In the Forefront of Foreign Missile and Space Intelligence History of the Defense Special Missile and Aerospace Center (DEFSMAC), 1960-2010

5

1960s — Mission Targets and Results

During the 1960s, Soviet Union missile and space events, particularly

the test firings of new missiles, were of the highest priority for

DEFSMAC. DEFSMAC also targeted Soviet space operations

including manned space events.

The 1960s were a period of

extensive ballistic missile

development by the Soviet

Union, particularly medium-

range (MRBM) and inter-

continental range (ICBM)

weapons. Many of the test

ranges were within the

borders of the Soviet Union,

which made advance

knowledge of the tests and

collection of test data very

difficult. Fortunately, the

Soviet ICBM test range

impact area was on the

Kamchatka ...