_: DISCOVERER, SiufenestnBalttietes 2 Befease reports that th
nee :

‘he DISCOVERER TT oapeule that would be particularly useful to the

Soviets is the sophisticated ejection aystam which we believe to be

superior to azy aysten that they possess. We believe that the Soviets
similar te the remainder of those Contained in the

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Phone from Gale to Russell 4/27/59

Maj. Eisenhower's

( (Note: Above information via

er
request to APT for info. on 4/25/59 (Saturday)
for the P. written report from Defense will follow.)



4, DISCOVERER I Recovery Capsule and Finale of Vehicle
J&Seeret}-(Reference Item 2, April 23,1959 Report)

DISCOVERER II recovery capsule was approximately hemis -
pherical in shape, 12 3/4 inches radius, 18 inchea deep. It contained

recovery equipment, life cell equipment and radiation film packs.

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eh

The life cell equipment included a magnesium container con-
sisting of Air Conditioner, fan, oxygen system, telemetry transducers,
small motors and life simulation thermo-couples. Weight of life cell
was 15 pounds.

The recovery equipment included VHF Beacon, batteries, dye
marker, flashing light and programmer to control beacon, flashing
light and deployment of a 16 ft. Parachute. Weight of recovery equipment &
was 45 pounds.

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Several pounds of emulsion film packs were carried to measure
cosmic radiation. The film packs require recovery with analysis
under laboratory conditions.

If the Soviets should have recovered this capsule, none of the
above would give them anything likely to be more advanced than their
present knowledge. However, from such bits of evidence as the marks
of the explosion made for separation of the capsule from the vehicle,
and the explosion made by the retroactive rocket, from springs and
from the accelerometer with a wire leading to the package that releases
the parachute, they might be able to reconstruct our sophisticated system
of ejection and, thus, increase their knowledge.

ec

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Project SPACE TRACK has reported that DISCOVERER U,,
the vehicle itself, is no longer in orbit with probable "burn- in" early
on turn 206 prior to 1140 EST on April 26, 1959. Observational data
was solid through turn 203, including a South Pole Station sighting.
Period on last observed turn was 87 -6 minutes, considered to be very
close to critical point with further reduction in period resulting in
heating to ignition level and consequent destruction. Conclusion that
DISCOVERER Il was definitely down was reached at 140 EST on 26
April, when Millstone radar, well within range of orbit turn 206 >
failed to detect passage of the vehicle. - +
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THE WHITE Hou.
WASHINGTON

April 27, 1959

To: General Goodpaster

From: A, P, Toner
>

Ref: Memo of 4/27 on DIS-~ Y
COVERER 0

This is the full contents
from Defense.

Attachment
Orig. Item #4 of DOD 4/27/59,

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