apr 16, 1962 - Nixon Directs Space

Description:

Nixon establishes the National Space Defense Office (NSDO), a coordinating body within the Department of Defense, housed in the USAF but tasked with inter-service integration. Following the structure of NSC staff or DoD-wide advisory councils, it will streamline high-tech defense initiatives. the focus will be on recon satellite development, early missile-warning networks, support for ICBM targeting and Polaris fleet coordination, and assessing feasibility of space-based weapons systems. The Air Force continues its work on the X-20, with greater focus on orbital rendezvous, military communication relays, and Earth observation.

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