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...— ope n 3/1^14 ------ 1— —M72W3----- -----A ------- 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——• ope n ^/15/H pe t------—i— 11/6/63-----------A -------- 18---- —me mo——We lsh to-McCone — -G _________ 1 5/31/63 A ope n ^ /^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/ 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 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.