ACTIVITY AT TYURATAM MTC AND PLESETSK MSC JULY-DECEMBER 1969

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• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T04563A000600010015-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
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• Document Page Count: 19
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 2, 2011
• Sequence Number: 15
• Content Type: REPORT

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Basic Imagery Interpretation Report
NATIONAL
PHOTOGRAPHIC
INTERPRETATION
CENTER
ACTIVITY AT TYURATAM MTC AND PLESETSK MSC
JULY-DECEMBER 1969
STRATEGIC SSM & SPACE FACILITIES
USSR
FEBRUARY 1910
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GROUP I FXCLUD ED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
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Tyuratam SSM Complex (Tyuratam Missile Test Center)
MAP REFERENCE
SAC. USATC 200, Sheets M0246-13HL & M0246-14HL, 5th ed, Aug 65, scale 1:200,000 (SE-
Plesetsk SSM Complex (Plesetsk Missile and Space Center)
MAP REFERENCE
SAC. USATC 200, Sheet M0102-9HL, 5th ed, Mar 69, scale 1:200,000 (SECRET
ABSTRACT
This report is the second in a series of biannual reports which provide an overview
of events observed at the Tyuratam Missile Test Center (Tyuratam SSM Complex) andthe
Plesetsk Missile and Space Center (Plesetsk SSM Complex) based on KEYHOLE photogra-
phy acquired during specific periods. Photography acquired dur' 9 the first half of Fiscal
Year 1970 has been used in the present compilation and includes
Significant events observed at the Tyuratam Missile Test Center during the reporting
period include: damage at launch pad J1, probably caused by a malfunctioning launch ve-
hicle: the post-disaster presence of a launch vehicle on launch pad J2' on-
the probable completion of launch group P; the identification of the
sixth site (site Q6) of launch group Q; the dismantling of the gantry formerly used at
launch pad G1; new construction at launch area G3-G4; new unidentified construction
southeast of launch site 11; and construction of a new road- and rail-served facility north
of the air liquefaction facility. Construction has continued on the second pedestal at the
space tracking facility. Missile activity during the reporting period was observed at launch
complex C, launch pad G2-A, launch site I7, and at launch pad J2.
The Plesetsk Missile and Space Center was partially covered by photography of limited
interpretability. A second dummy launch site, designated dummy launch site B, was iden-
tified in August 1969.
The data derived from photography is presented in textual form proceeding in alpha-
betical and numerical sequence through launch complexes, groups, and sites, followed by
those elements of the test centers not alphabetically or numerically designated. Informa-
tion on each of these components is presented chronologically and in most cases is di-
rectly related to a particular KEYHOLE mission. Annotated photographs, line drawings,
and tables are included where pertinent.
INTRODUCTION
Photo-derived information of the Soviet missile test centers has been presented in
various formats and publications, as photography has been acquired and exploited. Such
reporting, although timely and expedient, makes it difficult for users to correlate and as-
sess the significance of developments. The arrangement of photo-derived data in this re-
port is intended to reduce these difficulties. However, the report is not intended as a sub-
stitute for detailed photo interpretation reports and memoranda on specific areas of in-
terest. Locational., environmental, and historical information which is available in other
reports has been omitted from this compendium. The previous report 1 in this series was
published in October 1969. Tables 1 and 2 present a summary of photographic coverages
of the components of the centers. Tables 3 and 4 present listings of scheduled /reported
launchings from the centers.
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Railroad
Road
Trail
? SA?2 SAM Site
Launch complex components
Support-type components
MAIN
SUPPORT
BASE
ELECTRONIC
INSTRUMENTATION
SITE
B08 ?S D1
'
Y
3y/`fSUPPORT
AREA
"'/~ ELECTRONIC
FACT
PROBABLE
STORAGE AREA
./1PIC M-B 30g
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BASIC DESCRIPTION
Tyurafam Missile Tesf Center (Figure 1)
LAUNCH COMPLEX A
Summary of Activity
Equipment and vehicles such as SS-6 transporter-erectors, cryogen cars, and rail cars
were observed in. the complex, but no missile activity was identified. In the complex sup-
port facility, the new building at the northeast end of the spacecraft facility appears to be
complete, but construction is still in progress on the annex to the spacecraft facility.
Summary of Activit
An SS-6 transporter-erector, several rail cars, and miscellaneous vehicles and pieces of
equipment which are usually observed at launch complex B were seen during the report-
ing period. No missile activity or significant changes in facilities were noted.
Summary of Activity
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On two missiles, probably SS-7s, were observed in a horizontal posi- 25X1
tion on the loop road at the east side of launch pad C1 (Figure 2). On 25X1
an erected missi]le was observed on launch pad C2. No significant changes in facilities
were noted during the reporting period. Numerous pieces of SS-7 ground support equip-
ment were observed at various points throughout the launch complex and canvas-covered
probable SS-9 stage transporters were observed near the missile checkout buildings in the
complex support facility.
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Summary of Activity
Vehicles and equipment normal to the complex were observed during the reporting
period. No missile activity or significant changes in facilities have been observed.
Summary of Activity
During August and September 1969, the tall steel probable lightning arrester towers
at launch pads El and E2 appeared to have been in the process of being removed. How-
ever, on they appeared to be intact, suggesting that maintenance or
modifications had been performed on the towers. Numerous small vehicles and pieces of
equipment were observed at various points in the complex on that day. No missile activ-
ity or other changes in facilities were observed.
rrYURATAM ICBM TEST SUPPORT FACILITY 5
Summary of Activity
This facility, formerly referred to as the support facility between launch complexes E
and F, showed no significant changes during the reporting period.
Summary of Activity
Vehicles normal to the complex were observed during the reporting period. On
the right silo door was open and a long vehicle or piece of equipment was
parked on the apron in front of it. A second long vehicle or piece of equipment was park-
ed on the loop road just east of the right silo. No changes in facilities were observed.
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Summary of Activity
At launch area G1-G2 the gantry on the G1 side of the launch area has been disman-
tled (Figure 3). On a missile component approximately 25X1
(100 feet) in length was observed in a horizontal position at launch pad G2-A. On 25X1
I a missile was observed erected on launch pad G2-A. Construction continues 25X1
on the structure in an excavation north of the launch area.
Vehicles and equipment normally observed in launch area G3-G4 have been observed
during the reporting period.
A second arch-roofed building is under construction at the electronics facility south of
launch area G3-G4. The gantry was positioned on G3 on and on G4 on ^ 25X1
On a rectangular excavation was 25X1
observed at the northwest corner of each launch pad and the one at G3 appeared to have
a concrete base in it (Figure 4).
At launch area G5-G6, SS-1.1 ground support equipment and missile canisters were reg-
ularly observed. Approximately 90 canisters are now in open storage in the launch area.
The gantry has been parked in its usual position at the switch in the gantry tracks.
In the complex support facility, the usual rail cars and miscellaneous vehicles were
observed. Construction continues on four buildings in the SS-11 support area, and nor-
mal SS-11 ground support equipment was observed there.
Summary of Activi
No missile activity or significant changes in facilities were observed during the re-
portin eriod. Several long vehicles, probably fuel trailers, were parked near launch pad
132 on Tank and cryogen cars were regularly observed on the rail
spurs in the launch area.
Summary of Acthdty
No missile activity or significant changes in facilities were observed at sites I1
through 16 during the reporting period.
A recently constructed unidentified facility is approximately 1 nautical mile southeast
of launch site Ii (Figure 5). It consists of an improved road serving two structures ad-
jacent to a large concrete hardstand.
FIGURE 4. LAUNCH AREA G3-G4, TYURATAM LAUNCH COMPLEX G
-5-
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U t' ) t uw I I 1''"" 1"' y' --
At site 17, two sta es of a missile were observed at the center silo on
(Figure 6), and on. three long vehicles or pieces of equipment at the north
silo appeared to have been involved in a fueling operation.
LAUNCH COMPLEX J
Summary of Activity
Extensive damage to the pad and ancillary structures, a parently the result of a large
explosion, was observed at launch pad J1 on (Figure 7). On
a launch vehicle was observed erected on launch pad J2, and it was also observed at that
position on Construction was continued on the probable heating and
power plant which is under construction west of the vehicle assembly building.
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Summary of Activity
On I work appeared to be in progress on the east side of the si-
los at K1 and K2, in the vicinity of the three tanks associated with each silo. This work
had previously been noted and was thought to have been completed. No missile activity
or other changes in fac:ilitie, were observed during the reporting period. The ditch, pos-
sibly for a cable, between site K1-K2 and site K3 has been backfilled.
Summary of Activity
The access road to launch site L4 has been re aved and extended beyond the silo a-
pron to form a looped access road. On two long and several short vehicles
or pieces of equipment were observed at site L4 and one small vehicle was observed at
site L9. A few miscellaneous vehicles and pieces of equipment were observed at sites 14
and L9 on and at sates L2, L3, and 14 on One small
vehicle or piece of equipment was observed at L7 on No significant
Summary of Activity
No missile activity or significant changes in facilities were observed during the report-
ing period.
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At N3, a linear horizontal object is across the silo opening, and a sma crane is on
the apron near the silo. A large crane and probable steel lattice tower components are
positioned west of N3 but within the loop road.
The only significant activity observed at sites of the group during the reporting peri-
od was the presence of a long vehicle or piece of equipment at N2 on
Summary of Activity
No missile activity or significant changes in facilities were observed during the report-
ing period.
Summary of Activ4y
All six sites of the group continue to exhibit type IIIC site characteristics and the
sites were probably externally complete in December 1969. Launch site P3 is the control
site for the rou Fi re 9).
On approximately ten vehicles or pieces of equipment were observed
at site P6. One of these is long, and it is positioned in front of, and near the open silo.
This activity may indicate facilities checkout, or may be a loading operation in progress.
FIGURE 9. CONTROL SITE P3, TYURATAM LAUNCH GROUP P
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LAUNCH GROUP Q
Summary of_Activity
A sixth site in this group was identified and designated site Q6 (Figure 10). Construc-
tion continues on all six sites of the group and they continue to exhibit type IIIC charac-
teristics. Construction has not progressed sufficiently on any of the silos to make a posi-
tive identification of their type. Launch site Q2 has been identified as the control site for
the group.
TRACKING FACILITIES
Summary of Activity
At the Tyuratam Space Tracking Facility, a probable pedestal is under construction on
the base recently constructed t:o the east of the control building.
No significant changes in facilities were noted at the Tyuratam Rangehead Tracking
Facility.
Summary of Activity
No unusual activity or significant changes in facilities were observed at the main sup-
port base, the air liquefaction facility, or at the storage facilities along the west side of the
main north-south rangehead road.
The graveyard at the main support base appears to have been enlarged by an esti-
mated 40 graves since May 1969. This seems to be an unusually large expansion in a
short period of time and possibly may have some relation to the disaster at launch com-
plex J.
New Construction
Two areas of unidentified new construction are noted along the main north-south
rangehead road (Figure 11). The first of these is approximately 5 nautical miles (nm)
north of the air liquefaction facility. A rail spur was extended from the air liquefaction
facility to that point, and a road was subsequently constructed from the main north-south
rangehead road to the end of the new :rail spur.
The second area of new construction is approximately 1 nm west of the storage facil-
ity which is opposite the air liquefaction plant and on the west side of the main north-
south rangehead road. It consists of a small square structure flanked on its north and
south sides by larger rectangular structures that almost appear to be mirror images of
each other. A road has been constructed from the storage facility to the new construc-
tion.
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Plesetsk Missile And Space Center
In the six-month period from June through December 1969, launch sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
he
8, 9, 10, 22, the construction support facility, and fl
launch sites 9 and 10 support facilit;,7 at the Plesetsk Missile and Space Center were ob-
served only once on Mission 1108-2 (Figure 12) and the interpretability of this coverage
was not adequate to permit an analysis of activity.
A second dummy launch site, designated dummy launch site B, was identified in Au-
gust 1969.
Due to the very poor interpretability of Mission 1108-2, this mission is not included in
Table 2, the photo-coverage listing for the individual components of the center.
LAUNCH SITE 7
(SS-8 FACILITY)
Summar of Activy
Coverage of launch site 7 was very limited with only one interpretable coverage on
which the site was partially observed. No activity was observed.
FIGURE 11. SUPPORT FACILITIES ALONG THE MAIN NORTH-SOUTH RANGEHEAD ROAD, TYURATAM MISSILE
TEST CENTER
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ADMINISTRATION
D HOUSING AREA
f AN
HIGH RESOLUTION
INTERFEROMETER FACILITY /
/ MISSILAENRECEIVING % /? AIRFIELD
INSPECTION 7 Q
FACILITY
/ % 0 16
FT f
71
AIRFIELD U/C
40 30'
SAM SUPPORT
FACILITY
0111
B0
Center road network
~.._...-_ Road
Railroad
Trail
Powerline.
^- Type I launch site
^ Type II launch site
1.11 Type IIIA launch site
0 Dummy type IIID launch site
^ Silo launch site
Soft launch site
Site support facility
46
FIGURE 12. LOCATION MAP, PLESETSK MISSILE AND SPACE CENTER
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-A A
L E,
22 ^
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M-8319
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LAUNCH SITE 13
(SL-8 SPACE LAUNCH FACILITY)
Summary of Actium
No activity has been observed at this site during the reporting period.
LAUNCH SITES 11, 14, 17, 19 20, 23, 24 and
LAUNCH CONTROL FACILITY 12A
(SS-13 FACILITIES)
Summary of Activi
All SS-13-related facilities except launch site 22 were covered at least once on high-
resolution hoto 'raphy.
On at launch site 14, one van was on the apron adjacent to the silo. At
launch site 17, three vans were adjacent to the silo, one was on the silo apron, and one
was on the site access. At launch site 11, the silo door of the east silo was open and a
circular light-toned probable environmental cover was observed over the silo aperture.
Four vans were adjacent to the silo and one was on the site access.
On at launch site 11, the silo door was still in the open position and the
probable environmental cover was still in place. Two vans were adjacent to the open silo
door, and a truck. mounted crane was parked on the west side of the open silo. No other
activity was observed.
LAUNCH SITES 15, 16, and 21
(ASSOCIATED MISSILE SYSTEM UNKNOWN)
Summary of Activiy
No activity was observed at launch site 15. Construction activity at site 21 remained
suspended. On three vans were on the access road to site 16. No other activ-
ity was observed during the reporting period.
DUMMY LAUNCH SITES A AND B
D_escription
Dummy launch site A at the Plesetsk Missile and Space Center was the first of two
dummy launch sites constructed at the center. When dummy site A was observed in Jan-
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uary 1969, the site signature closely resembled. that of a completed type IIID launch site,
a type not previously deployed at Plesetsk and it was designated possible launch site 26.
The construction of a second such site, designated dummy site B (Figure 13), during
July 1969 provided additional evidence that possible launch site 26 was, in fact, a dummy
site.
Dummy site B was first observed in August 1969, but the site was not present in
June 1969. The field in which. the site was constructed was first cleared of trees in Octo-
ber 1967. No activity was observed in the cleared area until July 1969 when construction
of the site support building wvas begun., The support building was never completed, and
no other activity was observed in the cleared area until August 1969 when site B was ob-
served to be nearly complete. The absence of a silo itself and the less than two months'
construction time indicate that this is not an. operational type IIID site.
SUPPORT FACILITIES
Summary of Activity
Main Support Base. Minor construction continues throughout the housing area. Two
large warehouse-type buildings are under construction on the east side of the facility be-
tween the main power substation and communications facility 1. A new rail siding is
being constructed from the receiving yard tracks and leading into the receiving area.
Rail-to-Road Transfer Point. Except for the presence of normal numbers of rail cars, no
significant activity was observed at the transfer point.
Propellant Storage and Handling Facility. Construction at this facility has not pro-
gressed since the previous report. The only portion of the facility which appears to be ac-
tive is the heating plant which also supports the new airfield. No other activity was ob-
served during the reporting period.
Missile Receiving and Inspection Facility. On an SS-13 transporter- 25X1
erector was observed on the hardstand in front of the north building of the central re-
ceiving area. Two rail cars were observed at the west receiving area on and 25X1
one rail car was observed there o No other activity xxwac nhcnr,rnrl .1?rir,n 4Y. 25X1
SS-13 GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT AREA
Summary of Activity
Two SS-13 transporter-erectors were at the SS-13 silo mockup o
porter-erector was in the raised position over the silo mock up on
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SAC. US Air Target Chart 200, Sheets M0246-13HL & M0246-1411L, 5th ed, Aug 65, scale 1:200,000
(SECRET/
SAC. US Air Target Chart 200, Sheet M0102-911L, 5th ed, Mar 69, scale 1:200,000 (SECRET
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1. NPIC. RCA-15/0007/70, Developments and Activity at the Tyuratam and Plesetsk SSM 25X1
Complexes (Tyuratam Missile Test Center and Plesetsk Missile and Space Center), January-dune 1969, Oct 69
(TOP SECRETF -1 25X1
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NPIC. RCA-15/0003/70, Tyuratam ICBM Launch Test Site C1/2/3, USSR, Jan 70 (TOP 25X1
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NPIC. RCA-15/0002/70, Plesetsk Space Launch Facilities 1, 2, and 3, USSR, Sep 69 (TOP 25X1
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NPIC. RCA-15/0010/70, Plesetsk Dummy Launch Sites A and B, USSR, Nov 69 (Top 25X1
REQUIREMENTS
COMIREX - P03, P05
NPIC Project 220507AA
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"All KEYHOLE photography of the Tyuratam Missile Test Center and the Plesetsk Missile and Space Cen-
ter from up to and including was used 1125X11
compiling this report.
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Launch Vehicle on Launch Pad ,72, TTMTC, USSR, Aug 69 (TOP SECRET 25X1
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RCA-15/0003/70, Tyuratam Launch Group I (Sites 11-17), USSR, Sep 69 (TOP 25X1
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