apr 16, 1965 - National Space Defense Command

Description:

Nixon reorganizes the National Space Defense Office (NSDO), into the National Space Defense Command (NSDC), a joint-service command, similar to NORAD or STRATCOM. As more space infrastructure (like military comsats, weather sats, and ASAT research) comes online, the need for real command authority grows. The Army loses most space missile R&D. Navy’s satellite work (communications, navigation) is folded under joint oversight but retains mission-specific input (e.g., for submarine operations).

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