20th Century Spy in the Sky Satellites: Secrets of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Volume 6 - CORONA, America's First Satellite Program - CIA and NRO Histories of Pioneering Spy Satellites

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, Astronomy, History, Military
Cover of the book 20th Century Spy in the Sky Satellites: Secrets of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Volume 6 - CORONA, America's First Satellite Program - CIA and NRO Histories of Pioneering Spy Satellites by Progressive Management, Progressive Management
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Progressive Management ISBN: 9781466194021
Publisher: Progressive Management Publication: October 29, 2011
Imprint: Smashwords Edition Language: English
Author: Progressive Management
ISBN: 9781466194021
Publisher: Progressive Management
Publication: October 29, 2011
Imprint: Smashwords Edition
Language: English

Part of our comprehensive series on the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and its "spy satellite" network, this volume covers the historic CORONA spy satellite program, called America's first satellite program. Histories from the NRO and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) cover all aspects of CORONA.

Since the CORONA satellite made its first successful flight in August 1960, the Intelligence Community's overhead reconnaissance programs have been among the nation's most closely guarded secrets. The end of the Cold War, however, has at last made it possible to declassify both information and imagery from the first American satellite systems of the 1960s.

The CORONA reconnaissance satellites revolutionized the collection of intelligence in the 1960s. This was a time when it was still extraordinarily difficult to gather information by any other means from "denied areas" including the Soviet Union, Communist China, and their allies. The need for intelligence about Soviet strategic weapon systems and bases dramatically increased after 1 May 1960, when the Soviets shot down an American U-2 aircraft and captured its CIA pilot, Francis Gary Powers. Within a few months, however, on 18 August the United States launched its first successful reconnaissance satellite, which in one mission provided more photographic coverage of the Soviet Union than all previous U-2 missions. On 19 August 1960, the recovery of Mission 9009 with a KH-1 camera marked the beginning of the CORONA reconnaissance satellite program's long and valuable service. The story of this program's success is one of the most remarkable in the annals of American science and intelligence.

While orbiting the earth, CORONA concentrated principally on photographing the USSR and China. One intelligence community study summarized CORONA's efforts over the Soviet Union: CORONA's initial major accomplishment was imaging all Soviet medium-range, intermediate-range, and intercontinental ballistic missile launching complexes. CORONA also identified the Plesetsk Missile Test Range, north of Moscow. Repetitive coverage of centers like Plesetsk provided information as to what missiles were being developed, tested, and/or deployed. Also, the unequivocal fact of observation gave the United States freedom from concern over many areas and locations which had been suspect in the past.

NRO designs, builds and operates the nation's reconnaissance satellites. NRO products, provided to an expanding list of customers like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), can warn of potential trouble spots around the world, help plan military operations, and monitor the environment. As part of the 16-member Intelligence Community, the NRO plays a primary role in achieving information superiority for the U. S. Government and Armed Forces. A DoD agency, the NRO is staffed by DoD and CIA personnel. It is funded through the National Reconnaissance Program, part of the National Foreign Intelligence Program. The NRO Vision: Vigilance From Above. NRO Mission: Innovative Overhead Intelligence Systems for National Security. In recent years, the NRO has implemented a series of actions declassifying some of its operations. The organization was declassified in September 1992 followed by the location of its headquarters in Chantilly, VA, in 1994.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Part of our comprehensive series on the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and its "spy satellite" network, this volume covers the historic CORONA spy satellite program, called America's first satellite program. Histories from the NRO and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) cover all aspects of CORONA.

Since the CORONA satellite made its first successful flight in August 1960, the Intelligence Community's overhead reconnaissance programs have been among the nation's most closely guarded secrets. The end of the Cold War, however, has at last made it possible to declassify both information and imagery from the first American satellite systems of the 1960s.

The CORONA reconnaissance satellites revolutionized the collection of intelligence in the 1960s. This was a time when it was still extraordinarily difficult to gather information by any other means from "denied areas" including the Soviet Union, Communist China, and their allies. The need for intelligence about Soviet strategic weapon systems and bases dramatically increased after 1 May 1960, when the Soviets shot down an American U-2 aircraft and captured its CIA pilot, Francis Gary Powers. Within a few months, however, on 18 August the United States launched its first successful reconnaissance satellite, which in one mission provided more photographic coverage of the Soviet Union than all previous U-2 missions. On 19 August 1960, the recovery of Mission 9009 with a KH-1 camera marked the beginning of the CORONA reconnaissance satellite program's long and valuable service. The story of this program's success is one of the most remarkable in the annals of American science and intelligence.

While orbiting the earth, CORONA concentrated principally on photographing the USSR and China. One intelligence community study summarized CORONA's efforts over the Soviet Union: CORONA's initial major accomplishment was imaging all Soviet medium-range, intermediate-range, and intercontinental ballistic missile launching complexes. CORONA also identified the Plesetsk Missile Test Range, north of Moscow. Repetitive coverage of centers like Plesetsk provided information as to what missiles were being developed, tested, and/or deployed. Also, the unequivocal fact of observation gave the United States freedom from concern over many areas and locations which had been suspect in the past.

NRO designs, builds and operates the nation's reconnaissance satellites. NRO products, provided to an expanding list of customers like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), can warn of potential trouble spots around the world, help plan military operations, and monitor the environment. As part of the 16-member Intelligence Community, the NRO plays a primary role in achieving information superiority for the U. S. Government and Armed Forces. A DoD agency, the NRO is staffed by DoD and CIA personnel. It is funded through the National Reconnaissance Program, part of the National Foreign Intelligence Program. The NRO Vision: Vigilance From Above. NRO Mission: Innovative Overhead Intelligence Systems for National Security. In recent years, the NRO has implemented a series of actions declassifying some of its operations. The organization was declassified in September 1992 followed by the location of its headquarters in Chantilly, VA, in 1994.

More books from Progressive Management

Cover of the book 21st Century Textbooks of Military Medicine - Military Psychiatry: Preparing in Peace for War, Hostage Negotiation, Terrorism, Refugees, PTSD, Vietnam (Emergency War Surgery Series) by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Cruise Missiles for the U. S. Navy: An Exemplar of Innovation in a Military Organization - Sperry's Aerial Torpedo, Project Aphrodite, Gorgon Missile, Drones, Regulus, Harpoon, Tomahawk by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century U.S. Military Manuals: The Army Field Manual (FM 1) The Soldier's Creed, The Army and the Profession of Arms, Army Organization (Professional Format Series) by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 2012 Smart Grid System Report to Congress: Smart Electric Meters, Renewables Integration, Electric Cars and Vehicles, Transmission Automation, Grants and Programs, Cyber Security, Energy Efficiency by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Research and Safety Issues: Government Oversight Hearings and Reports, NNI, Priorities for the Future by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century Pituitary Disorders Sourcebook: Hypopituitarism, Cushing's Syndrome, Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency, Acromegaly, Prolactinoma, Tumors, Empty Sella Syndrome, Septo-Optic Dysplasia by Progressive Management
Cover of the book The Catholic Church and Politics in Colombia: A Shifting Foundation - Protestant Growth, Post-La Violencia Dynamics, Frente Nacional, Catholic Charismatics, Priest-Government Clashes, Repression Role by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century Geothermal Energy: A History of Geothermal Energy Research and Development in the United States - Volume 2 - Drilling 1976-2006 by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) Sourcebook: Clinical Data for Patients, Families, and Physicians, including Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Genetics, Chromosome Anomalies by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Apollo and America's Moon Landing Program: Apollo 15 Official NASA Mission Reports and Press Kit - 1971 Fourth Lunar Landing, First with Lunar Roving Vehicle - Astronauts Scott, Irwin, Worden by Progressive Management
Cover of the book Manhunts: A Policy Maker's Guide to High-Value Targeting (HVT) - Israeli Experience, Wrath of God, Covert Actions, Ethics, Political Risks, Legal Considerations, Nazi Hunting and Adolf Eichmann by Progressive Management
Cover of the book A Prototype Air Force JFACC (Joint Force Air Component Commander): General George C. Kenney - Evolution of Air Doctrine Command Organization, Planning for Combat, Grand Strategy, Unity of Effort by Progressive Management
Cover of the book U.S. Air Force Aerospace Mishap Reports: Accident Investigation Boards for UAV/UAS Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Incidents Involving the MQ-1B Predator in Afghanistan, Iraq, and California by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 2011 Official Dictionary of Nuclear, Radiation, and Radiological Terms and Acronyms: Nuclear Power Plants, Atomic Weapons, Military Stockpile, Radiation Medicine by Progressive Management
Cover of the book 21st Century Essential Guide to Navy Submarines: Past, Present, and Future of the Sub Fleet, History, Technology, Ship Information, Pioneers, Cold War, Nuclear Attack, Ballistic, Guided Missile by Progressive Management
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy