Spies in the Sky

"Spies in the Sky" traces the birth and evolution of the Advanced Reconnaissance System, Weapons System 117L (WS-117L), during the Cold War. This narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the space age and geopolitical tensions. It all began in 1946 with Project RAND's exploration of artificial satellites, eventually leading to WS-117L's mission of satellite-based strategic reconnaissance.
As the Cold War escalated, the Atlas Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Program's launch capabilities made WS-117L crucial for surveillance and assessing enemy capabilities. The book explores the web of espionage, rivalry, and innovation surrounding WS-117L, Corona, and Hexagon reconnaissance satellite programs, featuring conflicts between government entities like the CIA, NRO, and DoD.
Major General Bernard A. Schriever's leadership at the Western Development Division (WDD) in 1955 marked a pivotal moment for WS-117L. Despite challenges and President Eisenhower's scrutiny through the President's Board of Consultants on Foreign Intelligence Activities (PBCFIA), WS-117L transitioned to "Corona" in 1957.
Corona faced numerous hurdles, but it achieved a historic milestone by launching and recovering its first spacecraft in 1960. This book unveils Corona's profound impact on American intelligence, national security, and strategic planning, as well as its declassification in the 1990s for scientific and environmental exploration.
"Big Brother" uncovers a hidden chapter in American history, showcasing the ingenuity and determination that pushed boundaries in technology and intelligence. It's a story of triumph, innovation, and the lasting influence of satellite reconnaissance.
The CORONA reconnaissance satellites, introduced during the challenges of gathering intelligence behind the Iron Curtain, revolutionized intelligence collection. These increasingly advanced satellites provided critical intelligence on nations like the Soviet Union and China, revealing missile complexes, naval fleets, and antiballistic missile activities.
CORONA's contributions extended to military mapping data for organizations like the Army Map Service and the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA). The book explores codewords like "KEYHOLE" and "TALENT," illuminating the covert language of intelligence.
With the declassification of CORONA imagery and documents, this book comprehensively examines the program's history, operation, and impact. It highlights CORONA's emergence as America's response to the need for detailed photographic coverage of closed-off nations in the 1960s, celebrating the enduring contributions of those involved.
"Big Brother's eyes above the Iron Curtain showcase the program's historical significance, drawing on over 2 million linear shelves of historical documents and imagery. It's a testament to innovation, determination, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge in the name of national security.

TD Barnes
DOB: January 25, 1937
Place of Birth: Dalhart, Texas
Current Address: 468 Palegold St., Henderson, NV 89012
Phone: (702) 481-0568, Fax: 566-4168, e-mail: tdbarnes@me.com
URLs:
http: //area51specialprojects.com/
http: //roadrunnersinternationale.com/
Facebook: https: //www.facebook.com/ThorntondBarnes
Twitter: https: //twitter.com/ThorntonDBarnes
Blog: td-barnes.com/blog/
Smashwords Interview: https: //www.smashwords.com/interview/area51sp
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LinkedIn: www. LinkedIn.com/profile/edit?trk=tab_pro

Thornton D. "TD" Barnes, a multifaceted individual with a background in military intelligence, surface-to-air missile and radar electronics, and aerospace, was born in Dalhart, Texas, and raised on a ranch near Clayton, New Mexico, and Dalhart, Texas. His childhood during World War II instilled a passion for technology exploration, which he carried into adulthood. After completing high school in Oklahoma, 17-year-old Barnes embarked on a ten-year military career, beginning with service in Korea as an intelligence specialist and Germany as a HAWK missile man. During his time in the Army, he honed his missile and radar electronics skills, focusing on countering Soviet threats. He also attended the Artillery Officer Candidate School before a military injury altered his career path.
Transitioning to aerospace pursuits, Barnes became involved in significant projects at NASA's High Range in Nevada, contributing to the X-15 program, atomic bomb tests at the Atomic Energy Commission's Nevada Proving Grounds, and the NERVA nuclear rocket project. He furthered his involvement in secretive projects by participating in the CIA's Mach 3 A-12 Project OXCART and stealth initiatives at Area 51.
Beyond his aerospace endeavors, Barnes founded and led an oil and gas exploration company for over four decades, delving into uranium and gold mining ventures. He has dedicated himself to preserving the history of Area 51, serving as president of Roadrunners Internationale and as the Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame Director Emeritus. His contributions have been featured in documentaries on major networks like the National Geographic Channel, the Discovery Channel, the Fox News Channel, and the History Channel.
Barnes is also an accomplished author, with notable works about the Cold War, including "The Secret Genesis of Area 51," "The CIA ...