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-- I•• ~:c HANDl EVIA-~ --rv, 

BYEMAN 

COlill'l:01. SYSTEM 

--+S'rNATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

THE NRO STAFF March 10, 1969 

BYEMAN 

COMUOL SYS'fFM 

MEMORANDUM FOR DR. FLAX 

SUBJECT: Security and Public Information Policy for Military 

Space Launchings from ETR 

In your comment on our earlier memorandum {Tab A) you 

approved our recommendation to discuss the requirement for modification of the TITAN III C information policy for Program 949 and 

suggested that we let you handle OSD. 

Attached at Tab Bis a proposed memorandum asking Mr. 

Packard's approval of a modification of the TITAN III C information 

policy for Program 949. Also attached {Tab C) is a short note which 

asks Mr. Packard's staff to obtain ~-----~con1ment prior to 

submission of the memorandum to Mr. Packard. 

We arc prepared, then, to follow through with any further discussions required -- with the OASD (PA) and SAFOL 

Request you sign the memorandum for Mr. Packard and the note 

for his staff. 

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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FOR(:E 

OFF.ICE ,OF THE SECRETARY 

MEMORANDUM 

January 31, 1969 

FOR DR. FLAX l!' 

' 

~ 

This bears on this morning's discussion 

with Gene ral---'-:u:uc---'-<lLI.ll.L_lll/'-LL.L'---Ll__LI_JLLLLL---'--'-"tlly per:-

tained to th l-==----ri::c::-::--::-::----r::c-=-----::::-:=-=--,~==-=-= I gather that in addition ere s a rea ground swell 

in SAF01 in opposition to any closed launchings, 

which we find unacceptable. Your reai!!tion 

will be most helpful. 

Brigadier General, USAF 

~ ' a. -.l.2Ec 

)~~-4,-

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TOP SEBRET 

"f-!iii+..NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

BYEMAN 

C.OlfTftol S'l"!iTE" 

THE NRO STAFF February 5, 1969 

EAHPOP HA.MDU: \JIA 

BYEMAN CONUOl llYITUI 

MEMORANDUM FOR DR. FLAX 

SUBJECT: Military Space Launches from the A.FETH 

In reviewing our paper on the ETR launching posture, you asked 

that we "provide survey of all military launches from ETR through 

1972, so we can plan approach." 

We have attached a graphic which provides the current best 

estimate of the number and dates for all military launches from ETR. 

In black -- the NRP schedule. 

In red -- the Air Force schedule. 

We have marked all communtcation satellite program launches 

as "excepted" from the provisions of DOD Directive S-5200. 13. 

These, we assume, will go as "open11 launches. SESP and Vela are 

also excepted from the provisions of the DOD directive. 

You will note that the 949 launch programmed for June 1970 

would be the first opportunity for "cover" for our subsequent launches. 

We are parepared to discuss the requirement for modification of 

the Titan IIIC policy for Program 949 (suggested in your note) with the 

OASD {PA} and other representatives, as appropriate. We will await 

your advice and a "go ahead" before proceeding with any such discussions. 

WILLIAM R. YOST 

Lt Colonel, USAF 

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TOP SECRET BYEMAN 

-tS+-NATIONAL RECONNAISSANCE OFFICE 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 

OF Fl CE OF THE DI RECTOR 

EARPO 

HANOLi VIA 

BYEMAN 

CONTlltOL 5'r'5Tl!lll4 

MEMORANDUM FOR THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 

SUBJECT: Security and Public Information Policy for Military 

Space Launchings from ETR 

Military space launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base {V AFB} 

are conducted as "closed launches" in accordance with DOD Directive 

S-5200. 1 ::l, "Security Policy for Military Space Programs,'' dated 

November 15, 1962. Under "closed launch" procedures, no advance 

notice of the date or time of launch is released, the press is neither 

invited nor pe r-mitted to obse r·ve the launch, no payload or program 

information is released. After launch, a short announcement is released identifying the launch vehicle and the launch agency. These 

procedures apply to all military launches at V AFB and ensure adequate 

security for National Reconnaissance Program (NH,P) satellites and 

the sensitive "white" military space projects. They also prevent clear 

indications as to which launches are NRP satellites. 

At Cape Kennedy, NASA follows "open launch" procedures, with 

the press not only invited but encouraged to attend and to publicize the 

activities to the maximum degree. Last May, Mr. Nitze approved the 

modjfication of existing Cape Kennedy security and public information 

policy for the first launching from ETR oI an NRP satellite vehicle on 

Au.rust 6, 1968. I I 

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70P SEBREl- BYEMAN 

The present policies with regard to "white" military space launches 

at E'TH relate mainly to TITAN III C launches of such programs as 

Defense Communication Satellites (DCSP), the VELA Nuclear Detection 

Satellite, Tactical Communication Satellites and technology payloads. 

These programs have been conducted under "open launch" procedures 

as approved exceptions to DOD Directive S-5200. 13. I I 

Air Force Program 949 {Integrated Detection Satellite) is scheduled 

for launching aboard a TITAN III C vehicle in June 1970. The payload of 

this system is sensitive -- it will provide a virtually continuous capability 

to detect Soviet missile launches. It is essential that the details of this 

program be closely guarded to preclude divulging the specific areas of 

interests, our payload capability and limitations, and our system vulnerability and survivability. The conduct of Program 949 and NRP projects 

under similar "closed launch" procedures will further enhance the security posture of NRP launches. 

It is necessary, therefore, with your approval, to modify the present security and public information policy and procedures for certain 

military space launches from Cape Kennedy, Rpecifically Program 949, 

in order to successfully conduct launches under "closed" procedures in 

accordance with DOD Directive S-5200. 13. We shall work very closely 

with the OASD (PA) and SAFOI to insure that evec-ything possible is done 

to keep press speculation and adverse reaction to a minimum. 

Approved ____ _ 

Discuss further with me 

Cc: Dr. Seamans 

Dr. Foster 

Alexander H. Flax 

-----

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0()0 DIIHCTIV1:; ~200 '.O ooes MOT Al"l"LV 

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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 

MEMORANDUM 

NOTE FOR MR. PACKARD'S STAFF 

It would be desirable to obtain a comment 

from OSD (PA) to submission to Mr. 

Packard. 

Alexander H. Flax 

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