How Long to Read 20th Century Spy in the Sky Satellites

By U. S. Military

How Long Does it Take to Read 20th Century Spy in the Sky Satellites?

It takes the average reader 5 hours and 31 minutes to read 20th Century Spy in the Sky Satellites by U. S. Military

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

Part of our comprehensive series on the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and its "spy satellite" network, this volume covers the historic CORONA spy satellite program, called America's first satellite program. Histories from the NRO and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) cover all aspects of CORONA. Since the CORONA satellite made its first successful flight in August 1960, the Intelligence Community's overhead reconnaissance programs have been among the nation's most closely guarded secrets. The end of the Cold War, however, has at last made it possible to declassify both information and imagery from the first American satellite systems of the 1960s. The CORONA reconnaissance satellites revolutionized the collection of intelligence in the 1960s. This was a time when it was still extraordinarily difficult to gather information by any other means from "denied areas" including the Soviet Union, Communist China, and their allies. The need for intelligence about Soviet strategic weapon systems and bases dramatically increased after 1 May 1960, when the Soviets shot down an American U-2 aircraft and captured its CIA pilot, Francis Gary Powers. Within a few months, however, on 18 August the United States launched its first successful reconnaissance satellite, which in one mission provided more photographic coverage of the Soviet Union than all previous U-2 missions. On 19 August 1960, the recovery of Mission 9009 with a KH-1 camera marked the beginning of the CORONA reconnaissance satellite program's long and valuable service. The story of this program's success is one of the most remarkable in the annals of American science and intelligence. While orbiting the earth, CORONA concentrated principally on photographing the USSR and China. One intelligence community study summarized CORONA's efforts over the Soviet Union: CORONA's initial major accomplishment was imaging all Soviet medium-range, intermediate-range, and intercontinental ballistic missile launching complexes. CORONA also identified the Plesetsk Missile Test Range, north of Moscow. Repetitive coverage of centers like Plesetsk provided information as to what missiles were being developed, tested, and/or deployed. Also, the unequivocal fact of observation gave the United States freedom from concern over many areas and locations which had been suspect in the past. NRO designs, builds and operates the nation's reconnaissance satellites. NRO products, provided to an expanding list of customers like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), can warn of potential trouble spots around the world, help plan military operations, and monitor the environment. As part of the 16-member Intelligence Community, the NRO plays a primary role in achieving information superiority for the U. S. Government and Armed Forces. A DoD agency, the NRO is staffed by DoD and CIA personnel. It is funded through the National Reconnaissance Program, part of the National Foreign Intelligence Program. The NRO Vision: Vigilance From Above. NRO Mission: Innovative Overhead Intelligence Systems for National Security. In recent years, the NRO has implemented a series of actions declassifying some of its operations. The organization was declassified in September 1992 followed by the location of its headquarters in Chantilly, VA, in 1994.

How long is 20th Century Spy in the Sky Satellites?

20th Century Spy in the Sky Satellites by U. S. Military is 325 pages long, and a total of 82,875 words.

This makes it 110% the length of the average book. It also has 101% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read 20th Century Spy in the Sky Satellites Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 7 hours and 32 minutes to read 20th Century Spy in the Sky Satellites aloud.

What Reading Level is 20th Century Spy in the Sky Satellites?

20th Century Spy in the Sky Satellites is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

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