RAND's Role in the Evolution of Balloon and Satellite Observation Systems and Related U.S. Space Technology

Abstract

This report, prepared as part of RAND-sponsored research, was originally intended to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of Project RAND (now Project AIR FORCE), a long-term research effort that began in April 1946 with a study of the utility and feasibility of space satellites. RAND research on space technology continued, for the next two decades, to emphasize the primacy of photoreconnaissance and the communication to earth of remotely sensed data. Without the ability to observe and communicate, other applications of space technology appeared infeasible. As a direct consequence of this continuing focus on the potential of space for reconnaissance and arms control verification, the writing and security clearance of the present report have not been a simple matter either for the authors or the U.S. government. (KR)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA216963

Entities

People

  • Merton E. Davies
  • William R. Harris

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Astronautics
  • Cameras
  • Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Payload
  • Photographs
  • Photography
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Second World War
  • Space Objects
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Surveillance
  • Warning Systems

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites