University of California, Santa Barbara The proposed research emphasizes an historical case study investigation of Corona, a pioneering space program started in 1958 and terminated in 1972 that gave the U.S. its initial space reconnaissance capability. The investigation will include the unique set of collaborations between key government agencies that led to a secret use of Corona's imagery and associated technologies in the mapping of the U.S. Historical data will be collected through interviews and archival research. The information will be used to assess the extent to which CORONA data was used in unclassified mapping programs. Corona is viewed as a case study of mapping capabilities where a tight link occurred between military and civilian technologies that enhanced dual use and declassification. One implication of the research is the potential benefits of the further declassification of intelligence imagery.
