FOIA: Photo of Vela satellite in orbit over Earth

vela.pdf
Photo of Vela satellite in orbit over Earth
This appears to be a close up photograph of the Vela satellite in orbit over the Earth.
Document date: 1111-11-11
Department: unknown
Author: unknown
Document type: photograph
pages: 1


Archivist's Notes: Good quality photograph. Very close photo of the satellite. Unknown source.

This photo was probably part of another document to provide more information on the capabilities of the US to detect nuclear explosions after the Vela Incident. This satellite had the capability to detect the light flash of an atmospheric nuclear explosion and alert the US government. In the case of the Vela incident, it was the only evidence obtained, which is usually followed up with air samples and seismic readings.

Related FOIA Documents:
FOIA: DCIA memo on the Sep 22, 1979 Vela Satellite event recording a suspected nuclear test
FOIA: Sandia Laboratories report on the Sep 22, 1979 Vela satellite event - Alert 747

Related Links:
Wikipedia article on the Vela Incident

I found a website that shows both of the Vela satellite photographs from these documents.

The Vela-5B satellite (Photo credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
The Vela Incident - Nuclear Test or Meteoroid?

[edit on 11/23/2007 by roadgravel]