Overflights of Soviet Cosmodromes 1953-1961

B. Harvey (2003), JBIS, 56, 66-71

Refcode: 2003.56.66

Abstract:
Soviet cosmodromes were hidden from the world until comparatively recently. In reality, western intelligence obtained early knowledge of the three Soviet – period cosmodromes of Kapustin Yar, Tyuratam and Plesetsk. Information was collected by overflights of the cosmodromes by American and British pilots during the period 1953 to 1960. Although western intelligence agencies were primarily interested in the missile programme, they acquired an accurate picture of Soviet space capabilities.