a process that occasionally reached the Air Force secretariat level,
Sites that were Promising but were unacceptable for one reason or another
included Log Alamitos Naval Air Station, located a few miles east of Long
Beach, California; Navy -Douglas Property and buildings located on the north-
west corner of El Segundo and Aviation boulevards; and 80 acres of vacant
land located on the southwest corner of the same intersection. On 26 August

1960, while search and study continued, the Air Force Ballistic Missile and
Space Committee reaffirmed the permanence of the ballistic and space develop-

that the division consider Norton Air Force Base at San Bernardino, California,
and March Air Force Base, at Riverside, California (both are about 70 miles
east of Los Angeles) as possible permanent "home"sites. The local committee
concluded that in each instance base facilities were inadequate. 38%

-

But the necessity to do something about obtaining additional quarters was
approaching a crisis. On 9 July 1960 the Air Force decided, in response to
acute missile site activation problems to assign the management of all site

division retained executive management responsibility for development of the
systems, and the materiel command's Ballistic Missile Center, virtually .
sharing the same office space with the division, was responsible for site acti-
vation. However, a significant impact of the change within the context of the

People already there. 39

_

* Interestingly, in the light of later events, the committee determined that
San Bernardino Air Force Base would not be suitable for the entire ballis-
tic missile and space program as it would ", + require a complete
construction of a new facility and would not be conducive to the Aerospace
Corporation in association with the Air Force."

83


and development Program Managed and funded by the Air Force, But there
were some conditions. It was his view that surveillance devices should not

be made inherent in early test versions and that nothing beyond co- orbital
experiments should be initially undertaken. Once again the division returned

to its calculations to Prepare another revised development plan. By 1 July
1960, the new Program scheduled the design, fabrication and launch of a
Prototype vehicle which would demonstrate satellite rendezvous and inspection,
This was to be accomplished in four launches beginning about November 1962. 34

the development contractor. At that point Pentagon officials discretely.
decided the new incoming administration might have some different ideas

on the program and ordered a deliberate approach until fiscal year 1962
research, development, test and evaluation funds could be clearly definea.?5

As it happened, there was increasing interest in the Saint program,
The revised Presidential budget raised fiscal year 1962 program funds
from $12 million to $26 million, There was also mounting conviction within
the Air Force and the Department of Defense that the nation should acquire
a8 rapidly as possible an outer space defense capability, Ample evidence
strongly suggested a technological Capability would 800n exist to orbit

As increasing attention was focused on the program, there appeared
inevitable divergent currents of opinion and direction, Concern that program
costs were getting: out of hand collided with the viewpoint that the Program
must be thoroughly developed, tested, and proved out in an Operational
system regardless of cost. Alternate technologies gained support: it would

SSEH-40
21


drastic short cuts in normal Air Force administration of its development
Programs. Approval by Secretary of the Air Force Donald A. Quarles fol-
lowed on 21 October 1955. The Secretary of Defense acted with equal speed
on 8 November stating that he ". . . approved new mianagement procedures

designed to achieve maximum acceleration. . . " of long range ballistic missile
programs. Md .

The crux of the new management procedures involved creation of two
ballistic missile committees at Air Force and Department of Defense level.
Both committees were composed of Assistant Secretaries, one chaired by the
Secretary of the Air Force and the other by the Deputy Secretary of Defense
(later the Department of Defense Director of Guided Missiles). The two
committees were to weigh and approve, in turn, major ballistic missile
development actions. Western Development Division (later re-named Air
Force Ballistic Missile Division) was to prepare for their periodic review
complete development plans containing funding and facilities requirements
for step by step Progress to an operational system. When the submitted
Programs received the approval of the two committees it became the respon-
sibility of General Schriever's development division to carry them out. In
the words of a subsequent reviewer, “... the requirement for rapid decisions
which was implicit in the concurrency approach was now provided for, and
all elements necessary for the effective functioning of the unique management

complex were present."!2 It was perhaps the best management structure for
its mission ever developed by the Air Force.

5


Development Programs (Cont)

Project 609A, Blue Scout Test Vehicle

Hustler Rocket Engine Development

Courier Satellite Project

Tiros Satellite Project

Able-Star Upper Stage Development Project
Transit Satellite Project

Advent Program (Communication Satellites)
Delta Project Development

Vega Project Development

Agena Satellite Development

Fifty Research Projects Transferred from ARDC
Bambi

Dyna Soar Program

Satellite Inspection System

Anna (Satellite Program)

Vela Hotel (Satellite Program)

Bioastronautics Orbital Space Program

Cue Ball (Satellite Program)

Project Fish Bowl ‘(High Altitude Nuclear Tests)
Military Orbital Development System

Feb 1959
Apr 1959
Apr 1959
Apr.1959
Apr 1959
Apr 1959
May 1959
Jun 1959
Jun 1959
Dec 1959
Jan 1960
Jan 1960
May 1960
Oct 1960
Apr 1961
Jun 1961
Jun 1961
Nov 1961
Dec 1961
Jun 1962

SSEH-49


SAF/R and p
SAF/us
Sec

SLY

SN

so

SOD

SR

SRB
SSD
STL
Subj

Sys

TAM
Tech
TRW

USAF
U/sar

V/Cmdr
V/cs
Vol

Wapc

SSEH-40
102

a

Secretary of the Air Force,

Secreta: :

Standard Launch Vehicle
Sécretary of the Navy
Special Order

Secretary of Defense

Technical Area Manager
Technology

Research and Development

mPson-Ramo- Wooldridge Corporation

United States Air Force

Inder Secretary Of the Air Force

Vice Commander
Vice Chieg of Staff
Volume

Wright Air Development Center
Western Development Division

Weekly
Weapon System

Year


Arbor Vitae, Offices, 80; street, 80
Armed Forces Policy Council, 3

y 33, 41,47
Army Corps of Engineers, 13
Army Signal Corps, 33
Assistant Chief of Staff for Guided Missiles, 18
Assistant Commander for Missile Tes:

2 77
Assistant Deputy Commander, Ballistic Missiles, 68; Resources, 73
Assistant Secretaries, '5

Atlantic Missile Range, 14, 28, 32, 37, 40, 45, 46, 76, 77
Atlas, development, 1, 3, 4, 8; Space vehicles, 9, 10, 11, 18, 28, 36, 37, °
44, 45, 64, 65; deployment, 67, 76; Office location, 39
» 45

Atlas- Agena, 14, 15, 36, 40

Boston, Massachusetts, 72; area, 87
Bradley, Mark E., Lieutenant General, 86

C-119, aircraft, 65
California, 8g

Cape Canaveral, 65

Central Developme nt Force, 72, 73,
Chance-Vought, 31, 43

Complex 75, launching, 1
Composite I, eatellite Project, 46
Compton, boulevard, 90

Concurrency, explanation of, 72
Convair, 3,11, 41, 42

SSEH-40
104



31
Apr7
25

May 13

22

28
28

Jun 18
19

30

Jul

ll

29

SSEH-40
x

—_,

AFBMD is instructed to Prepare a development plan for a
military space System program leading to a manned flight
to the moon and return,

AFBMD Publishes a “Lunar Probe Program Devel

lopment
Plan" for a Series of three moon flights scheduled in the fall
of 1958,

AFBMD Prepares a "USAF Manned Military Space Systems
Development Plan," the first of Seven such plans Prepared
during 1958,

AFBMD Service Building (Bldg 11) housing Cafeteria, dispen-

Sary and club, is Opened,

Biomedical experiments are added as a secondary objective
L

in from three to five of the Planned Thor boosted 117
flights.

ARPA gives the name "Sentry" to the 1171, Program.

AFBMD begins to identify Positions ang recruit personnel for
@ space program,

GOR 140 establishes an.Air Force Tequirement for a Satellite
tracking and control system and a Satellite defense system.

ARPA advises AFBMD that the.OSD hag assigned full Trespon-

‘ ibility for management of the 117L, development Program to
ARPA, :

AFBMD begins preliminary arrangements to establish a
Special military unit equipped with C-1195 aircraft and trained
for aerial recovery of 1171 data capsules returned from orbit,

Start of Geneva negotiations on discontinuing nuclear testing,
ARPA requests Air Force headquarters to direct ARDC to

Prepare an abbreviated development plan fora communications
Satellite.

National Aeronautics and Space Act Creates National Aeronau-
tics and Space Council and National Aeronautics and Space

a


Buildings three and four, identified in the illustration on the next. page,
were leased by the Air Force but the high cost of leasing led to their purchase
in the fall of 1955. Also in the fall of 1955, the Ramo- Wooldridge Corporation
purchased approximately 41 acres on the southeast corner of El Segundo and
Aviation boulevards, about three miles south of the Arbor Vitae Street offices.
There was constructed, beginning in mid-1956, the facility called Research
and Development Center, It belonged to Space Technology Laboratories, a

Parallel increase in contractor manpower, and expanding total of liaison offices
located within the development complex taxed existing facilities to their limits.
To solve these problems the division leased buildings in the Arbor Vitae area--
and, in some instances, as much as 12 miles from headquarters offices--

and additional Air Force personnel moved into the Research. and Development

on | January 1959 ballistic missile division personnel at work totaled 1,177;
the materiel command's contracting and logistic planning contingent numbered
378; and there were 145 people in the planning office of the strategic command
for a total of 1,700 Air Force personnel. In addition to these, 3,080 Space
Technology Laboratories engineering and support personnel were housed in
the various offices, 7 :

In the spring of 1959 the division, realizing that long term planning offered
the only permanent solution, created a committee to investigate the division's
facility requirements. The committee conducted a thorough review of the pro-
blem but due to some temporarily unsettling mission assignments had to leave
its work unfinished, A fresh start was made in the fall of 1959 with the


1

‘Would. undertake development of a 120-inch segmented rocket which had

“ advantages of mission orientation, needed no new facilities, and war air

‘! transportable in segments, Second, it would develop a 156-inch Tocket yp’

: to static teating but not beyond unless there were crises in the liquid Pro.

. gram, “Third, it would carry to the point of demonstration firings the dey,
Meht of. monolithic rockets in the 240.3,
on.the test site,

“facilities.” At mid-point 1962, devel. t
"exception ‘of the 120-inch diameter ve

“undertaking was what became Titan I, The basic. cone
“modified Titan 1 ballistic mis

blocké of ‘solid motor booster:
in 1961 the space division,.
” working on the details of booster size and configuration,
levels of the Air Force
: the. advantages such a

ept‘envisioned a” :
sile serving as a core around which building r .

Z
a
g
3
j
E
im
H
s
”
3
o
3
5
Q
E
g
$
g

induced Assistant Secretary of

McMillan and Deputy Directoy 3.1, Rubel of the Depart-.;

earch and engineering office ‘to create an‘ad'hoc gidup
‘ le” space booster. The “





These procurement demands resulted, for all Practical purposes, ina
standard Thor booster. But there was a great deal of work and money
involved in fitting the booster which was still basically a Thor missile to
match various upper stage combinations and payload variations, * By 1961
steps were taken to standardize Production hardware. Model Thor DM-21,
a space booster, was Produced, with cleaned up wiring and plumbing to fit
various upper stage combinations. By mid-year 1962 all Thor subsystems
were standardized except wiring. A plan to develop an electrical wiring .
system which would permit plug-ins in any combination desired from the
Agena, Able Star and Delta upper stage combinations was under study and
was a prospect for early adoption,

Beyond this effort another important step was taken to exploit the advan-
tages of solid Propellant boosters. In February 1962 the Space Systems
Division asked Douglas Aircraft Company to specify the performance and
design of a Thor booster (Model DSV-2C) with three solid Propellant rocket
motors strapped to its outside shell to furnish more thrust, Engineering
study proposed three Thiokol Sergeant (XM-33) solid Propellant motors
installed around the Thor engine section and attached to its three main
thrust beams with only minor vehicle modification. These three additional
motors would add 163,500 Pounds of thrust for 27 seconds after lift-off. Thrust
tail-off would continue for another 13 seconds.. This arrangement would give
the Thor- Agena vehicle, for instance, an extra 500 Pounds of.payload on a
300 mile circular orbit, 60

The increase in cost for additional performance appeared to be the
small difference between a cost of $1.05 million for the launch of a Thor
booster and $1.40 million for the launch of a Thor-Sergeant.
Contractual actions for the improved standard space vehicle were

%

Thor- Agena second stage, used on Discoverer flights; Thor- Able second
stage (choice of three) and ABL X248-9 third stage, this vehicle was
called Thor-Delta or sometimes NASA-Delta, and was used on space
penetration and orbital missions for Transit, Courier, Advent, Anna and
other government agency sponsored programs; and Thor- Able Star second
stage, also used on Transit, Anna, and other Projects,

SSEH-40
29