124. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford1 2
SUBJECT:
- Follow-Up on Satellite Vulnerability
As you, George Bush and I have discussed, the United States has no anti-satellite capability at the present time and only a minimal R&D program for the development of such a program.
We also discussed the fact that current studies are under way in this area. Under NSC auspices, a team of civilian experts is examining the situation. CIA is doing a supporting study in connection with this NSC effort.
The NSC study is examining three major areas:
- (1)
- Near-term measures (3-5 years) which can be taken to decrease the vulnerability of our satellites;
- (2)
- Projection of the military use of space over the next 15 years, including analysis of the problems of satellite survivability; and
- (3)
- The most feasible options for development of a U.S. anti-satellite capability.
While this is a very extensive study, I anticipate receiving a preliminary report by the end of April, including a description of alternates for reducing satellite vulnerability over the near-term. Completion of the final study is planned for September.