scientific, military, and political purposes, and to establish the United States as a recognized leader in this field." The primary product of leadership in the non-military aspect of outer space is world-wide prestige, whereas that of the military aspect is a factor of survival of the United States. Since U.S. resources that can be devoted to outer space activities overall are limited, it is appropriate to indicate the relative priority between military and nonmilitary activities. 2. The Joint Chiefs of Staff wish to emphasize the "preliminary” nature of the draft statement of policy and the need for flexibility in the execution of its provisions. 3. Specific comments on the diverse views contained in the draft revisions follow: a. Paragraph 50, page 12. (Changes to read as follows, indicated in the usual man ner): [50. In the absence of a safeguarded international agreement for the control of armaments and armed forces, place primary emphasis on activities related to outer space necessary to maintain the over-all deterrent capability of the United States and the Free World.] [2] REASON: In the absence of a safeguarded international agreement for the control of armaments and armed forces, policy guidance, particularly as it affects future military research and development programs is needed. Such guidance does not appear elsewhere in this paper nor in other U.S. policy papers. 4. Subject to the foregoing, a. The majority view of the draft revision of policy is acceptable from a military point of view, and b. The Joint Chiefs of Staff recommend that you concur in the adoption of the draft revision of NSC 5814, "U.S. Policy on Outer Space." For the Joint Chiefs of Staff: Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. Document II-20 Document title: National Security Council, NSC 5814/1, "Preliminary U.S. Policy on Outer Space," August 18, 1958, pp. 17-19. Source: Presidential Papers, Dwight D. Eisenhower Library, Abilene, Kansas. This statement of U.S. policy, a revision of NSC 5814, was adopted by the National Security Council at its August 14, 1958, meeting and approved by President Eisenhower on August 18, 1958. Coordinating the implementation of the policy was the Operations Coordinating Board, a unit within the Executive Office of the President closely linked to the National Security Council; this was the president's means of making sure that various executive agencies were being responsive to administration policy. At the time this policy statement was approved, the new National Aeronautics and Space Administration had been created, but had not begun operations. There are a number of language changes between this document and the draft NSC 5814 [II-18], which are relatively insignificant. However, paragraph 44 is a revision of paragraph 43 in the draft document that takes a less expansive view of U.S. purposes in space. Also, paragraph 50 of the earlier document was deleted on the basis of objections from the military community. The major changes are reprinted here. 43. a. Because of the highly speculative nature of future activities in outer space, decisions as to the priority and extent of U.S. outer space programs will obviously be a judgment based on limited knowledge. Some activities in outer space would be expedited by the allocation of additional financial resources; others would not, being dependent on research progress. The potentially great importance to U.S. national interests of outer space activities, however, requires taking risks in allocating resources to research and development activities, the success or ultimate utility of which cannot be definitely foreseen. b. The level of material and scientific effort to be expended on outer space activities must nevertheless be related to other national security programs to ensure that a proper balance is maintained between anticipated scientific, military and psychological gains from outer space programs and the possible loss resulting from reductions in resources allocated to other programs. 44. Development and exploitation of U.S. outer space capabilities as needed to achieve U.S. scientific, military, and political purposes, and to establish the U.S. as a recognized leader in this field. 45. As consistent with U.S. security, achievement of international cooperation in the uses of and activities related to outer space; for peaceful purposes, and with selected allies for military purposes. 46. As consistent with U.S. security, the achievement of suitable international agreements relating to the uses of outer space for peaceful purposes that will assure orderly development and regulation of national and international outer space programs. 47. Utilization of the potentials of outer space to assist in "opening up" the Soviet Bloc through improved intelligence and programs of scientific cooperation. Policy Guidance 555 Priority and Scope of Outer Space Effort556 48. With a priority and scope sufficient to enable the U.S. at the earliest practicable time to achieve its scientific, military and political objectives as stated in paragraph 44, develop and expand selected U.S. activities related to outer space in: [19] a. Basic and applied research, and exploration required to determine the military and non-military potentials of outer space. b. Research and technology required to exploit such military and non-military potentials. c. Application of such outer space research, technology, and exploration to develop outer space capabilities required to achieve such objectives. 49. In addition to undertaking necessary immediate and short-range activities related to outer space, develop plans for outer space activities for the longer range (through at least a ten-year period). 50. Study on a continuing basis the implications which U.S. and foreign exploitation of outer space may hold for international and national political and social institutions. Critically examine such exploitation for possible consequences on activities and life on earth (e.g., outer space activities which affect weather, health, or other factors relating to activities and life on earth).... 554 See paragraphs 30 and 31 for statement of the status of policy on the regulation and reduction of armed forces and armaments in relation to outer space. 55 See paragraphs 30 and 31 for statement of the status of policy on the regulation and reduction of armed forces and armaments in relation to outer space. 556 Nothing in this paper shall be construed as affecting priorities established under NSC Action No. 1846 or future priorities approved by the President. Document II-21 Document title: National Aeronautics and Space Council, “U.S. Policy on Outer Space," January 26, 1960. Source: Presidential Papers, Dwight D. Eisenhower Library, Abilene, Kansas. This final Eisenhower administration statement on U.S. space policy was adopted at what was considered a joint meeting of the National Aeronautics and Space Council and the National Security Council on January 12, 1960, and approved by the president on January 26, 1960. It replaced the policy statements contained in National Security Council documents NSC 5520 [II-10] and NSC 5814/1 [II-18, II-20]. Although the draft of this policy statement had been circulated bearing a National Security Council designation (NSC 5918), the approved statement was issued as a National Aeronautics and Space Council document. Because of changes from the draft policy statement that had been circulated in December, this final policy document did not contain a page 14. 1. This policy is concerned with U.S. interests in scientific, civil, military, and political activities related to outer space. It deals with sounding rockets, earth satellites, and outer space vehicles, their relationship to the exploration and use of outer space, and their political and psychological significance. Although the relation between outer space technology and ballistic missile technology is recognized, U.S. policy on ballistic missiles is not covered in this policy. Anti-missile defense systems also are not covered except to the extent that space vehicles may be used in connection with such systems. Significance of Outer Space to U.S. Security 2. Outer space presents a new and imposing challenge. Although the full potentialities and significance of outer space remain largely to be explored, it is already clear that there are important scientific, civil, military, and political implications for the national security, including the psychological impact of outer space activities which is of broad significance to national prestige. 3. Outer space generally has been viewed as an area of intense competition which has been characterized to date by comparison of Soviet and U.S. activities. The successes of the Soviet Union in placing the first earth satellite in orbit, in launching the first space probe to reach escape velocity, in achieving the first "hard" landing on the moon and in obtaining the first pictures of the back side of the moon have resulted in substantial and enduring gains in Soviet prestige. The U.S. has launched a greater number of earth satellites and has also launched a space probe which has achieved escape velocity. These U.S. activities have resulted in a number of scientifically significant "firsts." However, the space vehicles launched by the Soviet Union have been substantially heavier than those in the U.S., and weight has been a major point of comparison internationally. In addition, the Soviets have benefited from their ability to conceal any failures from public scrutiny. 4. From the political and psychological standpoint the most significant factor of Soviet space accomplishments is that they have produced new credibility for Soviet statements and claims. Where once the Soviet Union was not generally believed, even its boldest propaganda claims are now apt to be accepted at face value, not only abroad but in the United States. The Soviets have used this credibility for the following purposes: a. To claim general superiority for the Soviet system on the grounds that the Sputniks and Luniks demonstrate the ability [2] of the system to produce great results in an extremely short period of time. b. To claim that the world balance has shifted in favor of Communism. c. To claim that Communism is the wave of the future. d. To create a new image of the Soviet Union as a technologically powerful, scientifically sophisticated nation that is equal to the U.S. in most respects, superior in others, and with a far more brilliant future. e. To create a new military image of the vast manpower of the Communist nations now backed by weaponry that is as scientifically advanced as that of the West, superior in the missile field, and superior in quantity in all fields. 5. Soviet efforts already have achieved a considerable degree of success, and may be expected to show further gains with each notable space accomplishment, and particularly each major "first." 6. Significant advances have been made in restoring U.S. prestige overseas, and in increasing awareness of the scope and magnitude of the U.S. outer space effort. Although most opinion still considers the U.S. as probably leading in general scientific and technical accomplishments, the USSR is viewed in most quarters as leading in space science and technology. There is evidence that a considerable portion of world leadership and the world public expects the United States to "catch up" with the Soviet Union, and further expects this to be demonstrated by U.S. ability to equal Soviet space payloads and to match or surpass Soviet accomplishments. Failure to satisfy such expectations may give rise to the belief that the United States is "second best," thus transferring to the Soviets additional increments of prestige and credibility now enjoyed by the United States. 7. To the layman, manned space flight and exploration will represent the true conquest of outer space and hence the ultimate goal of space activities. No unmanned experiment can substitute for manned space exploration in its psychological effect on the peoples of the world. There is no reason to believe that the Soviets, after getting an earlier start, are placing as much emphasis on their manned space flight program as is the U.S. [3] 8. The scientific value of space exploration and the prestige accruing therefrom have been demonstrated. The scientific uses of space are a potent factor in the derivation of fundamental information of use in most fields of knowledge. Further, the greater the breadth and precision of the knowledge of the space environment, the greater the ability to exploit its potentials. 9. Among several foreseeable civil applications of earth satellites, two at present offer unique capabilities which are promising in fields of significance to the national economy: communications and meteorology. Other civil potentials are also likely to be identified. 10. [Paragraph excised during declassification review] 11. [Paragraph excised during declassification review] 12. Outer space activities present new opportunities and problems in the conduct of the relations of the U.S. with its allies, neutral states, and the Soviet Bloc; and the establishment of sound international relationships in this new field is of fundamental significance to the national security. Of importance in seeking such relationships is the fact that all nations have an interest in the purposes for which outer space is explored and used and in the achievement of an orderly basis for the conduct of space activities. Moreover, many nations are capable of participating directly in various aspects of outer space activities, and international participation in such applications of space vehicles as those involved in scientific research, weather forecasting, and communications may [4] be essential to full realization of the potentialities of such activities. In addition, an improvement of the international position of the U.S. may be effected through U.S. leadership in extending internationally the benefits of the peaceful purposes of outer space. The fact that the results of the arrangements in certain fields, even though entered into for peaceful purposes, could have military implications, may condition the extent of such arrangements in those fields. Use of Outer Space General 13. As further knowledge of outer space is obtained, the advantages to be accrued will become more apparent. At the present time, space activities are directed toward tech nological development and scientific exploration; however, it is anticipated that systems will be put into operation, beginning in the near future, that will more directly contribute to national security and well-being and be of international benefit. 14. Present and planned outer space activities will require the use of the following classes of vehicles: a. Sounding Rockets' - Vehicles that are launched vertically or in a ballistic trajectory to heights well outside the earth's atmosphere and return to earth. b. Earth Satellites - Manned and unmanned vehicles that orbit the earth. c. Space Probes and Interplanetary Space Vehicles -Manned and unmanned vehicles that escape the earth environment to traverse interplanetary space. 15. It is not possible to foresee all the uses of outer space, but the ability to identify and develop such uses will be significantly influenced by the breadth of the exploratory scientific research which is undertaken. Scientific Research and Exploration 16. Space technology affords new and unique opportunities for immediate and longrange scientific observation, experimentation, and [5] exploration which will add to our knowledge and understanding of the earth, the solar system, and the universe. Immediate opportunities exist in many areas, including among others: a. Atmosphere - Study of the structure and composition of the earth's outer atmosphere. b. Ionosphere - Measurement of the electron density of the earth's outer ionosphere and its temporal and spatial variations. c. Energetic Particles - Measurement of cosmic ray intensity, radiation belts, and auroral particles and their variations with time and space in the vicinity of the earth and moon. d. Electric and Magnetic Fields - Measurement of the magnitude and variations of the earth's magnetic field and the associated ionospheric electric currents. e. Gravitational Fields - Study of the detailed motion of existing and special satellites with the object of determining a more detailed picture of the earth's and moon's gravitational field. f. Astronomy - Preliminary investigation of the moon; and measurement of spectra, especially in the ultraviolet and X-ray regions, including the brightness and positions of interesting regions of the sky. g. Bio Sciences - Investigation of the effects of outer space on living organisms, especially those which have most application to the manned exploration of space. h. Geodesy - Measurement of the size and shape of the earth, and location of land masses and water. 17. Future possibilities for scientific research and exploration include: continuation on a more sophisticated basis of the measurements of atmospheres, ionospheres, electric and magnetic fields, and expansion of such measurements to Mars and Venus and ultimately throughout the solar system; astronomical observations from points beyond the earth's atmosphere; manned and unmanned exploration of the moon and the planets; advance experiments designed to test certain predictions of the theory of relativity and other theories relating to the fundamental nature of the universe; investigation of the occurrence of biological phenomena in outer space. [6] Operational Applications of Space Technology 18. All applications of the technology of outer space that now show promise of early operational utility for military or civilian purposes are based on the earth satellite. These applications ultimately will have to meet one of several criteria if they are to survive in either the defense program or the civilian economy. They will have to make possible the 1. Sounding rockets have also been defined as those vertically launched rockets that do not penetrate outer space beyond one earth radius, approximately 4000 statute miles. |