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OC12 1959s.

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.7715

Introduction.

Activities in the WS 117I, Program can be divided into three fairly

well-defined time periods:

Pre-Sputnik

Many post-Sputnik

c. AMA Management

The transition phases between each of these periods were marked

by rapid Change and intone. activity by all personnel associated with 

the p 1_553 rogram. The two most significant elements which characterised

the program following the pre4pwbraperiod are (1)

and (2) progreswend success-in solving the techni

sociated with satellite reconnaissance need..

II. P11-Sputnik lSkalat

The concept of using an earth circling satellite

vehicle was taken under investiestionby the may created BARD corporation in 19444 Their studies continued through 1953• As early as

April 1951,1 BARD c

oncluded that such a project was feasible and within

our capability. In the RANDeristect Feedback (1954) BUMMISry repo t,2

it was concluded that a reconnaissance satellite employing a television

sensor could begin flight tests within four (4) years and completely

operational eystem tests could be performed in the sixth (6th) year

following program initiation. This assumed the availability of a

booster•

liDGER-2 •
In the period 1948-19544 aside from the RAND investigstion,

no overall effort was made to undertake inadequately supported

objective program. However, the Air Force did let feasibility

studies for critical satellite subsystem to RCA, IAA, Dendix

and others.

During late 1954 to early 1955, the Air Farce established

system requirements for a satellite reconnaissance veep= system

with the pUblioation of the final RAND reports Under Lt Colonel

ktlllam G. XIng, Jr., a small 118P0 was established at UDC. Design

proposals here let, and a series of task's-designed to explore

problem areas, were undertaken. The Air Force also issued a GOR

for the system. 3 It appeare that the main efforts and resources

of the Department of Defense were directed toward Project Vanguard4

with the view of supporting the I. G. Y. and achieving the resulting

prestige and psychological benefits, rather than a military system.

In accordance with instructions fray Lt General Thomas Power,

management of the program was transferred from Detachment #1,

WARDC, to what is now AMID on 15 February 19564 This transfer

appears to have been effected to prevent interference with the

ballistic missile program since the satellite required an Atlas

booster.

Under control of the ballistic missile development agency,

this interference could be minimised. Moreover, some benefits

might accrue if it handled by an agency devoted to accelerated

derelopeent.
During the period from January 1956 to October 1957, the new

Alr Force management agency, MEND, established a development plan

and program far an Advanced Recomissance Rystem CAR8), W8 117L.

The Division established an office under Colonel Otto Glasser and

Commander Abbert Truax. W8 imams assigned a priority of 10A and

& precedence of 1-6 in of 19555 In the spring of 1956, upon

evaluation of system design studies perfanmel during 1955 by RCA,

Glenn. Martin and Lockheed Aircraft, a joint Air Force Board

found Lockheed Aircraft best quaified, and recommended they be

awarded a development contract for WS 117L. A contract was awarded

theses prime system contractor in October 1956. Despite the high

priority given the progrem6 funding was not provided for Implementation. Initially, 83.011 were provided against a 832.1kIrequirement

for Fr 1957. Eveniaia1kY this amount was increased in increments

to $13.9 MI during the year. Bovever, the funds provided were for

use only for R and D work (P-600), which male it virtually imp

popsible to conduct a balanced program. Repeated ARDC (AMMO

efforts were mode to relieve this situation with no appreciable

effect.

As the result of repeated requests for relief, guidance was

received from DC8/D, USAF, Lt General D. L. Putt. In a letter 6

to AFDC in Ruth 1957, he stated, "Tour staff is familiar with the

Secretary's (Secretary Doiald A. Quarles) views in this regard and

that resultant definite slow down is in order." This letter also

liDGER42
specified that no orbital testing would take piece prior to

January 1960 and that the development of W8 1171, "should be conducted along conventional lined."

The remainder of that period tram Mardi 1957 to October 1957,

the W8 117L programproceeded slowly within the limitations imposed

by available fUnde. Some technical progress was made, but of equal

importance, a cepable contractor team had been assembled and a

brood base estahLLWMWL *le permitted the ;lipid expansion which

vas to follow

in summary, the period January 1956 to October 1957, was

characterized by program study at high levels and "business as

usual."

III. Zany Post•Sputnik

The effects of Sputnik I were profound. lamediately steps

were taken by ft USAF to accelerate the missile and s ►tellite

(WS 117L) programs.

10► late January 1958, overtime restriction on WS 117L con•

tractors bad been removed, and the C/S USAF had aggroved a program

acceleration plan. In early February 1958 the President assigned

the WS 117I, highest nfttAmmlgriority equal to that of the ballistic

missile program. The accelerated plan Included a Thorbboosted

program with a recoverable peyload, increased WS 317L vehicle

production and Atlas-boosted flights beginning in early 1959.

VIDGE1-2
This accelerated programing approved "in principle" by Secretary

of Defense Nen McElroy in late February 1958 with instructions that

the program be conducted under ARIA direction and that AFDC submit

a new development plan. lame the ws 1171i PrWalt can not officially

transferred to ARIA cOgniaance until 19 *y 1958, the influence of

the AREA had a direct impact on the prow:manor February 1958.

In summary the period, October 1957 through Fabruaty 1958 vas

one of rapid change, and expansion culainating in the amnagecent of

the WS 117L program being assigned to the A.

IV. ARPAMinagemment (Mareh 1958 to Present) 

Within a fee days, (28 Feb 58) after WS 117L had been placed

under the ARM, Mr. Roy Johnson, in a memoramthea to the Secretary

of the Air lbrce, initiated the first of many program changes which

were to occur in the neat year. These • ARPA instructions to the Air

Force provided for program acceleration and highest national priority,

deletion of the Air Force proposed early interns recoverable capsule

reconnaissance capability for the Thor-boosted program, and recommended

that the Tboribboosted program be used as a cheaper and acre available

booster for eng

ineering testing. Further, the WB 1171mThor combination could be used for expartamitml recovery flights with animals.

(It is to be noted that a recoverable reconnaissance payload capability for Atlas vas placed in the program by ARIA approximately a year

later.)

WDORR-2
In April 1958, the biosatellite recovery program was added to

the WS 1171, program.

In May 1958, the program was renamed Sentry and placed under

ARPA by DOD Directive 3200.5.

On 30 June 1958, the ARPA published ARPA Order RC. 9-58 and

instructed APSE to submit new development and financial plans.

On 1 July 1958, AFRO published a new Advanced Reconnaissance

System (WS 117L) Development Plan (the second plan of cr 1958).

This plan included If 1958•860.11; 19594215.* later revised.

to Ff 1958•67•ms FY 1959-#196.m. The plan contained both a Thor

and Atlas boosted program.

In mid-July 1958, Ahw. Roy Johnson, Director, ARM, informed

the Secretary of the Air Fbrce that *215.1[ would be programmed

fOr W8 1171. in FT 1959. This total would include the biomedical

recovery program. In seal, August, the Thar-boosted programme

increased by AMA from ten flights to nineteen flights. These

additional flights were to have biomedical and space phenomenon

measurements as objectives, and the total myna was still to be

kept within the PY 1959, 01511 ceiling. Wee. development plans were

again requested W. ARPA.

On 15 September 1958, APSE pdblisimodAdvanced Reconnaissance

System (WS 1170 Development Plan (third, plan of C! 1958) which

mined for Pr 1959, *23114 Fr 1960, *296m.

On 17 September 1958, AMID recommended an acceleration of the

infrared program and published the Attack Alarm Development Ilan.

--SECREP WDORR-2
(This later became MIDAS). This action was taken in view of the

importance of the early development of an improved, missile warning

system. E

nthusiastic support for this program was received from

many high officials throughout the Air Force.

In late September 1958, lk. Johnson into

AMID that he was

unable to approve the current SEWBErDevelopment Plan, in vier' of

the fact that it exceeded established fund ceilings in FY 

1959 and

that the proposed FY 1960 budget was excessive. Mr. Johnson dispatched an ARPA Ad Roc project group to AFB to investigate,

evaluate and recommend an ARPA. mew Programa.

In October 1958, the ARPA directed AFRO to cancel the AFMTC

phase of the Rpm program but to retain the associated. Atlas

boosters on order for future iamb

In =ay- December 1956, as the outgrowth of the ARPA Ad Hoc

Project Group, Mr. Roy Johnson initiated a series of reprogremaing

actions which culminated in a complete reorientation of the WS 117L

program. During the period, December .1958 through January 1959, a

complete program reevaluation was accomplished; three separate

programs were identified and three new:development plans were prepared, one for each of the new program.; simesr, DISCOVERER and

MIDAS, (the 4th set of development plans in a calendar year).

In mid-February 1959, AMA "in general" approved the DISCOVERER

and SENZRY Dvralopment Plans. These were the first 

such approved plans

that the WS 117L system bed. In early March 1959, the first phase

of a three-phase 141M8 program received appra cvl.
In stummuy, the year under ARPA management has been characterized by indecision, instability, and rapid changes in program objectives and funding. For example, between April and September 1958,

the vs 31n, funding level was changed seven tines.

Depending upon the definition chosen, the program has undergone

eight for program changes under ARPA. The newly famed ARPA began

the Immediate asnegannt of a vary large and complex promo while

both undermanned and uncertain as to their position in the government. The evidence indicates that the technique of "having a bag

full of answers to which one applies problems" has been used, i.e.,

fund ceilings into which the program must be made to fit.

In the SUN Wan period, remarkable progress has been accomplished

in that iron the time of program initiation in April 1956 (publication

of first development plan) until the first successful DISCO'VBERR

launch, 28 February 1959, the lapse time has been three years. The

majority of this work has been accomplished within the last one and

one-half years.

WDGERN2
uNcLASSIFIED

FOOTNOTES

Mai of a Satellite Vehicle. for BeCenna ot I lailaidej 11417, riCFir195171731f.

Project Feedback Summary Report, R

March 195114 p 56. •262, 2, RAC Corporation,

ARDC Wotan Requirement No. 5, ace 80 (8AP2e),

NBC action 5520.

USAF (DCB/D) Development Directive No. 85

Ltr, DCB/D USAF to Ocadr, AND; Subject: (II)

/tor 11312a, dtd March

UNC431i.1E0 WDGE11..2
DISCOVNHER 'SINEWAIN)scumurlIKKINNAMD1FORDIN3 CHRONOLOGY

1946-47 RAM Corporation 

re

investigated the feasibility of a satellite

1953.

as a reconnaissance vehicle. These studies continued thro40

12 Jan 48 General BOyt S. Vandenberg, in a polity statement on a

satellite vehicle, noted that Rand D on a satellite vehicle Should be p

ursued as rapidly as state of the art permitted.

Air Force let feasibility studies far critical satellite

secretes.

tems to MCA, IAA, Dendix, Compan Mader, Chillers and Vitro

!tib Pinal RAND report =Advanced Reconnaissance System. feasibility vas establiehed. System Development vas recommended.

27 Nov 54 ABDO pdblished An

. 

=Immo= System

ton liatuirmeent Mb. 5 =Advanced Becenp.

16 lir 55 Air Force issued GOIL80(SA-20) for a strategic re satellite weapon auto. connaiseance

-12:-22. 1 Design 'body proposals solicited from IAC, MICA, Merlin Telephone. Telephone declined to propose. , Bell

ay 55 IBC capa action 5520 directed the Department of Defense to

Effort not

ty

to

of develop launching small scientific satellite by 

p 1958. rejudice or interfere with other satellites for remearch or intelligence. Nclhasised peaceful purposes. %old be a tedmical step to demonstrated ment with prestige and ;m

satellite achieve- ythological benefits. Cost as $13-20M6 (guard the result). estimated

.221.22 General Power directed 

development that Advanced Reconnaissance program be transferred to WMID.

System

13 Jan 56 Memoranda' of Understanding on transfer of Advanced Recon• naissance System from ARDC Detadhment Fa. 1 to WDD.

Generals Schriever and Mates agreed WDD office would be estibliehed About 1

t= program

3 lebruary

.

Reconnaissance Eta 1956, take over Advanced

on
CHRONOLOGY 1 an 56 wets inbatiabse • we 317LPr=

response to reques tram Pilan a t

In

on a possible need to demonstrate an orbital ampebility vithin the Iff, total oust estimated at 499.311.

12-20 A jointAADO-WWWADC0AND amahrestor Sir 56 at livig evaluation board not

prepared 

ht-BittersonAFB to evaluate the 117Ldesign studies tlf BOA alarm L, Martin, and Lockheed Aircraft. Board found todiheed as best qualified and reoommended award of contract to Lockheed for derelopMat of 1W 31716.

2 Apr 56 WM pdhlisbed WS =Advanced Meoonnalssanoe System t Plan.

at: IT fUnds far system esti. B and D contract

295 • tr•Cet FY 1957, *32.11(; Pr 1958, G75.611.

22 Bey 56 WED authorised to announce Lockheed selection, expend remain. ins 

t momen.

Project 1113 lends on 117L. L other funds available at

auk . 56 WED Development Plan tor we Unapproved try Nq TEM

3 Aug 56 USAF (DCS/D) issued levelopment Directive Mb. 83 on Advanced B WO 117L, eoonnaissanoe System. WS 117L 

1-6 p

given lA priority. recedence rating. But "because of fund limitations, only $3NE of PT 1957 P.600 series fUnds are available to your Command to initiate this development ."

28 Aug 56 D WDD pointed out the effect of Fr 1957 WS 1171. lend limits. on WS UM deve

the

lopment and requested lt 1957 funds for .9additional prograL

23 Oat 56 USAF again cited limitations on WS 117L P.600 funds.

given WDD included: 1) Guidance

minimum 

prolong development, 2) maintain

balanced rate of development progress on vehicle and

components instead of on Development Plan target completion

dates. Sir stated that Beedquarters attempting to $7.14sore reprogram P.600 FY 1957 tUnds.

29 Oct 56 MP mum selection bOard awarded primp contract on WS 117L to Mulls Systems Division, Lockheed Aircraft (Contract 01$(84)-97).

21 Nov 56 WDD submitted FY 1957 We um fund requirements totalli $17.811 in P-100 and 200 to DCS/D. ng

29 Nov 56

VS 

Secretary of the Air Force Donald gaszole• was briefed on 117L status and program.

2 imEr 

WDGER-2
t P. 

Advanced Baconvari—ous degr eira operational needs estimated through 196$

0 6 _2

322162.21

9 Feb 57

11 Feb 57

6z

csacamoar

Lt General D. L. Putt, DCB/D, informed ARDC that Fr

P-600 funds !Or 118 117L had teen Increased from $311 and efforts were under t1545/4 very to reprogram $511 more. For

,

managen nt

and lY 1958 for n6,V88 should count on Oaf total 8600

also. Other efforts would be made to 

200 fUnds. Other get P-100

guidance: 1) develop 2 and test

not pl

nents, ) do not compo- mike mockup until advised, 3) do launch before FY 1961. an

Cammander, WDD, informed DCS

and 200 fUnds wee p

3D that lack of PT 1957 P-100 reventing procurement eequipment e

of materiel and ssential to maintaining& balancedsystem ornted developontwoommi 

for • and that P-600 fUnds ceiligs

ie

71 190 were c

onsidered inadequate to meet the program minimum component development and test needs.

Answering a Department of Defense request, WDD furnished DC3/D with material on possible use of 118 mass Iar satel- lite. Indicated it could be done at cost of $661 by late

. 

liDD not 

1958 or 

e

early 1959 trains detvelopunt was satisfactory.

interference, Short 

nthusiastic about approadh because of possible development time, order of confidence.

WDD lamed LM OD that they had 0414 on contract through 30 JUne 1957, and that they should not overcommit.

ARDC received guidance letter from DCS/D, USAF on and planning

and f 00

ueding viaLrements for VS 1171.. Indicated that P-100 27r 1

r(

made of Secretary Quarles

957 funds vere over-programmed. Mention was

. ' views regarding a definite slow- down, and emphasis on component development to insure greater success.

in development prior to 

No orbital testing was to be undertaken January 1960. Develo

.

should, be conducted pment of WS 117L

Weapons 

along conventional lines Retablith a Itstem Prograa Office at 11W. 

available. For Fr taxa P-600 funds were

would be available 

1958, estimates were that a total of $355 for WS 1171..

2 Apr 57 MD published

totaled$223.714

8 Jul 57 LMSD Informed AFRO* they

be n prosy

needed $7.911 to turd the W8 117E * twee 15 August and 30 November 1957•

of Jul Mgt Ballistic Missile Division AMMO) 1 Ante'1957.

3

- I I — — • e l
caRoNowar

10 Jul 57 via 117L assigned unclassified nicknames New Horizon.

13 Aug 57 LMBD informed by AFBMD that WS 117L Fr 1958 funds totalling $3.9M were available to carry the program through

30 October 1957. Adjust program accordingly.

21 Aug 57 AMID informed 11113D that WS 117L Fr . 1958 P-600 funds

could not exceed 419.6M, with no more than 50% expended

in the first six months.

3 Sep 57 AMID informed by DCS/D that only $1014 P-600 Fr 

WS 3957 117L fUnds were available, and as yet no P-100 or 200

Ameba, though efforts were being made. Limit activity to

$10K funds. Authority to mockup vehicles granted.

16 Sep 57 Air Council reviewed, approved 

approved g

WS 117L program as presented, o-ahead as fast as possible consistent with good management.

19 Sep 57 AP= submitted WS 117L Fr 1958 and 

r

1.9p austere funding equirements to DCS/D. Stated that 

allow raw in rr 1958 would initiation of the flight test program by mid-Cr 1958. 0Wi t Following Sputnik, in answer to Eq IMF request as to efforts

and resources required to accelerate the ICBM and IRO[, an

estimate was made for WS 117L. MOO pointed out that a

large amount of funds would be needed due to to regain lost time

fund strictures and lack of firm funds With $99.24 Fr 1958 program *approval.

and $121.7M Fr 3959 program could be advanced six months to one year if priority were given effort.

10 Oct 57 AFIIID requested interim Fr 1958 prociarement authoriV of at least tAm P .100 and $1M . 12:200 funds by 25 October to prevent a work stoppage.

10 Oct 57 Secretary of the Air Force James Douglas *moved 

Program as p

the WS 117L resented to the Air Council as a planning objec- tive, subject to "fr. Quarles' review.

15 Oct 57 #35.124 (Fr 1958) P.100 funds authorized WS 117L by DCS/D. rater (19 October) AMID told to limit 

procurement a

obligations on this uthorization to 4415.5)1 through January 1958. This was rescinded in &member. MO P.200 fUnds to date.

16 Oct 57

DB/D Donald ()aeries was again briefed on WS 117L, without

resolution of need for acceleration.
12 Nov 57 BAND Research Memorandum 2012, A

Ramonnidiessamet Sitellitaapu

Davies

*

 A. R. Nits and others, it proposed using THOR

plus Ammrojet (second stage of Venguard) as boosters.

ZT Scrr 57 Anil) requested that ICBVIRIA1 overtime policies be

extended to WS 1171,, replacing the existing 2% of programmed =tabours overtime Limd.tation.

20 Dec 57 Subsystem "G", NO 117; (ICBM Attack Alarm) preliminary

design completed. Fabrication of experimental payload units begun.

6 Jan 58 lif1D submitted a program acceleration an for WS 117L (1113D-2832) as requested by APII in November 1957. Ac- celerated proven was based on Thor •koosted early flight

with a recoverable capsule as proposed 'by RAND. Flights

to begin in late 1958. Increase 

A

mantifacture of lie) vehicles. tlas-boosted flights to begin in early 1959. General

Bahr/ever approved plan in principle, subject to reviews

of special areas.

21. Jan 58 AFBIO notified that Assistant Secretary of Air Force (Materiel.) had approved use of overthme on VS UM "as

ariqr be necessity to Bert the approved o'bjective.

22 Jan 58

Program acceleration plan submitted. Plan included, a photographic reconnaissance configuration of a Tbor•boosted recoverable reconnaissance package.

23 Jan 58

PT 1958 

Chief of Staff USAF approved acceleration of 118 117L program. funds would be provided when actually required.

29 Jan 58 Contract AY 04610•181 given lie) for Thormboosted test vehicles. This beam the DISCOVER= program.

Feb 58 Nq MAY considered aganding Project Able to include WS 

117I, test vebicles. AFBND recommended against this because

1) Able configuration not yet proven; 2) would disrupt Able

scholia... After several successitl launches, their use as

317E test vehicles mull be reprogramsed if authority to proceed were given imediately.

3 Feb 58 President Dwight D. Eisenhower directed that and national priority be given to ballistic

tes and defense programs. (ICBM, IIMK, WS Da: WS 2211A)

Of Mt arable

IMGMR- 2
24 Feb 58 Secretary of Defense Neil McElroy approved in principle the proposed acceleration of WS 117L to be conducted under direction of ARM. AMU to submit a developrent plan.

26 Feb 58 WS

chaired

1171, Site Selection Board convened at AMID. Hoard

AMC, ft 

by Colonel F. C7E—Oder, membersfrom AMID, SAC, USAF. Board to select tracking and data acquisi- tion sites for the system.

, 28 Feb 58 Mr. Boy Johnson, ARM in a nemorandun to the Secretary of the Air Force concluded that:

ATIAS/WS 117L Project should be accelerated and given highest national priority in order to attain IOC at earliest date.

Thor-boosted interim reconnaissance system with light-veight recoverable capsule vas a duplication of "a. Do not pursue this program.

c. To attain early flit of Lockheed second stage,

Air Force mey find it desirable to use Thor-boosted test

firings. Thor boosters cheaper and available sooner than

ATLAS, also could be used with second-stage Lockheed vehicle for experimental recovery flights with animals.

Mar 58 AMID activity in interim visual reconnaissance program

.A) terminated in accordance with Mr. Johnson's of 28 message February.

4 Mar 58 Chief of Staff, USAF, directs' that WS 117L and other space

projects which depend on the use of 

in Wimmrs be administered same manner and with same procedures as IC/IRBM programs. ("Gillette procedures"). All be central point of contact, coordination. Approved development plans would constitute •

action documents.

4 Mir 58 OSD approved acceleration of WS 117L to include launching satellite test vehicles based on maca booster.

12 Mar 58 Lockheed notified that Lk USAF had disapproved the WS 117L recoverable reconnaissance payload program. (WS 117L Program LIM notified to reorient NOR-booster WS 1171, pro- area for acceleration using MOB-boosted flights for early WS 11TL 

c

tests—orbital flights for eiercise of ground-space omeamication network, concept for recoverable capsule, for

aero-medical research flights.

WDGE1-2
ATM reviewed accelerated W8 117L program, agreed on

use of THOR booster for system test in orbital satellites.

AMID informed that all statements on the nature and

timing afAIUMlaisSile and satellite projects will came from OSE6

AFOMDrommwrWmi by USAF to revise 15 arch VS 117L

Development Flan financial annex to downward from *214K

to Wag Keep program flexible.

liormtellite programs added to Advanced Reconnaissance

Etretema—raoovarehla capsule.

UMUR engine development initiated.

DOD directed interchange of technical information and

visits on satellites and space programs between 118 Army

and Air Ibrce up to SWIM Refer other eases to headquarters.

N3RAD expressed interest in infrared capability of WS 117L

as an air defense attack alarm against ICBM launches.

Ft Stevens, Oregano selected as location of WS 1171,211

tracking and data acquisition station.

Advanced Reconnaissance Systemrememed slum

Lt General Francis R. Griswold, VICInC/SAC„ in a letter

to Commander ARM,. pointed out that SAC enthuslastioelly

supported WS 117L. Reconnatasance features a tremendous

potential, especially Infrared, photogrephic electronic. Also a for a comeunications estelli te, high

altitude 22,000 miles) advanced surveillance systems.

Cognizance over VS 11Th assigned to ARFA. (DOD Directive 3200.5)

Ektbsystem "CP (ICBM Attack Alexia) Engineering Analysis completed.

First meeting, AP Weapon System Phasing Grow.

USAF informed major commends that WS 117L carried highest

national priority, D rating of .032 Brickbat, precedence rating of Informed canands that field activities

would begin in early 1959.

,111; Mar 58

19 Mar 58.

Apr 58

AW__a

Apr 58

28 Asir 58

30 Apr 58

her.,113n 58

ME.2

9 Esy 58

19 leer 58

19 )0.158

210b22

Mr 58

20 Am 58
30 Jun 58 ARPA Order 1104 94'58 issued. Announced Sec Defense bad approved the assumption of responsibility for the Advanced Reconnaissance System (WS 11 ARRA. ABEND to con.

tine the project: to submdte detailed development and

financial plan to A. 02.71Inede available initially.

1 Ail 58 AMC Advanced' Emooenalseence WB 11 *Sew

PT 59 $1511, later revised to lirriaterif;

for 

59, Plan, contained both 220b.boosted version component test and demonstration of orbital ca and ATLASn pability, boosted reconnaissance program.

Initial 

**gable 

a

of 

rrangmemr* mode 

aerial 

by' MIND to capsul es

recovery of WS 117L capsules. 9/0U9X aircraft to be need. "Aerial Snatch* called Project Not

Banda Aircraft to cape train; 0593d Test Squedron 'Waal) activated by ARDC . 00 38, effective 1 August 1958. Unit to be based at Bictimai016

WS 1171, Site Belectionabard selected BE tweaking and data acquisition station site at Nov Boston Bonner, Range, 16M6 Only sit. which met criteria and ROD needs.

___LA 8A 1 ARM noted to Secretary of Defense that the the op question of

ught erating agency tar WS 1171 Should be reviewed in the that many.agennins have an interest in the inform.,

ARPA expressed interest in features of WS 1171. (NUM:Fetes *on) as an infrared attack alarm system.

15 Jul 58 ARPA directed that nontb17 and quarterly progress reports on WS UM be forwarded directly to them. litmet prescribed

17 Jul 58

18 .1%31 58

20 Ail 58

ARPA Order Ma. 9-58 funds increased to 43067M1 to purchase four WS 1171, upper stases. (Ammonkhemxt No. 1)

Air Faroe authorised hy ABM to procure long bled tine items to support MOWN 1171, firing schedule which is

to begin Arvemiber 58.

ARM requested briefing on WS lin iith special refer- ence to applicability of subsystems and oceponents to

me

other uses such as communications, weather, and scientific asurements, use of ground a n ponents far general satelm, lite tracking. Also wanted information an advanced recce• naissance satellite--ensdnes, television, infrared, power supplies.
--0411c1%-

4•14,41,4d

, 20 ..110: 58,

22 JUl, 58

22 JUl 58

28 Jul. 58

Aug 58

Aug 58

5 Aug 58

22 Attg 58

25 Ana 58

asp 58

Sep 58

CEROIOLOGY

Director, ARPA, Informed. Sec Air Force #21.511 yea pro. gramme for NS 117I. in PT 1959. *30.711 smileblo to AMID. Balance subject to Comgressional action, BOB

apportionmen» Total included bio-medial project.

APIND informally requested to submit a new development

and Amding plan within these limitations, and to Thaicate how they would use more many if additional funds

are available.

ARDC 00 No. 38..designated and organised 6593d Test Squad- ron (Special purpose - for aerial recovery of satellite

payloads. (In place of APIPTC for training, Aug•Dec 58, then to Rich= APB, ll.) Squadron assigned to Dart #2, ARDC, Ant D for admInurtnitive and operational control.

Ottuwa, Iowa (Naval Air Station) picked for location of

W8 lira. Central Tracking and Data Acquisition station.

AMID held technical review of Attack Alarm Etvstem. Probability of success quite high.

New Boston Northing Range, Orenier APB, ILL approved as

site of Northeast tracking and data acquisition station.

ARPA Order No. 9.58 funds increased to *50.711. (Amendment No. 2). . . . • • •

Procurement of long lead time items authorised.. MORNS 3.17L vehicla procurement increased an additional 2 over the 10 authorised to of 19. Intent to to a

utilize tUtat for bio-medical and other ammaurements of space p enomena. Prepare new development plan based on

*21511 Fr 1959 APIS. program,

AlrliND established a Nanagenont Ekirvey Tema to look into

all aspects of WS 117L Program tawagement at Dm, IAC. (AMC so 11.770)

ARM Order No. 9-58 funds increased. to 4170.731. (Amend,-

sent No. 3).

11E1 13.71, interim tracking Oa t0111110try faaLlities bensficiaLly occupied at Vandenberg APB, California; Naval Air Station Pt Magn, California; /kens Point, Cahn, Hawaii;

Annetta Islind, Alaska; Kodiak Island, Moab»

Parser Nave/ Air Station at Ottumwa, Iowa, approved as the

site of the 1113 117I, central tracking and data acquisition station.

WDGEN4
12 Sep 58 AMINO published Advanced' Betommensaitoa

Plah.

program. Funding program, Ff 59, $23314 II 60,

Plan is proftisely illustrated and explanatory in

15 SW 58 AMC published SBNIRT eestiona1 Anne* to Advanced

Raisonnalsaanca* Canialiiripere• tional concept, command reepcmadbilities, erste' claracter- istics. Operations, personnel and training, logistics,

sthedules, Angling program.

17 Sep 58 . APING reccemended aegeleration of AttackAlaria Development.. Development Ilan prepered +obi& inclded: August 1959 first test launch and January 1961 first operational launch.

17 Sep 38 ARP4 requested that term SNOW instead of WO H1171, be applied .

to Atlas Operational previously decimated as. NiaMDMrldANS4 Pioneer ferret. Budget these separately,

budget rest of program as impralmd military space asters.

22 Sep 38 General Poser, C1NCSAC, briefed on Attack Mara Development

Ilan. GementelAWdarsono ABDO, Air Farce Ballistic Mdssile

Committee and Air Force start briefed on Attack ,Alarm Development Plan.

23 Sep 58 Ina personal. NI,' General Paver informed General Wily

that he vas distressed over the reluctmnme of agencies

to support an early reconnaissance and infrared attack

alarm features of -WS 117L.

25 Sep 58 ARM Order No. 9-58 funds increased to $136.36 (Amendment

4).

25 Sep 58 Attack Alarm Development Plan trammdtted to ARIA.

25 Sep 58 Director, Anal informed AMID he nu not able to approve

current SEIM Development Plan. Reasons: MIND FT 1959 funding plan exceeded ceiling of $213.4 achievements of

major program objectives bave been sdbstentially delayed

in spits of proposed fUnding level increases; IT 1960

budget is in excess of a considered realistic An:ding level.

AREA sent an Ili Hee Project Group out to investigate, evaluste a:dreamland.

GOR 

I

b. 80(SA•20) amended to include specific requirement

far CENverning and tracking.

27 Sep 58
29 Sap 58

17 NW 58

Responsibility for execution of ARPA Order No. 9-58 transferred from Commmeder ATM, to Cameder ARDC. (Aaendment No. 5)

ARPA Ad Roc Ocan dttee advised contractor that Attack Alara would not be supported as part of MTH! program.

In a pereonal message, General LeYey infaneed General

Paver that the Air Staff vas solidly behind NB 117L, but

basic budgetary restrictions prevented reprogramming

response to this problem in a warmer similar to wholly Air Awes programs. In his opinion. ARPA vas also sympathetic but vas suffering under the curse of an arbitrarily

imposed financial ceiling. Assured General Rear that MAP vas providing support for ICBM Attack Alms System.

AMC informed ARDC of ARPA apparent intent not to fund Attack Alarm development daring IT 1959.

A directed AMID to cancel all actions in WS 117I.

BMW program directed toward an AZAR launch capability

at AMC, but not to cancel boosters since they vey be

used at Vandenberg APBs

API) informed ARDC that 4.8m required to continue Attack Alma free 15 October thru 15 December.

Rq Me directed vork continue an Attack Ala= development with fiands to be provided.

Hi SAP provided Attack Alarm funds required to continue program to 15 December.

General Bortridge briefed on Attack Alarm Development Plan.

DCS/D authorized $2.4 Fr 1958 13.04 funds for HS 1171..

ARPA Order ab. 38-59 proposed THOR-boosted flight to test Attack Alava payload, ARPA funds program' $.751( for period November thru January 1959. The study and development begun as subsystem "G" of VS 1172 vas to be continued

in accordance with order as an independent project to re- sult in an arbitally night tested ideals defense slam

satellite. (HMO).

MA Order No. 41-59 authorised the design and construction

of Sentry launch sample: at Pt Arguello at $6.65N.

3 Oct 58

7 Oat 58

8 Oct 58

10 Oct 58

10 Oct 38

14 Oct 58

24 Oct 58

27 Oct 58

1 Nov 58

5 Noy 58
20.21

Nov 58 Strategic Air Defense and Reconnaissance panels of

Weapons Bterd briefed on capability of Jams system.

25 NOV 58 ABM directed ARDC to eliminate two of the mall primate

shots from the DISCOVERER test series. Two mouse, and

one small primate shot rare authorized. The two cancelled small primate boosters were to be reassigned.

Dec 588 Mr. Boy W. Johnson, Director, ARM, informed the Under

Secretary of the Air Force that a program to develop a

number of systems and techniques which would be employed

in the operation of space vehicles had been inaugurated.

This program, to be lawn as DISCOVERER, was to include

THOR lame Mugs associated with WS 117L plus other similar

projects not operationally oriented. DISCOVERIM-SIOR _ costs were to be separated from VS 11Th progrem (Bigamy). Separate develowerb plans and progress reports were to be

made for each. Tentative reallocation of funds Wave as follows: DISCOVERER, PT 1959, $1081 PT 1960, *OW sigorr, IT 1959, *10Ma IT 1960, *LOCK

Secretary of Defense and ARM agreed to assign IOC for

SEEM to ARDC "for the next several years and until final

objectives are obtaineda Tentative "waters" for the

program were to be operated by ARDC.

5 Dec 58 Air. Roy W. Johnson, Director, ARPA, informed Under Beare.

tart' of the Air Force that reorientations of the DISCOVERER

and be pro win* proposed, and a study and review would be made. For this review, Air ?brae was to assume that $213.314 was available in Fr 1959 and ta6oa in IT 1960.

AP should not exceed these resources. In areas where

cancellation were contemplated, no procurements beyond

those absolutely necessary should be made.

7 Dec 58 Mr. Roy W. Johnson revised his 25 IfOrember 1958 letter

concerning biceedical payloads for DISCOVERER program to

provide for one successful primate recovery up to a total

of three attempts, if necessary and desired, to be in lieu

of payloads in the series of 13 flight vehicles.

11 Dec 58

ferred

Responsibillizr for execution of AREA Order No. 9-58 trans.. from Commander, ARDC to Secretary of the Air Force (Amendment N3 6).

11 Dec 58 AFBMD informed USAF that .9.314 was needed to continue Super "G" Attack Alarm (moms) from 15 December 1958 to 15 February 1959.
Dec Eq USAF itnided MIDAS 4.5M for 15 December thru 15 &wary 1959.

15 Dec' 58 Ai= 'briefed AP and ARM on vs 117L reorientation in revamp to 41,5 Decedber ANSA directives. ABEND also

submitted alternate program reorientation suggestions.

AREA Order Pio. 48-59 to Sec AP requested Sec AP to con- tin= study, development, and launch operations originally

associated with the MDR phase of SIM program =der ARRA Order lb. 9-58, as an indragent

221 P

imVect ideetified as

Project.

to the new °oats will be transferred

annaz7 project. Prepare a new finencial plan by 13 1959.

17 Dec 58 kr. Boy Johnson, in a aemmeamdca for the II/Sec AP, stated

that the fimdemental objectives of the ARPA SEM( R and D program should be development of improved area with seance

S

recovery ues, point recommissanee devel.opmerb. urveillance should be based on planned film readout, rectosnaisaance on film recovery. Ply 

capsule early in recoverable 1/11AS•boosted 1961, with surveiLlanoe omen system in mid-1961. Punt; for ARM

1959 If 59, *?1.514 rz 60, 46c41. figure includes 13 =COMM =Ms. To meet fund limitations, OW requested to delete: 1) high energy fuels prograa for second stage; 2) daveleisent and test of 6

readout cameras and. to consider use of recoverable ATLAS •

spat* vehicle as test bed for surveillance mars and ferret

system; and to oonsider use of MIAS with 1960 operational recovery promo for additional uses, tc. *. Johnson announced that ARPA • supported USW p;oposed operation./ programa as presented,

19 Dec 58 Amendment So. 1 to ARPA Order 41-59 authorised 

of a Guided construction

Assembly Building for sneer program at Vandenberg APB site. Increased funds train $6.6514 to *9.82K.

19 Dec 58 Air Force contracts with IMO (-97, -181) combined.

late First Tire boosted DISCOVERER on pad at Vandenberg Dec 58 awaiting Lynda. APE

Dec 58 Intense activity at AP U) in meparating various

.Tan 59 phases the WS um program, preparing separate developeent p Tars-rascovana, l ans on MBE, =AEI, eel CARROUSEL phases of the Prof:mu

16 Dec 58
CHRONOLOGY

13 Jan 59 Eq USAF funded MOMS *1.514 (P-600) for 15 January 2959 thru 15 February 1959.

19 Jan 59 Amendment No. 7 to AREA Order 9-58 increased available WS um funds from $136.34 to $338.211.

21 Jan 59 First launch attempt of a =COMER from Vandenberg AFB.

Launch terminated at T-60 by premature firing of the tillage

rockets. Both the satellite vehicle and the THOR booster

suffered damage. launch date was set back to late February.

28-30 Mr. Mclutwre, Mr. Johnson and Air Staff briefed on proposed Jan 59 nt ARPA/UBAle development of KM.

30 Jan 59 AMID published four new development plans--DIBCOVINSR, =AB, smeRr and CARROUSEL. Plans in accordance with

ARPA-directed reoriented program.

2-4 Feb 59 Ng =Fp ARDC and ARPA briefed on DIBCOVBRER• smear

and °AMU= Development Plans. The proposed

was removed from further consideration.

COMM,

12 Feb 59 Mr. Meintrre in a memorandum for Secretary of Defsnee reemphasized Air Force position as to the urgency of the

development of the MEM system and stated that the Air

Force considered 1031118 to be of highest priori*. Mr.

McIntyre recommended that the OAF approve the ftmd augmentation requested by the ARPA stating Am's request for

emergency funds for =DAB be considered as a prior claim to

any Air Force requests for emergency funds.

16 Feb 59 Amen/bleat No. 1 to AREA Order 48-59 approved "in general" the DIBCOVERBR program as presented to the ARPA on 4 February 1959. TheUp val authorized a 13-vehicle program and made available 314 for ET 1959.

16 Feb 59 Amendment No. 8 to ARPA Order 9.58 apprcrved "in general" the reoriented SUM program as presented to the AREA on 4.

February. Total funds authorized on ARPA Order 9-58 were

decreased from 0.148.24 to 06.64 for. Fr 1959.

17 Feb 59 ARPA Order 60.59 aide *LAM available to defter the cost of

modification scud operation of the downrange telemetry ship,

Prt Joe N. Mann, thru 30 ame 1959. The order announced that effective 3. ahly 1959 operational and Wiling responsibility for the ship would be transferred to the }Mcific Mune

Range.

-SECRET--

MDGER-2
28 Feb 59 DISCOURMR 1.10.1022 successfully paunched at 1349 hours from VablegamigAlq6

2 Mar 59 Amendment Mo. 1 to ARPA Order 38.59 approved, subject to

review, Phase I only of the MMDAS progrma and increased

available funds under the order from $.75hito $8.C91.

p

Instructions were given to AMEND to submit plan for the rocurement of ATIA8 boosters and space vehicles'fbr

Phases II and III, long lead time items.

18 Mar 59 AP

by 

► directed by MEM to hold the six boosters removed ARPA is Amendment 1 to ARPA Order 48-59, (Program reduction from 19 to 13) an production, notify ,AF when funds for these slavers required.

24 Mar 59 Ameutseut Mb. 2 to AREA Order 48.59 approved the develop. ment and finding plan dated 30 January 1959 for the DIECOVERER Program. The approval provided for a 13.vehicle Program.

Amendment No. 10 to AREA Order 9.58 approved the AMEND

IMRE Development Plan of 30 January 1959 *to the extent it pertains to psyload programs of visual, readout visual recovery, and ferret readmit*.

10 Apr 59 Amendment No. 4 to ARPA Order 17.50 directed AMEND to modify the 

simplify 

Bell•astler 

g

stage to obtaln4bmelemrning capebilitr, uidance and control, and structures to contain payloads of arbitrary shapes that

p be carried; increase ropellant capacity ($5.1M). 

Mi Deliver and launch at Pacific ssile.Pange two TIBMWRIOMMEt vehicles suitable for pound TRAMB1T #2 215 payload in 400 n.ai. circulmr orbit.

13 Apr 59 mucomma II wed from VandembirgAME6 . 8stellite orbited, but because of cumtlative adjustment ofthe orbital ejection timer, the mosule vas probate ejected in the Spitsbergi% Norway, area. •Ahn unsuccessfUl area search (terminated 22 April) vas conducted.

Pe‘.-59 "Aim Order 38.5Whamount No. 3, Phase I of the MIDAS Development Plan ( $2062M0 was approved. Proammc. time strongly reoriented to give priority to quentitativ

obje e

scientific and engineering data with objective to predict success or failure of an O perational alarm system, Improves sent and design.

3 Apr 59
CRRONOU3GI

1 Ne ► 59 AFEND sdbeitted DISCOVERER Development Plan dated 30 April

to IA% Macolm A. McIntyre, Under Secretary of the Air

'brae. Major change over earlier 1 January plan was

addition of ten flights, mating a total of 25 flights.

8 May 5K...C. IL A. likantirep tattier Secretary of the Air Force, requested that the Secretary of Defense designate the

Air Awee as service responsible for operational employment and utilization of the MIDAS system.

18 MY 59 AIM informed by AFDAT that VS Unshed been removed from Mater urgency List, and =COWERS and slim put on it with DX ratings. Action was undertow to obtain (from NBC or NABC) a DX rating for EISAS. Ali ;aloft* for all three

.ze programs remained as 14. with 1 .1 precedence.

Ney59 Amendment Mb. 4, AMA Order 48-59 approved DISCOVERER

Development and Funding Elan dated 30 April 1959, on the

to

25-vehicle program. Funds were increased frma *104.3K

02249%

20 My 59 Amendsent No. 4. to ABPA Order 38-59 Increased, funds for

=AS from 40.81( to 02.8W

26 ay 59 ABpA directed that the mapping program be deleted from

=sr. IBSD notified.

3 Jun 59 =con= III launched from YamimbmpliAFS. Palled to

achieve orbit because of less than nominal second stage

performance and incorrect Pt. Mau radar data indicating

firing time. Waves received on the litur gics passengers.

24 Jun 59 AVM was informed that ARPA had laid down ground rules for 

maw

the initial IT 196o budget determination* These were: *13541, with atm recovery prowls 02510 to be

deferred pending review; DISCOVIRSR, 435.11 for extension

and completion of the series; MIDAS 4i18*MA1tEA funds,

with assumpticm Air Force vill fund 03.9blvhen Mese II vas approved. Mb increments to the above funds vere available. AFDC was to submit revised development plans based

on the above instructions. Until pr 1,960 appropriations word. was received, funds would be on a monthly basis.

DISCOVSESS IT launched from Vandenberg AFB anaPolar orbit.

While the launch was muccessfUl, the vehicle failed to

achieve orbit beosuswof less than normal second stage performance.

2541=59
15 Jul 59

20 J'ul 59

Revised DISCOVER; t3EICRY: MIDAS development plane

submitted to ARPA, as required in 24 JUne instructions.

ARPA: USAFAMC, briefed on programs outlined in the

revised ds4lopment plans.