S EC cre

ptgazaouro - /

7.

The evosept ire using an Mirth satellite as a platform for. detecting,

measuring, and transmitting sierdfloant scientific data to ground-bared

stations vas a natural outgrowth of progress hers and abroad vith research

rockets. The need for timely and continuous scientific research utilising inetneented rocbets'and Earth patellae' after the aloe, of the rotornational Geophysical. Tear vas also emphesised by the first conference an

the International Geophysical Tear held is the United States. The impetus

which motivatad the Lbited States Goverment to support new methods for

collecting otherwise vaattainable scientific information was man's

1111321111111114 ability to view the world as a obale. Pros these observations

v13.3. car a vast body of pophysical data *Joh will permit American

scientists to observe all the law sale aspects of the North: its exterior,

the lover and upper atmosphere, gravity end megoetien, and extraterrestrial

features. '

In January 1958, in order to accelerate the program, it vas decided

to augment the le 13.71 program by making an interim use of the Thor

booster for nine (9) nights. This would watt an early achievement of

orbital capability. Babeepently, approval was panted for the use of

five (5) additieval Thar-boosted satellites to conduct biomedical experiments.

As the result of the Advenoed Ressereh Projects Agency (WA) Order

No. 17-59, dated 4 September 3.958 with three atihsequent amendments, the

prop= structure was .established, to provide for fifteen (15) ARPA funded

fLight••

ARPA Order No. 48-59, dated 3.6 December 3,958 confirmed previous

instructions to identify this 2rogren as DZICOVIRIR: thus, separating •

this development 'tree the over-ell % 1171 pupae structure. A Discoverer

Dewlaps:ft Plan, dated 30 January 1959, providing for a fifteen (15)

vehicle proves ma pawed and submitted for ABU epproval.

The 30 January 1959 Diseaverer Plan was Approved for a Thirteen (13)

vehicle program by Amendment No. 2 to ARM Order 118-59, dated ilk March

1959.

In complienee vith MAT messea, MOAT 59353, dated 27 April 1959,

a nev Discoveser Darelopient Ran, dated 30 April 1959, calling tor a

teenty-five (25) whittle groom vas prepared and submitted to the ARPA

for approval. The 25-whirls proven was approved by imandment No.

to ARPA Order b8-59, dated 20 Hey 1959.

•

keendwent No, 6 to WA Order 48-6o, dated 20 Jay 1959, increased

the DINIOVISZIM Program from a 25-vehicle series to a 29-vehicle series.

Ibis Anandment included instructions to seat a revised Devel.opment

end beading Plan to reflect the prop= increase.

—5-Er-Reer

•

40
As the result of-Department of Defense programming actions the

Discoverer Program ess' transferred from the. ARPA to USAF cognisance on

17 lioveaber 1959.

On a December 1959, Ng USAF, after receiving guidance from the

ATTIC, provided instructions to the OM to prepare a revised development plan for the full 29-vehicle program reflecting the full cost through

TT 60 and FY 61 to complete the prognmt.

T•..enty (20) flights remain in the program. Presentation to DIME

of Air Force approved plans for this program for 37 60 and FY 61 is

scheduled Air 15 February 1960.