LBJ LIBRARY DOCUMENT WITHDRA WA L SHEET Page  i
D oc # D ocType D oc Info Classification Pages D ate Restriction
-—me me --------We lsh to F ntsch, Bt.al. ■ C 1 11/15/63 A
ope n ci/i^h
06 draft Ne ar duplicate  of #7 & 9 C 2 11/15/63 A
07 draft Ne ar duplicate  of #6 & 9 C 2 11/15/63 A
08——me me——NA OC Me e ting...— 
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09 draft "G uide line s for Inte rage ncy Handling..." 
[Ne ar duplicate  of #6 & 7]
C 2 11/15/63 A
10 draft "G uide line s for Inte rage ncy Handling..." C 3 [11/63] A
42----—me me——NA SC Mooting——• 
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18---- —me mo——We lsh to-McCone — -G _________ 1 5/31/63 A
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zH----- IIICIIIU ^. jonnson iu rdi tuu 
[Duplicate  of #25]
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ope n 6/h/il]
Collection Title National Se curity F ile , F ile s of Charle s E. Johnson
Folder Title "Space  Ve hicle  F ragme nts - Re sponsibilitie s and Proce dure s"
B ox Number 018
Restriction Codes 1/13/2009
(A ) Closed by Executive Order 13292 governing access to national security information.
(B ) Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document.
(C) Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift.


Lbj library docume nt withdrawal she e t Page  2
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23--------meme-------- To ExSe c, NA SC---------
open <w/i4
UUpilUdlC 1
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36c draft __ "AttachmoM R1L
open ^m
G --------------- -1--------- 12/776-2-------------A
z£---------—1-------12/10762 7?
-G ----------------2--------[10/62]------------A
Restriction Codes
Collection Title National Se curity F ile , F ile s of Charle s E. Johnson
Folder Title "Space  Ve hicle  F ragme nts - Re sponsibilitie s and Proce dure s"
B ox Number 018
1/13/2009
Initials
(A ) Closed by Executive Order 13292 governing access to national security information.
(B ) Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document
(C) Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift.


NA SA HEA DQUA RTERS ROUTING SLIP
REMA RKS:
COD E NA ME (if necessary)
A CTION
A PPROVA L
1. Charles Johnson
CONCURRENCE
FILE
2. National Security
INFORMA TION
INVESTIG A TE A ND A D VISE
3. Council
NOTE A ND FORWA RD
NOTE A ND RETURN
4.
PER REQUEST
RECOMMEND A TION
5.
SEE ME
SIG NA TURE
6.
REPLY FOR SIG NA TURE OF:
7.
Underlined sections have been added since 
the last draft.
A^
FROM:
CODE: , A l
NA ME:
William F. Hausman DAT E: 5/26/64
NASA Form 26 (Rev. July 1959) U.S. G OVERNMENT PRINTING  OFFICE : 1959 OF —51302 6


ft/
cnwiBM W bi A'
P* Ui-
M ANNED SPACECRAFT CENT ER — AT T N: DR. GILRUT H AM D^^cy
B^^r
M ARSH ALL SPACE FLIGH T CENT ER — AT T N: DR. V ON BRAUN ^O^tAT V E^
NASA JOH N F. KENNEDY SPACE CENT ER — AT T N: DR. DEBUS, 
JOH N KING
UNT IL FURT H ER NOT ICE, T H E FOLLOW ING IS T H E RESPONSE T O
Q UERIES ON POSSIBLE EART H IM PACT S OF FRAGM ENT S FROM
ORBIT ING SA-6 BOOST ER. NO Q UERIES H AV E BEEN RECEIV ED
AT T H IS T IM E. AFT ER LAUNCH W E W ILL GIV E T RACKING
ELEM ENT S FOR T W O T O T W ELV E DAY ORBIT BUT NO IM PACT
PREDICT ION. NO INFORM AT ION IS BEING V OLUNT EERED.
T H IS H AS BEEN COORDINAT ED BY OUR INT ERNAT IONAL PROGRAM S
OFFICE IV IT H T H E ST AT E DEPART M ENT . ALL ADDIT IONAL
RESPONSE OV ER AND ABOV E T H E FOLLOW ING W ILL BE ONLY BY
T H E ADM INIST RAT OR, T H E DEPUT Y ADM INIST RAT OR OR T H E
ASSOCIAT E ADM INIST RAT OR. Q UERIES REQ UIRING SUCH
ADDIT IONAL RESPONSES SH OULD BE REFERRED T O T H EM .
"A * ON SIZE OF FRAGM ENT S: ACT UAL SIZE AND
NUM BER OF FRAGM ENT S CANNOT BE PREDICT ED.
DECLA SSIF IED
W »L eeraM W L,


jj/kSA . . ’ <^CNExDENTIAL--^
AF X  ’
' “B. ON LOCAT ION OF IM PACT ; SINCE T H S V EH ICLE
• BREAKS UP ON REENT RY , T H ERE IS NO BASIS FOR PREDICT ING 
A SINGLE IM PACT POINT ,
"C. PRIOR T O ANY IM PACT ; T H IS PROBLEM  H AS BEEN
V ERY CAREFULLY ST UDIED, T H E POSSIBILIT Y OF A FRAGM ENT
FROM  ANY SPACE V EH ICLE ENDANGERING H UM AN LIFE OR 
PROPERT Y IS Q UIT E REM OT E. ANY DISCUSSION OF SUCH AN 
IM PROBABLE INCIDENT W OULD BE H EAV ILY CONJECT URAL.
“D. AFT ER A REPORT ED IM PACT ; UNDER NO <
CIRCUM ST ANCES DOBS T H IS AGENCY (GOV ERNM ENT ) CONJECT URE
ON T H E ORIGIN OF AN OBJECT . RAT H ER, IT DESIRES T O
OBT AIN, ANALY SE, AND AT T EM PT T O EST ABLISH  T H E ORIGIN 
OF SUCH AN OBJECT .
"E. AFT ER IT IS KNOW N T H AT A FRAGM ENT IS T O BE
DELIV ERED T O US: T H E OBJECT W ILL BE SUBJECT ED T O
2 3
O 0N ftD EN flAt- roNEZT ENW ’L


ST UDY AND PROM PT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEM ENT W ILL BE M ADE W H EN
ANALY SIS H AS BEEN COM PLET ED.”
JULIAN SCH EER
ASSIST ANT ADM INIST RAT OR
FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS
AD/Dr. Dryden 
AI/M r. Frutkin 
AA/M r. W illiamson 
M /Dr. M ueller 
M AO/M r. Abernethy 
AFP/M r. Lloyd 
M -N/M r. Alibrando 
, A/M r. W ebb
AA/Dr. Seamans


DI AM 3QSB
Subject: £A-5
1. MSA provides bimonthly launch briefings to the Department of 
State on all MSA launchings scheduled far the following two-month 
period.
2. The SA-5 launch was flagged at the briefing of October 23 because 
of the large weight ejected to be put in orbit and re-enter. No 
objection was registered by the Department of State.
3. She following day, October 24, Mr. Prutkin called Dr. Golovin 
to recoLKeud that Dr. Weisner be briefed on the SA-5. Golovin was to 
arrange a meeting for this purpose. A request for a briefing was 
received from Dr. iiteiainger of Dr. Weisner’s staff on December 9, 
1963, and he was briefing that day by C^pt. aolcomb (MLA).
4. Brier to the initial briefing, MSA had taken two principal 
precautions to reduce the total vei^xt of fragment® that might 
return: (1) 13,000 lbs. of sand were substituted for the ballast 
originally programed (lead and iron); (2) the Jupiter nose cone 
was roughed up so that it would burn 1® during reentry.
5. At Department of State request, a second briefing on bA-5 was 
held on Zioveiaber 27. No objections were registered to the launching 
by Dr. Tollefson or his associates.
6. Ih© facta which were presented in the briefing for Dr. itollef son 
(subsequently revised as in Paragraph 7) are:
(a) There is a 9% probability that 2,800 lbs. of material will 
return to earth, a 75^ probability that 4,600 lbs. will return 
and a 50k chance that 10,200 lbs. will return. The 2,800 lbs.
'would probably take the form of 30 to 39 fra®aanta, consisting
of six engines, three Titanium spheres and approximately 30 
electronics packages. The difference between 2,800 lbs. figure 
and the 4,600 lbs. figure is in the Jupiter nose cone.
DECLASSIF IED
E.O. 132% S*^. 3.4
^^A  /'f-d>^
/^6?


jBBBffl*—
(b) It was stated that fragments would probably impact over an 
area between 2,170 and 2,500 miles long by 100 miles wide.
(c) None of the aluminum skin material la expected to survive 
reentry. Interior parts should therefore be exposed to heating 
during reentry. (Most fragments collected to date have been, 
stainless steel pieces of Mies akin).
(d) If 30 fragments reenter the atmosphere, the probability of 
a casulty is estimated nt •0000179* If 39 pieces reenter, the 
probability is .00002 32, or one casulty per 50,000 flights. A 
fragment is considered capable of inflicting injury or death if 
it hits with more than 58 foot pounds of kinetic energy.
(e) The nominal but uncertain lifetime projected for the satellite 
is 148 days. The vehicle is to be launched on a heading of 
105°, with a 345 nautical mile apogee, 141 nautical mile perigee, 
31.60 inclination and a 93-9 minute period.
(f) KASA has investigated the possibility of destructing the 
satellite in orbit. Ibis does not appear feasible since any 
destruct abort of vaporisation would singly create more fragments 
of a lethal nature and increase the probabilities of a casualty. 
In order to vaporise the satellite, a nuclear charge would be 
required.
(g) At the current stage of engineering, it is not possible to 
provide retro-rocket and orientation systems to deorbit the 
satellite in open water. Some 18 months might be required for 
this and the solution would not be applicable to future required 
GKMISI missions.
(h) If the 13,000 lbs. of sand are subtracted, it is estimated 
that the vehicle will be of the approximate weight and siae of 
Soviet vehicles which have already decayed. It is not known 
whether the Soviets have taken any precautions regarding 
fragments.
(1) A tracking beacon with a 45-day life has been placed on 
board the satellite to assist In monitoring It as closely as 
possible.
(j) It has been estimated that the reentry prospects here are 
not greatly different from Atlas reentries in which about 2,000 
lbs. per flight are believed to have returned to earth.
-2-
-WHHffKt


7* ^^ hfomtioa
Since the Ifoveaber 2? briefing, the foilwing revised date has been 
provided: 95> probability 2,361 lbs. will return; 50^ probability 
3,000 lbs. will return.
8. Based on data provided through Smithsonian Astrophysical 
Observatory, it has been estimated that in one year, 310 meteorite 
impacts occur in Africa (approximately 11,000,000 square kilometers); 
i.e., 10 times as many objects as are involved in SA-5 reentry fall 
in Africa alone in one year. To date there has been no substantiated 
report of a personnel casualty resulting from these impacts.
/'Jams 8. Morrison
Office of
International Programs
cc: Mr. C. Johnson, "Mbe Mouse


@  ^ U. S. Government Printing Office; 1903 -679668 5
FROM
William F. Hausman
NASA. Hq./Code AI
D A TE OF D OCUMENT 
April 8, 1964
D A TE RECEIVED NO. *
AI-15
A-7-7
CHECK WHETHER
1 | A CTION I 1 INFO.
1 1 COPY I 1 COPY
A CTION COPY TO
TO
Charles Johnson 
NSCouncil INFORMA TION
COPY TO -------->•
CLA SSIFIED  
MA TERIA L -------->■
D ESTROYED (D A TE A ND NO.) NUMBER OF COPIES
CLA SSIFICA TION
Secret
SUSPENSE D A TE POST OFFICE 
REG ISTRY NO.
REFERRED TO REC’D . B Y D A TE REFERRED TO REC’D B Y D A TE
CEJ 4D ESCRIPTION (MUST B E UNCLA SSIFIED )
Response to Queries re: Fragments -
/ r
ENCLOSURES
REMA RKS
cy Webb, Eyrden, Seamans, NASA
Packard, State
Johnson,NSC
AWFrutkin, AI
____ DATE ANSW ERED BY
1 1 REPLY 1 1 NO REPLY
11 NECESSA RY || NECESSA RY
NA SA MA IL CONTROL


(PLACE N ASA CO N TRO L FO RM S H ERE) 5a
DECLA SSIF IED
E.O. 13292. Sec. 3.4
By^
This she e t and NA SA Control F orms must be attache d to Se cre t
mate rial while in the custody of NA SA He adquarte rs.
NA TIONA L A ERONA UTICS A ND SPACE A DMINISTRATION
The attachme nt contains information affe cting the National De fe nse of the
Unite d State s within the me aning of the e spionage laws, Title 18, U.S.C.,
Se cs. 793 and 794, the transmission or re ve lation of which in any manne r
to an unauthorize d pe rson is prohibite d by law.


RESPONSE TO QUERY
GROUP x •
laterals ; not automatically.. _3 t
declassified. April 8, 196k
RE: Queries on Fragment Return from NASA Spacecraft or Space Vehicles
A much abbreviated guideline for RTQ has been provided by Mr. Scheer 
to various NASA officials who might be queried on this subject. The 
following more extensive responses are provided as background information 
to be used by the Administrator, Deputy Administrator, or Associate 
Administrator of NASA, in their judgment, in event of queries on the * 
return of space vehicle fragments to the earth. It is suggested that 
the minimum information be used to satisfy a given query.
(A) FOR USE PRIOR TO AND AFTER A PARTICULAR LAUNCH BUT BEFORE ANY KNOWN 
IMPACT OF RETURNING FRAGMENTS:
1. Do fragments from (satellite X) pose a threat to life or
' property?
The probability that fragments from (satellite X) may cause 
damage or injury is remote. The probability of injury from 
natural meteorites is far greater.
2* a* What is the probability of impact?
There are many factors (e.g., time in orbit, atmospheric 
conditions, how the vehicle breaks up, dispersal pattern, etc.) 
involved and the calculations are extremely complex. We have 
assured ourselves, however, that the hazard is far less than 
many hazards encountered in everyday living.
3. Has NASA taken steps to lessen the fragment problem?
Yes. NASA is actively engaged in minimizing it. For example, 
on the SA-5 satellite, NASA used 13,000 lbs. of harmless sand 
as ballast and roughed up the nosecone so that it would burn 
on reentry. On the GT-1 spacecraft, NASA bored large holes in 
the heat shield to assist burning during reentry. In addition 
to specific steps such as these, studies are underway to assist 
NASA in further coping with the overall reentry problem.
ANY INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT USED 
IN RESPONSE TO QUERIES IS AUTOMATICALLY
DECLASSIFIED.
GROUP 3 '
Downgraded at 12 year ' ■— 
intervals ; not automatically 
declassified
///?


2
5* ^ ^ fragments come down, where are they most likely to impact?
The small number of fragments surviving from any satellite will 
be dispersed over an area of thousands of square miles, most 
of which are likely to be oceans, seas, or other water surface.
6. Can the fragment problem be further decreased by exploding the 
orbiting element?
Explosion or destruct of the orbiting element could produce 
more fragments and, hence, increase the possibility of fragment 
impact.
7* ^ one ~^ere ^o he hit by a fragment, would it be lethal?
In the remote possibility that one were to be struck by a 
fragment, it might, depending upon area of body struck, be 
lethal. However, this is also true*- of- being structe-by a 
meteora-te^ and the....possibility of being, struck by a meteorite is 
greater than -tKe possibility of being struck by a fragment from 
Csatellite‘-20vw" 1^ Tact * the
Sn^thsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the average number of 
meteorites over 2.2 lbs. which impact on the earth every year 
is estimated at 5628. This is many, many times greater than 
the-total number of fragments to be expected from (satellite 
X). And, to date, there are no substantiated reports of injury 
fronrthese meteorite impacts.
^ Meteorites are natural phenomena. Do you consider NASA 
justified in increasing the possibilities of a lethal impact, 
no matter how improbable?
Many human activities carry with them a demonstrable probability 
of casualty—flying, automobile driving, golfing during an 
electrical storm. But we do not stop driving, flying or golf­
ing.
w
GROUP 3 — »
Downgraded at 12 year 
intervals; not automatically 
declacsh id


O
 GROUP 3  - .-^^ * ' ' \ ,
„ Downgraded at 12 year ^^-
intervals; not automatically
$• this sort of thing be a continuing hazard?
In some degree, yes. In time, it should become possible to 
develop some solutions such as ensured return over water, but 
these will take a great deal of research and development as 
well as significant payload margin. It is a matter of constant 
attention.
10• How do reentry problems with GT-1 compare with those of other 
rockets?
Very roughly, about the same as with Atlas reentries, from 
which there have been no casualties.
G ROUP 3  --------
-r^ded at 12 c
D ' .oi n • not automatical!!;;


EXECU TIVE O FFICE O F TH E PRESID EN T 
N ATIO N AL AERO N AU TICS and SPACE CO U N CIL
EXECU TIVE SECRETARY
W ASH IN G TO N
November 15, 1963
M EM ORANDUM  T O:
Dr. Arnold Fritsch (AEC)
M r. Albert D. W heelon (CIA)
Dr. Albert C. H all (DOD)
M r. Arnold Frutkin (NASA)
M r. Charles Johnson (NSC) v
Dr. Nicholas Golovin (OST )
M r. Robert Packard (State)
Subject: Fragments
T he meeting on November 6 was informative. At the close of 
that session, I promised to weigh various suggestions and come 
up with a draft paper for joint consideration. Such a paper is 
attached. I would doubt that everyone's interests are completely 
satisfied with this language, but it is hoped that it comprises a 
reasonable basis for agreement. In any event, I would appreciate 
your evaluating it and preparing yourselves to indicate what por­
tions are satisfactory and what portions need improvement.
A meeting to discuss this language and related issues is scheduled
for November 21, 10 o'clock, in Room 213 Executive Office Build­
ing . Please advise my office in advance wli^W ill attend for your
respective agencies.
E. C. W elsh
Classified attachment (2 cys)
DECLASSJH BV
Suthontra^^-oi^pot/i
NARA. Dwla'-M
CO TO EffflAL
Upon removed of attach­
ments this document 
becomes unclassified.
i yin


/M' /Mi/ ^


NA TIONA L* A ^KQNA UTiC^ A ND  SPA CE. COUNCIL
Xatera^aacy Maatia& aa ^aca Vehicle TrasaHmir
XA urnday, Nareodbar 4:, 1H3 • 10:80 a. m#
DECLASSIH EO
iiilhomyhllcl^fcf^
^■^___ NARA. DM ttSyH
CHA UHA N; D r* M* C» WA bA
A D C: D r* J aba FMutrrf
CIA : M r. H untington Sheldon
Mr* Carl D ackett
U^i ..v . : D r. A lbmC. ti*U
MA SA * ^dbO^~7^iw»&*-^^
Caloacl William F» Haartuaa
NSC* Mr. CharSar Jaharoa
OST: -^•t-T-Wt^^^
D r. £MMM*4 H* c<ei»iag«r
STA TK: Mr. &abrrt FaetarA
Mr* C* &• D iHexy
MA SCU Mr* Rickard Mir*eh 
Mr* KaareU '<* Hah
, Sheldon


-G 0ITOENTIA L
Draft of Nov. 6, 1962
Revised by DOD 3/ 1/63
[ ] - material deleted
Underlining - material added
GUIDELINES
FOR INT ERAGENCY H ANDLING OF SPACE V EH ICLE FRAGM ENT S
1. T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is 
designated as the agency responsible for receiving, [ analyzing] and 
identifying , [ any] fragments, or suspected fragments of space vehicles 
of all types, including the contents thereof, which fall upon the territory 
of the United States or which otherwise come into its possession, except 
that the Department of Defense (DOD) is solely responsible for receiving 
and identifying fragments from vehicles launched by the DOD.
[ 2. NASA will turn over to the Department of Defense (DOD) as 
expeditiously as possible fragments which are readily identifiable as coming 
from space vehicles launched by the DOD.]
2’ ^ ^e even* NASA should come into possession of space fragments 
under the sole and exclusive responsibility of the DOD, NASA will deliver 
such fragments as expeditiously as possible to the DOD.
3 . T o insure prompt analysis for intelligence purposes, NASA and other 
U, S. Government agencies will [ give] deliver to the DOD [and other 
responsible agencies access] as expeditously as possible and on a priority 
basis fragments (including whole vehicles) which are readily identifiable or 
suspect as coming from [ space] vehicles launched from foreign countries. 
Such foreign fragments which come initially into possession of the DOD 
will be retained by DOD for analysis. Such analysis of foreign fragments 
will be completed expeditiously, and thereafter such fragments will ( remain] 
be placed in the custody of NASA, pending final arrangements for their return 
to the launching country or for other appropriate disposition.
4. All other fragments will be retained by NASA pending agreement as 
to disposition.
5. NASA may continue to use the Smithsonian Institution for collection 
and analysis of fragments by contractual arrangements, and may also make 
appropriate arrangements for assistance with private agencies.
DECLA SSIF IED 
_ EQ. 13292, Soc. 3.4
-*seNJir)ENT iAL - e  afa/A ^o^t


6. T he DOD will notify NASA when deorbits are expected and when 
collection teams have been alerted to obtain the deorbiting fragments. 
Also, DOD will inform NASA of the results of such collection efforts 
whether successful or not.
7. T he Atomic Energy Commission (AEG) will participate in the 
analysis of fragments of space vehicles which have utilized or transported, 
or are suspected of having utilized or transported, radioactive materials 
or special nuclear materials, and will exercise responsibility for special 
nuclear materials, in accordance with its statutory responsibility. In 
addition, the AEC will continue to make available to NASA and the DOD 
its special scientific capabilities.
8. T he Department of State will provide policy guidance with respect 
to the final disposition of fragments from vehicles launched by foreign 
countries, or made available to the United States by foreign countries. 
T he Department of State will provide assistance in the acquisition of 
fragments that fall on foreign territory.
9. NASA will serve as the focal point for the coordination and release 
of public information on fragments except for release of public information 
on fragments resulting from space vehicles launched by the DOD, which will 
be the responsibility of PCD,


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M h M mM  M M M
-imel ^M m<« M mmmmmi '
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M r« Bebert Fac&ar&
M r« M  M  X M llert ^
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DECLASSIFIED
KuAomr Nil, O^o P- 0  ^ < o°v/b 
^v^— NARA. Dwct3 il±l


13
DRAFT ______
November 6, 1962
PUBLIC ST AT EM ENT  
ON H ANDLING OF SPACE V EH ICLE FRAGM ENT S
T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration is 
designated as the Government agency responsible for receiving 
[ analyzing] , and identifying [ any] fragments or suspected fragments 
of space vehicles of all types, including the contents thereof, which 
fall upon the territory of the United States or which otherwise come 
into its possession.
Fragments identified as coming from vehicles launched by 
foreign countries will be retained by NASA pending final arrangements 
for their return to the launching country or for other appropriate 
disposition.
In performing these functions, NASA will coordinate fully 
with other Government agencies.
Delete bracketed words to conform to DOD revisions of paper 
dated M arch 1, 1963.


/^
EXECU TIVE O FFICE O F TH E PRESID EN T
N ATIO N AL AERO N AU TICS and SPACE CO U N CIL
W ASH IN G TO N
EXECU TIVE SECRETARY October 24, 1963
M EM ORANDUM  T O:
H onorable Dean Rusk
Secretary of State
H onorable John A. M cCone 
Director, CIA
H onorable Roswell L. Gilpatric 
Deputy Secretary of Defense
H onorable Jerome B. W iesner 
Director, OST
H onorable James E. W ebb
Administrator, NASA
H onorable M cGeorge Bundy
Special Assistant to the President
Subject: Responsibility and Procedure re Space V ehicle Fragments
Subject matter has in the past been discussed with representatives 
of interested agencies. Draft language was circulated and agreement 
was initially obtained. Subsequently, some variations in preferred 
language developed.
In response to inquiry from Chairman M iller of the H ouse Science 
and Astronautics Committee regarding legislation introduced on this 
subject, the Administrator of NASA responded that he did not believe 
such legislation was needed at this time, as the question of responsi­
bility for receiving, analyzing, and identifying fragments and suspected 
fragments was being considered within the Executive Branch. T his 
consideration was presumably a reference to the meetings and drafts
developed under our auspices.
T here has been more than sufficient time elapsed since this matter was 
first examined for the interested agencies to agree upon a responsible 
position. Consequently, I am calling a meeting to examine this subject 
on November 6 at 10 o'clock in Room 213 of the Executive Office Build­
ing. It would be appreciated if you would identify representation for 
your agency at such a session. W hen you have done so, it would be 
appreciated if my office were notified as to the person or persons who 
expect to attend.
E. C. W elsh
/J>/


EXECU TIVE O FFICE O F TH E PRESID EN T 
N ATIO N AL AERO N AU TICS and SPACE CO U N CIL
W ASH IN G TO N
EXECU TIVE SECRETARY October 24, 1963
M EM ORANDUM  T O:
H onorable Dean Rusk
Secretary of State
H onorable John A. M cCone 
Director, CIA
H onorable Roswell L. Gilpatric H onorable Jerome B. W iesner
Deputy Secretary of Defense Director, OST
H onorable James E. W ebb
Administrator, NASA
H onorable M cGeorge Bundy
Special Assistant to the President
Subject: Responsibility and Procedure re Space V ehicle Fragments
Subject matter has in the past been discussed with representatives 
of interested agencies. Draft language was circulated and agreement 
was initially obtained. Subsequently, some variations in preferred 
language developed.
In response to inquiry from Chairman M iller of the H ouse Science 
and Astronautics Committee regarding legislation introduced on this 
subject, the Administrator of NASA responded that he did not believe 
such legislation was needed at this time, as the question of responsi­
bility for receiving, analyzing, and identifying fragments and suspected 
fragments was being considered within the Executive Branch. T his 
consideration was presumably a reference to the meetings and drafts 
developed under our auspices.
T here has been more than sufficient time elapsed since this matter was 
first examined for the interested agencies to agree upon a responsible 
position. Consequently, I am calling a meeting to examine this subject 
on November 6 at 10 o’clock in Room 213 of the Executive Office Build­
ing. It would be appreciated if you would identify representation for 
your agency at such a session. 'W hen you have done so, it would be 
appreciated if my office were notified as to the person or persons who
expect to attend.
E. C. W elsh


M EM ORANDU M  VOJL .
H mbuN* Joh* A* M #Cmb 
DItwIit of Central Intelligence 
Chairman U SIBcard
Subject: Discovered Fragments at Space Vehicles
responsibilities sad io outline procedures regarding the subject 
matter. To this end, my memorandum to 14. G eneral Carter* 
dated November IS* 1961# provided draft documents and sat forth
the status of the project at that time.
On M arch 1* a revised classified internal paper (Tab A)* which has 
had top-level Defense clearance was provided* but we now understand 
ft has act been coordinated within the intelligence oommuaity*
ECW fmq
Enclosure (as Tab A) Defense Draft of
M arch 1/63 "G uidelines for Interagency
H andling of Space Vehicle Fragments” (ClasoiAod Confidential)
DECLASSIFY
^uthorftrlll^^^j^ ~^ C
NARA. Dute^zNpre se rvation copy


1^
-CONFIDENT IAL------
GUIDELINES FOR INT ERAGENCY H ANDLING 
OF SPACE V EH ICLE FRAGM ENT S
L T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
(NASA) is designated as the agency responsible for receiving and 
identifying fragments, or suspected fragments of space vehicles of 
all types, including the contents thereof, which fall upon the terri­
tory of the United States or which otherwise come into its possession, 
except that the Department of Defense (DoD) is solely responsible for 
receiving and identifying fragments from vehicles launched by the 
DoD#
2. In the event NASA should come into possession of space 
fragments under the sole and exclusive responsibility of the DoD, 
NASA will deliver such fragments as expeditiously as possible to the 
DoD.
3 . T o insure prompt analysis for intelligence purposes, NASA 
and other U.S. Government agencies will deliver to the DoD as expe­
ditiously as possible and on a priority basis fragments (including whole 
vehicles) which are readily identifiable or suspect as coming from 
vehicles launched from foreign countries. Such foreign fragments 
which come initially into possession of the DoD will be retained by DoD 
for analysis. Such analysis of foreign fragments will be completed 
expeditiously, and thereafter such fragments will be placed in the cus­
tody of NASA, pending final arrangements for their return to the launch­
ing country or for other appropriate disposition.
4. All other fragments will be retained by NASA pending agree­
ment as to disposition.
5. NASA may continue to use the Smithsonian Institution for 
collection and analysis of fragments by contractual arrangements, and 
may also make appropriate arrangements for assistance with private 
agencies.
6. T he DoD will notify NASA when deorbits are expected and 
when collection teams have been alerted to obtain the deorbiting frag­
ments. Also, DoD will inform NASA of the results of such collection 
efforts whether successful or not.
de classifie d
-CONFIDENT IAL-


x-CONT tDENT IAE
- 2 -
7. T he Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) will participate 
in the analysis of fragments of space vehicles which have utilized 
or transported, or are suspected of having utilized or transported, 
radioactive materials or special nuclear materials, and will exer­
cise responsibility for special nuclear materials, in accordance with 
its statutory responsibility. In addition, the AEC will continue to 
make available to NASA and the DoD its special scientific capabilities.
8. T he Department of State will provide policy guidance with 
respect to the final disposition of fragments from vehicles launched 
by foreign countries, or made available to the United States by foreign 
countries. T he Department of State will provide assistance in the 
acquisition of fragments that fall on foreign territory.
9. NASA will serve as the focal point for the coordination and 
release of public information on fragments except for release of pub­
lic information on fragments resulting from space vehicles launched 
by the DoD, which will be the responsibility of DoD.
CONFIDENT IAL’


N ATIO N AL AERO N AU TICS and SPACE CO U N CIL
M arch 4, 1963
T o: Charles Johnson
T his is the paper to which I re­
ferred on the phone.


GUIDELINES FOR INT ERAGENCY H ANDLING 
OF SPACE V EH ICLE FRAGM ENT S
1. T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
(NASA) is designated as the agency responsible for receiving and 
identifying fragments, or suspected fragments of space vehicles 
of all types, including the contents thereof which fall upon the 
territory of the United States or which otherwise come into its 
possession, except that the Department of Defense (DoD) is solely 
responsible for receiving and identifying fragments from vehicles 
launched by the DoD,
2* In the event NASA should come into possession of 
space fragments under the sole and exclusive responsibility of the 
DoD, NASA will deliver such fragments as expeditiously as possible 
to the DoD.
3. T o insure prompt analysis for intelligence purposes, 
NASA and other U.S* Government agencies will deliver to the DoD 
as expeditiously as possible and on a priority basis fragments 
(including whole vehicles) which are readily identifiable or suspect 
as coming from vehicles launched from foreign countries* Such 
foreign fragments which come initially into possession of the DoD 
will be retained by DoD for analysis* Such analysis of foreign 
fragments will be completed expeditiously, and thereafter such 
fragments will be placed in the custody of NASA, pending final 
arrangements for their return to the launching country or for 
other appropriate disposition* .
4* All other fragments will be retained by NASA pending 
agreement as to disposition*
5* NASA may continue to use the Smithsonian Institution 
for collection and analysis of fragments by contractual arrangements 
and may also make appropriate arrangements for assistance with 
private agencies* .
de classifie d ,
ainD B M.
pre se rvation copy


6. T he DoD will notify NASA when dfiorbits are 
expected and when collection teams have been alerted to obtain 
the deorbiting fragments. Also, DoD will inform NASA of the 
results of such collection efforts whether successful or not.
7. T he Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) will 
participate in the analysis of fragments of space vehicles which 
have utilized or transported, or are suspected of having utilized 
or transported, radioactive materials or special nuclear materials, 
and will exercise responsibility for special nuclear materials, in 
accordance with its statutory responsibility. In addition, the AEC 
will continue to make available to NAS  A and the DoD its special 
scientific capabilities. .
8. T he Department of State will provide policy guidance 
with respect to the final disposition of fragments from vehicles 
launched by foreign countries, or made available to the United States 
by foreign countries. T he Department of State will provide assistance 
in the acquisition of fragments that fall on foreign territory.
9. NASA will serve as the focal point for the coordination 
and release of public information on fragments except for release 
of public information on fragments resulting from space vehicles 
launched by the DoD, which will be'the responsibility of DoD.
2
COmD CNTiA L


z/
December 1
CQ IAL
M EM ORANDUM  FOR: M r. T homas Parrott
T om--
Y ou should know about the attached documents and the 
small hassel between DOD and CIA concerning the procedural 
guidelines paper. As I understand it, the departmental repre­
sentatives that worked with Ed W elsh had secured departmental 
clearances on the procedure but later on the Agency clearance 
somehow got unstuck.
At this point there is no W hite H ouse intervention that is 
either desirable or needed but, on the other hand, there is no 
guarantee that this could not become a W hite H ouse issue on 
strictly jurisdictional grounds. As far as I am concerned it is a 
xtempest in a tea cup^that would have been avoided entirely 
if the Space Council would have brought the Agency into the ad hoc 
committee from the beginning.
Please return the papers when you have seen them.
Attachment:
Charles Ef/ Johnson
2.
Dec. 7, 1962 M emo to NASIS fr CIA 
Draft 11/6/62 Guidelines for Inter­
agency H andling of Space V ehicle 
Fragments.
^CONFIDENT IAL
♦
■ db classihev
ViittomTM m om?. o^.oo^ 
«V^_ NARA, iwif ^-m


CENTRA L INTELLIG ENCE A G ENCY
WA SHING TON 25. D . C.
25
O FFICE O F D EPU TY D IRECTO R O F CEN TRAL IN TELLIG EN CE
7 DEC 1962
M EM ORANDUM  FOR EX ECUT IV E SECRET ARY , NAT IONAL 
AERONAUT ICS AND SPACE COUNCIL
SUBJECT : Interagency H andling of Space V ehicle Fragment®
I should like to acknowledge with appreciation your 28 November 
memorandum requesting consideration by the Central Intelligence Agency 
of the draft documents containing '’guideline®” and a ’Public Statement” 
on the subject.
Review of these documents has clearly indicated that the interagency 
handling of space vehicle fragments is of interest and concern to the United 
States intelligence community.
Accordingly, this matter has been placed before the United States 
Intelligence Board (USIB) to develop promptly its coordinated views on 
the subject documents. USIB action is scheduled for its 12 December 
meeting, following which the Board's views will be transmitted to you.
rSfgne'dT Marshall $.■ forfer
M ARSH AL! S. CART ER 
l ieutenant General, USA 
Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
cc: Executive Secretary, NSC
DECLASSIFIED 
buthomv H LsLfS^J^lSLJ^ 
HvJ2 ___ NARA. DmcI^JJJL


EXECU TIVE O FFICE O F TH E PRESID EN T 
N ATIO N AL AERO N AU TICS and SPACE CO U N CIL
W ASH IN G TO N
EXECU TIVE SECRETARY
November 6, 1962
M r. Johnson:
H erewith are the draft papers as revised and agreed to at 
today’s meeting. Copies have been sent to interested agency 
heads for formal concurrence.
2 Enclosures - Fragments
1. (Unclassified)
2. (Confidential - 2 pages)
E. C. W elsh


DRAFT
il/6/62
PUBLIC ST AT EM ENT
ON H ANDLING OF SPACE V EH ICLE FRAGM ENT S
T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration is designated 
as the Government agency responsible for receiving, analyzing, and 
identifying any fragments or suspected fragments of space vehicles 
of all types, including the contents thereof, which fall upon the terri­
tory of the United States or which otherwise come into its possession.
Fragments identified as coming from vehicles launched by foreign 
countries will be retained by NASA pending final arrangements for 
their return to the launching country or for other appropriate dis­
position.
In performing these functions, NASA will coordinate fully with other 
Government agencies.


ZM i
DRAFT
11/6/62
<3-0 N F I D^g N T  I A -Lt
GUIDELINES
FOR INT ERAGENCY H ANDLING OF SPACE V EH ICLE FRAGM ENT S
1* T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is 
designated as the agency responsible for receiving, analyzing, and identify­
ing any fragments, or suspected fragments of space vehicles of all types, 
including the contents thereof, which fall upon the territory of the United 
States or which otherwise come into its possession*
2* NASA will turn over to the Department of Defense (DOD) as expedi­
tiously as possible fragments which are readily identifiable as coming from 
space vehicles launched by the DOD*
3 * T o insure prompt analysis for intelligence purposes, NASA will 
give the DOD and other responsible agencies access, as expeditiously as 
possible, to fragments which are readily identifiable as coming from space 
vehicles launched from foreign countries. Such analysis will be completed 
expeditiously and thereafter such fragments will remain in the custody of 
NASA, pending final arrangements for their return to the launching country 
or for other appropriate disposition,
4* All other fragments will be retained by NASA pending agreement 
as to disposition*
5* NASA may continue to use the Smithsonian Institution for collection 
and analysis of fragments by contractual arrangements, and may also make 
appropriate arrangements for assistance with private agencies,
6. T he DOD will notify NASA when deorbits are expected and when 
collection teams have been alerted to obtain the deorbiting fragments. Also, 
DOD will inform NASA of the results of such collection efforts whether suc­
cessful or not,
7, T he Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) will participate in the analysis 
of fragments of space vehicles which have utilized or transported, or are 
suspected of having utilized or transported, radioactive materials or special 
nuclear materials, and will exercise responsibility for special nuclear 
materials, in accordance with its statutory responsibility, In addition, the 
AEC will continue to make available to NASA and the DOD its special scientific 
capabilities,
DECLA SSIF IED
13292, Se c. 3.4
NA ^A , Date y^


- 2 -
8. T he State Department will provide policy guidance with respect 
to the disposition of fragments from vehicles launched by foreign countries, 
or made available to the United States by foreign countries.
9. NASA will serve as the focal point for the coordination and release 
of public information on fragments.


CLA SSIFIED D OCUMENT RECEIPT Z^c
this COPY TO B E RETA INED B Y A D D RESSEE
T O (Name and address)
M r. Charles E. Johnson
National Security Council
Room #3 68, EOB, W ashington, D. C.
D A TE OF TRA NSFER
11/6/62
G SA REG ISTER NO. 
(TOP SECRET only)
FROM (.Name and address) CLA SSIFICA TION
E, C. W elsh
National Aeronautics and Space Council
Washington, D. C. Genera! Services Administration
TITLE OR tDa^tiFtifATlSHlUNCLASSIFlED Description sack as File No., Subject, etc.) Number of Enc losures NUM B £;r O F C QFl Ef ”
Fragments T wo T wo ^
THE A B OVB 4D ENT1FIED MA TTER WA S PERSONA LLY RECEIVED B Y ME:
SB bNA TURE (1nTt''or indelible pencil; if TOP SECRET must be signed by addressee only) (Date) (Time)
G SA FORM 1237 
MA RCH 1960


December 10, 1962
^eNFlDENT IAD
M EM ORANDUM  FOR: M r. T homas Parrott
T om-*
Y ou should know about the attached documents and the 
small hassel between DOD and CD'- concerning the procedural 
jmidelin^ As I understand it, the departmental repre­
sentatives that worked with Ed W elsh had secured departmental 
clearances on the procedure but later on the Agency clearance 
somehow got unstuck.
At this point there is no W hite H ouse intervention that is 
either desirable or needed but, on the other hand, there is no 
guarantee that this could not become a W hite H ouse issue on 
strictly jurisdictional grounds. As far as I am concerned it is a 
^tempest in a tea cup^that would have been avoided .entirely 
if the Space Council would have brought the Agency into the ad hoc 
committee from the beginning.
Please return the papers when you have seen them.
Charles E. Johnson
Attachment:
1. Dec. 7, 1962 M emo to NAi £ fr CD
2. Draft 11/6/62 Guidelines for Inter­
agency H andling of Space V ehicle
Fragments.
CONFIDENT IAL
DECLASSIFY 
\mfcomrJsa<*°3eR^^l^ 
Rv^_ NASA. Dwtiaidl!


DRAFT
11/6/62
PUBLIC ST AT EM ENT
ON H ANDLING CF SPACE V EH ICLE FRAGM ENT S
T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration is designated 
as the Government agency responsible for receiving, analyzing, and 
identifying any fragments or suspected fragments of space vehicles 
of all types, including the contents thereof, which fall upon the terri­
tory of the United States or which otherwise come into its possession.
Fragments identified as coming from vehicles launched by foreign 
countries will be retained by NASA pending final arrangements for 
their return to the launching country or for other appropriate dis­
position.
In performing these functions, NASA will coordinate fully with other 
Government agencies.


Z7
DRAFT
11/6/62
■ CONFIDENT ! A-L
GUIDELINES
FOR INT ERAGENCY H ANDLING OF SPACE V EH ICLE FRAGM ENT S
1. T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is 
designated as the agency responsible for receiving, analyzing, and identify­
ing any fragments, or suspected fragments of space vehicles of all types, 
including the contents thereof, which fall upon the territory of the United 
States or which otherwise come into its possession,
2, NASA will turn over to the Department of Defense (DOD) as expedi­
tiously as possible fragments which are readily identifiable as coming from 
space vehicles launched by the DOD,
3, T o insure prompt analysis for intelligence purposes, NASA will 
give the DOD and other responsible agencies access, as expeditiously as 
possible, to fragments which are readily identifiable as coming from space 
vehicles launched from foreign countries. Such analysis will be completed 
expeditiously and thereafter such fragments will remain in the custody of 
NASA, pending final arrangements for their return to the launching country 
or for other appropriate disposition.
4. All other fragments will be retained by NASA pending agreement 
as to disposition.
5. NASA may continue to use the Smithsonian Institution for collection 
and analysis of fragments by contractual arrangements, and may also make 
appropriate arrangements for assistance with private agencies.
6. T he DOD will notify NASA when deorbits are expected and when 
collection teams have been alerted to obtain the deorbiting fragments. Also, 
DOD will inform NASA of the results of such collection efforts whether suc­
cessful or not.
7. T he Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) will participate in the analysis 
of fragments of space vehicles which have utilized or transported, or are 
suspected of having utilized or transported, radioactive materials or special 
nuclear materials, and will exercise responsibility for special nuclear 
materials, in accordance with its statutory responsibility. In addition, the 
AEC will continue to make available to NASA and the DOD its special scientific 
capabilities.
^G-O N F I H X lUj A L
DECLASSIF IED
E.O. 13292, Se c. 3.4
B^Zy. NA ! A , Dar Jr/-^


££^£^5255
- 2 -
8. T he State Department will provide policy guidance with respect 
to the disposition of fragments from vehicles launched by foreign countries, 
or made available to the United States by foreign countries.
9, NASA will serve as the focal point for the coordination and release 
of public information on fragments.
GC ’N^IDENT IAL


NAT IONAL AERONAUT ICS AND SPACE COUNCIL
Interagency M eeting on Space V ehicle Fragments 
T uesday, November 6, *962 - 10:3 0 a. m.
Room 213 E. O. B.
CH AIRM AN: Dr. E. C. W elsh
AEC: Dr. Arnold Fritsch
DEFENSE: Dr. F. O. Schuette
JUST ICE: M r. Robert Salos chin
NASA: M r. M arvin Robinson
NSC: M r. Charles Johnson
OST : M r. Eugene Skolnikoff
NASC: Dr. Charles S. Sheldon II 
M r. Richard H irsch 
M r. R. W . H ale
ST AT E: M r. Robert Packard 
M r. Leonard M eeker


30
DRAFT
November 1, 1962* CONFIDENT IAL
GUIDELINES
FOR INT ERAGENCY H ANDLING OF SPACE V EH ICLE FRAGM ENT S
1. T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is designated 
as the agency responsible for receiving, analyzing, and identifying any 
fragments, or suspected fragments of space vehicles of all types, including 
the contents thereof, which fall upon the territory of the United States or 
which otherwise come into its possession.
2. NASA will turn over to the Department of Defense (DOD) as expeditiously 
as possible fragments which are readily identifiable as coming from space 
vehicles launched by the DOD,
3, T o insure prompt analysis for intelligence purposes, NASA will give the 
fi^jL f ^t. W X r^^^« ^J4^ ’
DOD access, as expeditiously as possible, to fragments which are readily
identifiable as coming from space vehicles launched from foreign countries.
/ Upon completion of) such analysis, theBO
/ NASA^B^^”^^ they will remain pending final arrangements for 
\o\E
r 'V ttf their return to the launching country or for other appropriate disposition.
All other fragments will be retained by NASA pending agreement as to
CONFIDENT IAL de classifie d
E.D 13292,5^- 3 4


- 2 -
5* NASA may continue to use the Smithsonian Institution for collection
and analysis of fragments by contractual arrangements, and may also
make appropriate arrangements for assistance with private agencies
6, T he DOD will notify NASA when deorbits are expected and when collection 
teams have been alerted to obtain the deorbiting fragments* Also, DOD will 
inform NASA of the results of such collection efforts whether successful 
or not.
7. T he Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) will participate in the analysis 
of fragments of space vehicles which have utilized or transported, or are 
suspected of having utilized or transported, radioactive materials or 
special nuclear materials, and will exercise responsibility for special 
nuclear materials, in accordance with its statutory responsibility. In 
addition, the AEC will continue to make available to NASA and the DOD its 
special scientific capabilities.
s^tMiwMw the State Department will provide
policy guidance 1ft^0A with respect to
A ’
vehicles launched bydforeign countries*
disposition of fragments from
9. NASA will serve as the focal point for the release of public information
on swgh fragments.
CQ NEIDENT T Air--


November 2, 1962
M EM ORANDUM  T O:
M r. H oward Brown (AEC) /
M r. Charles E. Johnson (NSC) /
M r. Robert Packard (State)
M r. M arvin Robinson (NASA)
Dr. F. O. Schuette (DOD)
M r. Eugene Skolnikoff (OST )
M r. Deon Ulman (Justice)
Subject: Fragments of Spacecraft
Under date of October 22, I distributed two papers on the subject 
matter and asked that they be returned with suggested improve­
ments. All such suggestions have been received and have been 
incorporated in the attached redrafts.
W ith the exception of the addition of the phrase "or for other 
appropriate disposition" in the next to the last paragraph of the 
draft public statement, no changes were suggested in that paper. 
T he addition of that phrase is clearly indicated to make the 
public statement consistent with the internal paper.
T here were, however, several suggested changes for the internal 
paper. T hese were primarily language additions. Inasmuch as 
these changes are of some significance, it is considered desirable 
that we have one final meeting to go over the enclosed drafts.
Such meeting is called for 10 o’clock T uesday, November 6, in 
Room 213 . Executive Office Building.
E. C. W elsh 
Executive Secretary
L DECLA SS1 '
vvni - ’^W 'S A ;^> ^Qt


DRAFT
November 1, 1962
PUBLIC ST AT EM ENT  
ON H ANDLING OF SPACE V EH ICLE FRAGM ENT S
T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration is designated 
as the Government agency responsible for receiving, analyzing, and 
identifying any fragments or suspected fragments of space vehicles of 
all types, including the contents thereof, which fall upon the territory 
of the United States or which otherwise come into its possession.
Fragments identified as coming from vehicles launched by foreign 
countries will be retained by NASA pending final arrangements for their 
return to the launching country or for other appropriate disposition.
In performing these functions, NASA will coordinate fully with
other Government agencies.


DRAFT
November 1, 1962CONFIDENT IAL
GUIDELINES
FOR INT ERAGENCY H ANDLING OF SPACE V EH ICLE FRAGM ENT S
1. T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is designated 
as the agency responsible for receiving, analyzing, and identifying any 
fragments, or suspected fragments of space vehicles of all types, including 
the contents thereof, which fall upon the territory of the United States or 
which otherwise come into its possession,
2* NASA will turn over to the Department of Defense (DOD) as expeditiously 
as possible fragments which are readily identifiable as coming from space 
vehicles launched by the DOD,
3, T o insure prompt analysis for intelligence purposes, NASA will give the 
DOD access, as expeditiously as possible, to fragments which are readily 
identifiable as coming from space vehicles launched from foreign countries. 
Upon completion of such analysis, the DOD will turn such fragments over to 
NASA, in whose custody they will remain pending final arrangements for 
their return to the launching country or for other appropriate disposition,
4. All other fragments will be retained by NASA pending agreement as to 
disposition,
OECtA SSIF IED
E.O. 13292, Sec. 3,4


- 2 -
^e^NFiDENT iAfcr—
5, NASA may continue to use the Smithsonian Institution for collection 
and analysis of fragments by contractual arrangements, and may also 
make appropriate arrangements for assistance with private agencies,
6. T he DOD will notify NASA when deorbits are expected and when collection 
teams have been alerted to obtain the deorbiting fragments. Also, DOD will 
inform NASA of the results of such collection efforts whether successful 
or not,
7, T he Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) will participate in the analysis 
of fragments of space vehicles which have utilized or transported, or are 
suspected of having utilized or transported, radioactive materials or 
special nuclear materials, and will exercise responsibility for special 
nuclear materials, in accordance with its statutory responsibility. In 
addition, the AEC will continue to make available to NASA and the DOD its 
special scientific capabilities,
8, Upon completion of technical analysis, the State Department will provide 
policy guidance to NASA with respect to the disposition of fragments from 
vehicles launched by foreign countries,
9, NASA will serve as the focal point for the release of public information 
on such fragments.
-eONFlDENT IAL" '


3V
EXECU TIVE O FFICE O F TH E PRESID EN T
N ATIO N AL AERO N AU TICS and SPACE CO U N CIL
EXECU TIVE SECRETARY
M EM ORANDUM  T O
M r, Charles E, Johnson 
National Security Council 
W ashington, D, C.
T hank you for your memorandum of October 23 , as well 
as for the re-structuring of the guidelines paper •• both 
on the subject of handling of space vehicle fragments.
As soon as I receive comments from the other agencies, 
I will get in touch with you.
E. C. W elsh


-CONFIDENTIAL— October 23 , 1962
M EM ORANDUM  T O M R. E. C. W ELSH , 
EX ECUT IV E SECRET ARY , 
NAT IONAL AERONAUT ICS AND SPACE COUNCIL
Ed - .
In reference to the two papers you sent me, I would suggest 
that you might wish to insert the phrase "or otherwise appropriate 
disposition" at the end of the second paragraph of the public state • 
ment. A similar phrase is at the end of numbered paragraph 3 of 
the "Guidelines" paper, and I frankly can't see why the State 
Department should choke on having it in the public statement. It 
stands to reason that if we believe the satellite were hostile that 
we would not return it to its point of origin.
W hen the "Guidelines" paper is distributed in the government, 
I think it would be most appropriate in the form of a Presidentially- 
approved NSAM . T o facilitate this matter, I have put your paper in 
that form and attach a copy herewith.
Charles E. Johnson
Attachment
Draft NS AM  on "Guidelines for 
Interagency H andling of Space 
V ehicle Fragments".
Cc - M r. Carl Kaysen
NSC Files
OECLA SSiRED


DRAFT
-TGTZSTtt
NAT IONAL SECURIT Y ACT ION M EM ORANDUM  NO. 
T O: T he Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration
T he Secretary of State
T he Secretary of Defense
T he Director, Central Intelligence Agency
T he Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission
T he Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
T he Director, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency 
T he Executive Secretary, National Aeronautics and
Space Council
SUBJECT : Guidelines for Interagency H andling of Space V ehicle 
Fragments
T he President has approved the following procedures:
1. T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration is designated 
as the agency responsible for receiving, analyzing, and identifying 
any fragments, or suspected fragments of space vehicles of all types, 
including the contents thereof, which fall upon the territory of the 
United States or which otherwise come into its possession.
2. NASA will turn over to the Department of Defense as expeditiously 
as possible fragments which are readily identifiable as coming from 
space vehicles launched by the Department of Defense.
3. Fragments identified as coming from vehicles launched by foreign 
countries will be retained by NASA pending final arrangements for 
their return to the launching country, or other disposition.
4. All other fragments will be retained by NASA pending agreement as 
to disposition.
DECLA SSIF IED
- > 1 1 -confidential.
(A^ /'^


eoNiiDEKT iAi; -2-
5. T he Department of Defense will notify NASA when deorbits 
are expected and when collection teams have been alerted to obtain 
the deorbiting fragments. DOD will also inform NASA of the results 
of such collection efforts whether successful or not. Any such objects 
obtained are to be returned initially to NASA. Subsequent handling 
will be in accordance with existing intelligence collection procedures.
6. In accordance with its statutory responsibility, the Atomic Energy 
Commission will participate in the analysis of fragments of space 
vehicles which have utilised or transported, or are suspected of having 
utilised or transported, radioactive materials, as well as taking res­
ponsibility for the radioactive materials themselves.
7. NASA may continue to use the Smithsonian Institution for collection 
and analysis of fragments by contractual arrangement, and may also 
make appropriate arrangements for assistance with private agencies.
8. Upon completion of technical analysis, the State Department will 
provide policy guidance to NASA with respect to the return of vehicle 
fragments to the country where such fragments were recovered or to 
the country responsible for launching the original vehicle.
9. NASA will serve as the focal point for the release of public informa­
tion on such fragments.
^eNFmENTIA JU_


36
N ATIO N AL AERO N AU TICS and SPACE CO U N CIL
October 22, 1962
T o: M r. Charles Johnson 
National Security Council
Attached is a set of papers which 
have been distributed to the 
individuals indicated. I thought 
it might be helpful for you to have 
an advance look at this language 
while it is being re-examined by 
the respective interested agencies. 
Let me know if you have any ideas 
regarding it. CT v
E. C. W elsh
Attachment: ECW  memo-10/22/62


3^«
CO fW EW W
NA TIONA L A ERONA UTICS A ND  SPA CE COUNCIL
October 44 iH*
MEMORA ND UM TO:
(AEC)
D r* F. O. Schuette <D O#
Mr* Lees Ulman (Justice)
Mr* Maawln Robiaraa (NA SA )
Mr. G ebert Packard (State)
Subject; Fragments of Spacecraft
la ear Interagency meettag of October I?, it war agreed that the Connell 
stall would incorporate Me eeg&aettoe*, developed at the meeting, tato 
two paper®. Those draft papers are attached. One is intended ter c ob- 
M daraM oa as, a public catena*, and the other an a pep** *f tatm^gevom* 
menial under ataeuita^.
It would be appreciated M the two paper* weald be examined carefully 
and would be returned to me by October *9 with auggeeted improve­
ment* noted thereon* If there are •ugge*tlxm* ^ major significance, 
another meeting will be called to diacne* them. If Me augg-eattou* are 
relatively minor, they will be appropriately incorporated and the paper* 
will then be returned for concurrence. These action* will also be 
coordinated with the staff of the National Security Council.
K C. Welch
A ttachment*
H CO N FID EN ThH -
de classifie d
T ide memorandum it unclassified if separated 
from attachments.


366
D RA FT
O FFICIAL U SE O N LY
ATTACH M ENT A
PROPOSED  PUB LIC STA TEMENT ON HA ND LING  OF 
SPA CE VEHICLE FRA G MENTS
October IS, ma
The National A eronautic* and Space A dministration is designated 
a* the G overnment agency responsible for receiving, analysing, ami 
identifying any fragment* or suspected fragments of apace vehicle* of 
all types, including the content* thereof, which fall upon the territory 
of the United State* or which otherwise came into it* possession*
Fragments identified as coming from vehicle* launched by foreign 
countries will he retained by NA SA  pending final arrangements for their 
return to the launching country.
fat performing these functions, NA SA will coordinate fully with 
other G overnment agencies.
O FFICIAL U SE O N LY


D RA FT Jit 1
M P*') 
}b* A-
< • ATTACH M ENT B. .
^ x~^—T  su^.^CL—~ AFC
INES FOR. INTERA G ENCT HA ND LING  OF SPA CE
VEHICLE FRA G MENTS
as ths agency responsible for receiving, analysing, and identifying any 
fragments, or suspected fragments of space vehicles of all types, 
including the contents thereof, which fall upon the territory of the 
United States ar which otherwise come into its possession*
£« NA SA  will turn over to the D epartment of D efense as expeditiously 
as possible fragments which are readily identifiable as cording from space 
vehicles launched by the D epartment of ID efense.
1* Fragments identified as coming from vehicles launched by foreign 
countries will be retained by NA SA  pending final arrangements for their 
return to the launching country, or other disposition*
4* A ll other fragments will be retained by NA SA  pending agreem*
to disposition*
DECLASSIFY  
htjtfaontt J^^:?3£j^ 
^^— NARA. DM eX jelk£d


—
ATTACH M ENT ^ (Cm«U) 
- 1 -
5« Th® Oepartxuent of D efense will notify HA S A  whoa deorbit# are expected 
and when collection team# have been alerted to obtain the deorbiting 
fragment®. D OD  will also inform MA SA  of the results of such collection 
effort* whether successful or not. A ny such object* obtained are to be 
returned initially to NA SA , ^ubeequant handling will be in accordance 
with existing intelligence collection procedures.
A . In accordance with its statutory responsibility, the A tomic Knergy 
Commission will participate in the analysis of fragments of space vehicles 
which have atm sad or transported, or are suspected of having utilised 
or transported, radioactive materials, as well as taking responsibility 
for the radioactive materials themselves.
7. NA SA  may continue to use the Smithsonian Institution for collection 
and analysis of fragments by contractual arrw^nent. and may alee 
make appropriate arrangements for assistance t?*^: private agencies.
8. Upon completion of technical analysis, the state D epartment will 
provide policy guidance to NA SA with respect to the return of vehicle 
fragments to the country where such fragments were recovered or to 
the country reaponsibil© for launching ths original vehicle.
9. NA SA  will serve as ths focal point for the release of public information 
on such fragments.


CLA SSIFIED D OCUMENT RECEIPT
ressee only)
G SA FORM 1237 
MA RCH 1960
THE A BOVE-ID ENTIFIED MA TTER WA S PERSONA LLY RECEIVED B Y ME:
T O (.Name and address)
M r. Charles Johnson
National Security Council
Room #368, E. O. B., W ashington 25, D. C.
D A TE OF TRA NSFER
10/22/62
G SA REG ISTER NO.
Cl OP SECRET only)
FROM CName and address)
E. C. W elsh
National Aeronautics and Space Council ur v,__ 1R ^ ^ General Services Administration
CLA SSIFICA TION
■G eafideatial
TITLE OR ^ftTCTrFto:tVTrot-l <ttW$Description such as File No., Subject, etc.) Number of Enc losures NUMB ER OF COPIES
Fragments (1)
SIG NA TURE (InH or indelible pencil;
THIS COPY TO B E RETA INED B Y A D D RESSEE


October 17, 1962
T ELECON
SUBJECT : Recovery of satellite fragments
Called R. W . H ale, Space Council, and informed him that 
I would be unable to attend the meeting this afternoon in view of a 
conflict in commitments. Suggested that my presence was not 
needed in view of my concurrence and support of the designation 
of NASA to have responsibility for the program. Suggested the 
development of an NSAM  based on the draft statement attached in 
order to get the program under way, even though Justice and State 
might still have some legal and substantive questions. H ale was 
pleased to hear my views, and said they agreed with those that 
W elsh and he hold. H e will inform W elsh of our conversation, and 
will fill me in after the meeting.
Attachment
Draft statement for consideration at 
meeting on 10/ 17/62, 2:3 0 p. m. , 
in Rm. 218, E. O. B.


N ATIO N AL AERO N AU TICS and SPACE CO U N CIL
10/12/62
M r. Johnson:
In accordance with telephone 
conversation with your secre­
tary this morning.
R. W . H ale


3^
Draft Statement for Consideration at M eeting on October 17, 1962 
2:30 p. m. -- Room 218 E. O. B.
T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration has 
been designated as the Government agency responsible for obtaining, 
analyzing, and identifying any fragments or suspected fragments from 
space vehicles of all types which fall upon the territory of the United 
States or which are turned over to the United States by foreign coun­
tries. T he only exception to this responsibility is that fragments 
which are readily identifiable as coming from space vehicles launched 
by the Department of Defense will be turned over to the DOD as 
expeditiously as possible. NASA will be responsible for the disposition 
of all fragments which do not come from DOD vehicles. Fragments 
identified as coming from vehicles launched by foreign countries will 
be retained by NASA pending final arrangements for their return to the 
launching country.
In performing these functions, NASA will coordinate fully
with other interested government and private agencies.


10/12/62
3 : 45 p. m.
M r. Johnson:
(1) T his is part of the correspondence 
which will form the background for next W ed­
nesday's 2:30 meeting.
(2) Another draft paper, I was told, 
is being sent to you for consideration at the 
me eting.
M abel


N ATIO N AL AERO N AU TICS and SPACE CO U N CIL
3 ^
M abel:
A memo, similar to the 
attached was sent to M r. Bundy.
M . Q uill


Sy <&>
EXECU TIVE O FFICE O F TH E PRESID EN T
N ATIO N AL AERO N AU TICS and SPACE CO U N CIL
W ASH IN G TO N
EXECU TIVE SECRETARY
October 2, 1962
M EM ORANDUM  FOR
H onorable M cGeorge Bundy-
Special Assistant to the President 
for National Security Affairs
Subject: Responsibility and Procedure Re Space V ehicle Fragments.
It has been suggested that there is need for a decision as to what 
government agencies should have what responsibilities in regard 
to obtaining, analyzing, and identifying fragments or suspected 
fragments from space vehicles which fall on U.S. territory or 
which otherwise come into U.S. possession.
It has likewise been suggested that the National Aeronautics and 
Space Council is the appropriate agency to work out a coordinated 
position on this matter. T here are legal as well as operational 
problems involved, and hence it would be helpful if this combina­
tion of issues were kept in mind in identifying a person or persons 
from your agency to participate in a meeting on this matter.
T o the extent that agreements or recommendations have already 
been made on this problem, information regarding them would 
contribute to such deliberations.
I would appreciate your having my office (Code 113 - Extension 2203) 
advised as to who would represent your agency. Such individual or 
individuals will then be contacted for the purpose of determining an 
appropriate time for a meeting.
E. C. W elsh


DRAFT
, / November 1, 1962
♦
PUBLIC ST AT EM ENT  y
ON H ANDLING OF SPACE V EH ICLE FRAGM ENT S /
T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration is designated 
as the Government agency responsible for receiving, analyzing, and 
identifying any fragments or suspected fragments of space vehicles of 
all types, including the contents thereof, which fall upon the territory 
of the United States or which otherwise come into its possession#
Fragments identified as coming from vehicles launched by foreign 
countries will be retained by NASA pending final arrangements for their 
return to the launching country or for other appropriate disposition#
other Government agencies.
In performing these functions, NASA will coordinate fully with


DRAFT  
November 1, 1962
PUBLIC ST AT EM ENT
ON H ANDLING OF SPACE V EH ICLE FRAGM ENT S
T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration is designated
as the Government agency responsible for receiving, analyzing, and 
identifying any fragments or suspected fragments of space vehicles of 
all types, including the contents thereof, which fall upon the territory 
of the United States or which otherwise come into its possession.
Fragments identified as coming from vehicles launched by foreign 
countries will be retained by NASA pending final arrangements for their 
return to the launching country or for other appropriate disposition.
other Government agencies.
In performing these functions, NASA will coordinate fully with


Draft Statement for Consideration at M eeting on October 17, 1962
2:3 0 p. m. -- Room 218 E. O. B.
T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration has 
been designated as the Government agency responsible for obtaining, 
analyzing, and identifying any fragments or suspected fragments from 
space vehicles of all types which fall upon the territory of the United 
States or which are turned over to the United States by foreign coun­
tries. T he only exception to this responsibility is that fragments 
which are readily identifiable as coming from space vehicles launched 
by the Department of Defense will be turned over to the DOD as 
expeditiously as possible. NASA will be responsible for the disposition 
of all fragments which do not come from DOD vehicles. Fragments 
identified as coming from vehicles launched by foreign countries will 
be retained by NASA pending final arrangements for their return to the 
launching country.
In performing these functions, NASA will coordinate fully
with other interested government and private agencies.


Draft Statement for Consideration at M eeting on October 17, 1962
2:3 0 p. m. -- Room 218 E. O. B.
T he National Aeronautics and Space Administration has 
been designated as the Government agency responsible for obtaining, 
analyzing, and identifying any fragments or suspected fragments from 
space vehicles of all types which fall upon the territory of the United 
States or which are turned over to the United States by foreign coun­
tries. T he only exception to this responsibility is that fragments 
which are readily identifiable as coming from space vehicles launched 
by the Department of Defense will be turned over to the DOD as 
expeditiously as possible. NASA will be responsible for the disposition 
of all fragments which do not come from DOD vehicles. Fragments 
identified as coming from vehicles launched by foreign countries will 
be retained by NASA pending final arrangements for their return to the 
launching country.
In performing these functions, NASA will coordinate fully
with other interested government and private agencies.
