26 November 1997

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) today released newly declassified records associated with early photo satellite programs. This collection includes about 38,000 pages of documents and programmatic related pictures, plus a historical video tape.

The records involve the development, construction, launch and operation of the CORONA, ARGON and LANYARD photo reconnaissance satellite systems. However, this release adds no satellite imagery to that already available.

Interested people may view the collection in the NRO Reading Room outside the headquarters building in Chantilly, VA. Appointments are necessary 24 hours in advance and can be made by calling the Information Access and Release Center, (703) 808-5576.

These three satellite programs operated from August 1960 through May 1972 producing more than 800,000 images. Using 145 successful launches, the photography allowed the United States and its allies to keep track of military targets and operations in denied areas and to understand Sino-Soviet strategic capabilities. Imagery from these satellites may be obtained through the National Archives and Records Administration, Bethesda, MD, or the U.S. Geological Survey's EROS Data Center Customer Service, Sioux Falls, SD.