SARY SHAGAN MISSILE TEST CENTER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T04563A000600010039-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 14
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 6, 2005
• Sequence Number: 39
• Publication Date: June 1, 1970
• Content Type: REPORT

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BASIC IMAGERY
INTERPRETATION
REPORT
NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC
INTERPRETATION CENTER
SARY SHAAN MISCENTER
MISSILE RANGES--SAM/AMM FACILITIES
USSR
JUNE 1910
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COPY NO -1 1 9
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INSTALLATION OR ACTIVITY NAME
Sary Shagan Missile Test Center
UTMCOORDINATES GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES
T 46-11-05N 072-41-30E
MAP REFERENCE AC IC . USATC 200, Sheets M02 45 -1HL, 2AL, 3AL, 7AL, AL, 9HL, 10HL, ,
l4HL 15HL 19AL, ~244-JAT- and 02 -16AL scale 1:200,000 (SECRET
Significant activity at the Sary-Shagan Missile Test Center (SSMTC) during
the reporting period included the installation of a second GALOSH-type launcher
erector and initial construction preparation for two possible launch positions
at launch complex F, the installation of an antenna atop TRY ADD building A
at launch complex D, the installation of two probable GALOSH-type launcher
erectors at launch complex D, and the construction of a second launch pad at
launch complex C.
This report on the SSMTC covers thel (period.
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It updates previous basic reports.
References are included for the basic reports published during the report-
ing period, and attention is directed to basic reports scheduled for publication
on specific SSMTC installations.
The report contains photographs of the unidentified activity east of the
launch complex C support area, the suspect electronics facility, and the large
crater observed near tracking facility 15.
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Sary-Shagar.L Missile Test Center (SSMTC)1,2 the largest and most instru-
mented defensive missile test center in the Soviet Union, is located along the
western shore of Lake Balkhash in the southern portion of Soviet central Asia,
and extends from the lake front westward for approximately 275 nautical miles
(nm). The area is relatively isolated and has a limited indigenous population.
The area, is suited for missile testing by the nature of the climate and its
relatively flat, desert-like terrain. Except for the salt flats, trafficabil-
ity appears to be no problem. The terrain varies from salt flats to rocky
outcroppings. Vegetation consists of grasses and shrubs, but a large portion
of the range is barren. The average annual precipitation is approximately
inches, and the average temperature ranges between 0 degrees and 30 degrees F
during the winter and between 60 and 80 degrees F during the summer.
The test center is served by rail, road, and air. The Mointy-Chu rail
line is the only rail line serving the test center. An intricate network of
a-11-weather roads and trails permits transportation from one facility to another
within the test center. A primary airfield, whose longest runway is approxi-
mately 2,926 meters (9,600 feet), is the main facility serving air traffic to
and from the test center.
Although evidence was available to support constructs of a missile test
center at Sary-Sha.ga.n in the early 1950s, it was not until
first photographic coverage of the test center was obtained (Figures an 2).
BASIC DESCRIPTION
HEADQUARTERS AND MAIN HOUSING AREA
No significant change occurred during the reporting period.
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The area was covered by one pass of interpretable
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occurred during the reporting period. The next basic report on this facility
is scheduled for publication in the first quarter of fiscal year 1971-
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Explosives and Solid Propellant Storage & Handling Area
No change in facilities has occurred. The robable GALOSH missile canister
that had been observed on the wide apron
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All seven of the GRIFFON missile sus-
tainers, first identified appear to be present in the same
location
Liquid Propellant Storage & Handling Facility
Both of the tank farms have been earth covered, and only one building
remains externally under construction. The area has a general appearance of
having been cleared of construction debris -- except for the immediate area
around the fuel-loading building. A new coal pile near the heating plant could
also indicate that the facility is nearing an operational status.
SAM Support Facility
No change has occurred within the fenced area of the facility. An open-
ended revetment consisting of two nearly parallel earthen walls has been
constructed just outside the southwest corner of the security fence. Uniden-
tified vehicles, equipment, or crates are stacked opposite one end of this
revetment.
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Industrial Area; Warehouse Facility; Housing Facility; Electronic Training Area;
and Sary-Shagan Airfield
No changes were observed in facilities.
AIRFIELD SOUTHWEST (DIRT STRIP 1)
No changes were observed in facilities.
AIRFIELD SOUTH (DIRT STRIP 2)
No change was observed at this 5,200-meter- (10,500-foot-) long graded-
earth runway. No aircraft or equipment have ever been seen here, and it is
doubtful if this facility has achieved an operational status.
RAILROAD STATION, YARDS, AND SHOPS; CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT FACILITY
No changes were observed in facilities.
LAUNCH COMPLEX A
Both of the SA-2 sites (launch sites 1 and 2) were observed to be occupied
during the reporting period. Both of the SA-5 sites (launch sites 3 and 4+) were
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LAUNCH COMPLEX B
The complex was covered during the reporting 25X1.
period No change in aci i ies was observed. GALOSH canis-
ters were in the launcher erectors at positions C-1 and C-2.5
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SAN Y-5 HAG AN
MISSILE TEST
o CENTER n.
74?00*
Mointy
D10-5 nary
1 :.ate Ain i',,
k i', A N Fa 2 .,
FIGURE 1. SARY-SHAGAN MISSILE TEST CENTER, USSR
AW RADAR SITE-
INITIAL
SUPPORT
LAUNCH AREA
COMPLEX 010-5
SAM SITE
/ A26-2
f
LIQUID PROPELLANT STORAGE
AND HANDLING FACILITY
HEADQUARTERS
AND?MAIN?HOUSING
AREA" `.
R D RADAR FACILITY 1
{,HEN.HOUSE) .
Significant construction
activity
Road
Railroad
ELECTRONICS
,FACILITY
LAUNCH COMPLEX C
UPPORT
? ~ UNID NT)FIED FACILITY"'
tiNDER CONSTRUCTION
'aSAM SITE 81~ ",
1 o 1 2 3 4 5
NAIJTICAL MILES
FIGURE 2. RANGEHEAD AREA, SARY-SHAGAN MISSILE TEST CENTER, USSR
ApproaPo (JR&T 1005/06/08: CIA-RDP78T04563A00*001
Signiticant c n ruc ion
activity
Road
--- Trail
Railroad
A Research and development
radar facility
? Anti satelIite/space
tracking radar facility
^ Tracking facility
? Launch complex
O SA-5 SAM complex
RAILROAD STATION
YARDS AN0_ SHOPS
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complex.
I I Significant comparisons are made with launch complex H
at Kapus In ar a, imirovka Missile Test Center, which is a similar launch
Significant construction continued at this newest R&D ABM complex. A
large nearly circular, flat antenna was installed on a unique probable AZ-EL
mount atop TRY ADD building A, two probable GALOSH-type erector launchers were
installed in the launch area, and the excavations for the anchor points for a
second probable large tower north of the launch area, were observed.7.,8
LAUNCH COMPLEX BO4-5
No change b served in facilities. Both launch sites were observed
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during the reporting perio .
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Construction of the complex continued to progress slowly
the only significant change was the construction of partial revetments
aroun launch positions C-5 and C-6.
At he air
warning facility, three o e 77UT 7,777.7 7771171, -1 y a small
unidentified vehicle or piece of equipment
Eleven of the 18 launch positions were observed to be a.rtia.lly revetted
On the most recent photography the complex
No significant change in facilities was observe .
The northern portion of launch complex A contained an area of activity
probably not SAM related but believed to be associated with ABM research and
development. This area. has now been redesignated launch complex F.ea ch It
contains the following facilities:
(1) Two GALOSH-type launch positions, which were formerly designated
launch positions 7A and 7B, are now redesignated launch positions lA and
1B of launch site 1.
(3) Abandoned GRIFFON launch sites 5 and 6 and the associated elec-
tronic site C.
Of the five SA-2 SAM sites at SSMTC, one site, B22-2, appears to be
nothing more than a star-configured SA-2 ground pattern formed by very light
earth gr ea. ed so on all hoto ra. h since it was first
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A second site, B21-2, has been unoccupied
It remains unoccupied on the latest photography
A third site, B19-2, was observed unoccu ied on the
the site during the reporting period
The remaining two sites, A26-2 and E06-2, have been observed occupied
during the reporting period.
ApprovedTFOPR&I Ea0
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SAM TRAINING AREA
This facility has appeared inactive and abandoned
ANTIS ATELLITE/SPACE TRACKING RADAR FACILITY
0010 9-9
The control building for sweptback dual HEN HOUSE E is probably externally
complete, and several rows of footings for the antenna buildings have been
emplaced and backfilled. No significant changes occurred at dual HEN HOUSES A,
B, C, and D or at the support facilities.13
No changes were observed in facilities.
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No significant change in facilities occurred during the reporting period.
A recent report 15 discusses the most recent status of the facility, including
identification of several features made possible on large-scale photography
acquired in the past
The most recent NPIC basic report16 discusses changes at all the Sary- 25X1
Shagan tracking facilities through photography of The next 25X1 D
NPIC basic report covering all the SSMTC trackin acl 1 ies is scheduled for
publication in the second quarter of fiscal year No significant changes 25X1 D
occurred during the reporting period.
MICROWAVE FACILITIES AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
No significant changes were observed in facilities.
SUSPECT ELECTRONIC FACILITY
A second trench was newly observed in the areal Figure 3), 25X1 D
approximately 579 meters (1,900 feet) south and in-line with the first trench.
This second trench is approximately 567 meters (1,860 feet) long. It is open
along its entire length with the exception of several narrow probable vehicle
crossing points. The first trench now appears to be completely backfilled.
The road leadin toward the area from the main lakefront road has not had
additional grading The status of the fenceline construction
cannot be determined on small-sca e photo ra Only a small segment of the
4,800-acre area was observed to be fenced
Work has continued in the area of unidentified activity just south of the
suspect electronic facility at the intersection of the dog-leg road and the
launch complex C launch area access road. Three buildings are externally com-
plete, two buildings are under construction, and three probable building founda-
tions are present. The association of this area with the suspect electronic
facility or any other facility cannot be determined.
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Unidentified construction activit was of observed-in two areas east
of the launch complex C support area (Figure 4). Neither 25X1
area of activity was present
The area of greater activity is located between the main lakefront road
and the shore of Lake Balkhash and is centered around 45-50-1ON 073-35-OOE.
this area contained two buildings nearly externally complete,
the largest two buildings with foundation and wall
construction underway, woother ui ing foundations under construction, and 25X1
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FIGURE 3. SUSPECT ELECTRONICS FACILITY, SSMTC
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two probable buried tanks. The main road into the area. has been graded, includ-
ing a section of loop road around the probable buried tanks.
The second area of activity is located between the launch complex C support
area, a. d the main lakefront road. It contains a building foundation a.pproxi-
2 5X1 mately and a second possible building foundation. A
rectangular scar a.roun is area indicates that a fenceline is probably planned
to secure the area..
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FIGURE )i-. UNIDENTIFIED ACTIVITY OPPOSITE LAUNCH COMPLEX C SUPPORT AREA, SSMTC
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SAC. US Air Target Chart 200, Sheet M0245-lHL_ 4th ed. Oct 6S_ ~nalP T?2nn,000
ACIC. US Air Target Chart 200, Sheet 0245-2AL, 2d ed, May 61, scale 1:200,000
(SECRET)
ACIC. US Air Target Chart 200, Sheet 0245-3AL, 2d ed, May 61, scale 1:200,000
(SECRET)
ACIC. US Air Target Chart 200, Sheet 0245-7AL, 2d ed, May 61, scale 1:200,000
(SECRET)
ACIC. US Air Target Chart 200, Sheet 0245-8AL, 2d ed, May 61, scale 1:200,000
(SECRET)
ACIC. US Air Target Chart 200, Sheet M024 - HL 4th ed Nov 66, scale ,000
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SAC. US Air Target Cfiart 200 Sheet M024 -10HL d ed, Jun 65, scale 1:200,000
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ACIC. US Air Target Chart 200, Sheet 0245-13AL, 2d ed, May 61, scale 1:200,000
(SECRET)
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ACIC. US Air Target Chart 200, Sheet M0245-14HL. 5th ed. Nov 66
(SECRET/No Foreign Dissem
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ACIC. US Air Target Chart 200, Sheet M0245-15HL, 3d ed, Apr 66, scale 1:200,000
(SECRET/No Foreign Dissem
SAC. US Air Target 200, Sheet 0245-19AL, 1st ed, Mar 60, scale 1:200,000
(CONFIDENTIAL)
SAC. US Air Target Chart 200, Sheet 0244-1AL, 1st ed, Jun 59, scale 1:200,000
(CONFIDENTIAL)
SAC. US Air Target Chart 200, Sheet 0237-16AL, 1st ed, Apr 60, scale 1:200,000
(SECRET)
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010 A-19/0024/,70 25X1
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1. NPIC. I RCA-19 002)1-/69, Sary-Shagan Missile Test Center
USSR Aug 6 TOP SECRET
2. EPIC. RCA-19/0008/70, Sary-Shagan Missile Test Center
USSR, Jan 70 (TOP SECRET
25X1 3. NPIC? PIM-017/70, SA-5 Missile Firing Launch Complex A
Sary-Shagan MTC, USSR, Mar 70 (TOP SECRET
PIN-028/70, Launch Complex--F,, Sary-Sha.ga.n Missile
25X1 4. EPIC. I --j RCA-19/0005/70, Sary-Shagan AMM Complex Zone A
USSR, Apr 70 (TOP SECRET
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5. EPIC. I BCA-19/0008/70, Sary-Shagan AMM Complex Zone B
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6. NPIC. RCA-19/0017/70, Sary-Shagan Launch Complex C,
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USSR, Apr 70 (TOP SECRET 25X1
25X1 7. NPIC. RCA-19/0013/69, Launch Complex D, Sary-Shagan
Missile Tes en er, USSR, Feb 70 (TOP -SECRET-1 I 25X1
25X1 8. EPIC. RCA-19/0004/70, Launch Complex D, Sary-Shagan
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Missile Test Center, USSR, Apr 70 (TOP SECRET 25X1
9. EPIC. BCA-1 000 70 Sary-Shagan SAM Complex BO4-5
USSR, Mar 70 (TOP SECRET
F
10. NPIC. BCA-19/0006/70, Sary-Shagan SAM Complex D10-5,
USSR, Mar 70 CRET
II
11. EPIC. PIR-Oll/70, Major Expansion Activity Launch
Complex A, Sary-Shagan MTC, USSR, Feb 70 (TOP SECRET
Test Center, USSR, Apr 70 (TOP SECRET
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13. NPIC.
Tracking Radar
Foreign Dissem
,
i LN E L.v .
ment Radar Facility 2, USSR, Jan 70 (TOP SECRET 25X1
15. NPIC. RCA-03 0033/70, Sary-Shagan ESV Tracking Facility
USSR; Apr 70 (TOP SECRET
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25X1 16. NPIC. RCA-19/0007/70, Tracking Facilities, Sary-Shagan
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Missile Test Center, USSR, Jan 70 (TOP SECRET 25X1
COMIREX T05
EPIC Project 220668AA
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RCA-03/0036/70, Sary-Shagan Antisatellite/Space
USSR Nov 69 (TOP SECRET 25X1
Sary-Shagan Research and Develop-
RCA-03/0037/70
!T 1
2
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