U.S. had plans to nuke the moon
By Brian Todd and Dugald McConnell
You could easily skip by it in an archive search: a project titled "A Study of Lunar Research Flights." Its nickname is even more low-brow: "Project A-119."
But the reality was much more explosive.
It was a top-secret plan, developed by the U.S. Air Force, to look at the possibility of detonating a nuclear device on the moon.
It was hatched in 1958 - a time when the United States and the Soviet Union were locked in a nuclear arms race that would last decades and drive the two superpowers to the verge of nuclear war. The Soviets had also just launched Sputnik 1, the world's first satellite. The U.S. was falling behind in the space race, and needed a big splash.
"People were worried very much by (first human in space Soviet cosmonaut Yuri) Gagarin and Sputnik and the very great accomplishments of the Soviet Union in those days, and in comparison, the United States was feared to be looking puny. So this was a concept to sort of reassure people that the United States could maintain a mutually-assured deterrence, and therefore avoid any huge conflagration on the Earth," said physicist Leonard Reiffel, who led the project.
Reiffel, now 85, spoke to CNN at his home in Chicago. A 1959 report Reiffel wrote on the project, declassified many years ago, was obtained online by CNN.
According to Reiffel's report, "The motivation for such a detonation is clearly threefold: scientific, military and political."
The military considerations were frightening. The report said a nuclear detonation on the moon could yield information "...concerning the capability of nuclear weapons for space warfare." Reiffel said that in military circles at the time, there was "discussion of the moon as military high ground."
That included talk of having nuclear launch sites on the moon, he said. The thinking, according to Reiffel, was that if the Soviets hit the United States with nuclear weapons first and wiped out the U.S. ability to strike back, the U.S. could launch warheads from the moon.
"These are horrendous concepts," Reiffel said, "and they are hopefully going to remain in the realm of science fiction for the rest of eternity."
The basic plan, Reiffel explained, was for an intercontinental ballistic missile to be launched from an undisclosed location, travel some 240,000 miles to the moon, and detonate on impact. Various news reports since 1958 have said project leaders considered using an atom bomb the same size as "Little Boy," the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, near the end of World War II.
Reiffel, who was cited for that information in those reports, now says he wasn't in on those discussions.
Contrary to some reports, Reiffel told CNN, the device would not have "blown up" the moon. "Absolutely not. It would have been microscopic, so to speak. It would have been, I think, essentially invisible from the Earth, even with a good telescope."
Reiffel had some brilliant minds on his team. One of them was an up-and-coming graduate student named Carl Sagan. Sagan went on to become one of the world's most renowned astronomers, creating the book and popular TV series "Cosmos."
But after working on the moon program, Reiffel said, Sagan violated security when he mentioned the still-classified project on a job application. "He did formally break the classification status of the project", Reiffel said of Sagan, who subsequently died in 1996.
Sagan's widow, Ann Druyan, told CNN she's not sure if Sagan ever broke the classification, but if he did, she said, it wasn't intentional. "I can't imagine he would have done that knowingly," Druyan said.
By 1959, Project A-119 was drawing more concern than excitement.
"We didn't want to clutter up the natural radioactivities of the moon with additional bits of radioactivity from the Earth," Reiffel said. The project was abandoned.
Project planners also weren't sure of the reliability of the weapons, and feared the public backlash in the U.S. would be significant," Reiffel said.
"It disappeared in the files of the Pentagon", he said of the project. "They come up with what I believe was the right answer."
Contacted by CNN, the Air Force would not comment on Project A-119.
@natlsecuritycnn on Twitter
You've made some decent points there. I looked on the net for additional information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.
http://zumax.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=fleetautorepairshop.com/luxury-van-repair-shop-near-me
ed medications http://pharmacylo.com/ canada pharmacy online reviews
An impressive share! I've just forwarded this onto a coworker who was conducting a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me lunch because I discovered it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about this subject here on your web site.
http://testphp.vulnweb.com/redir.php?r=https://youtube.com/watch?v=TgK3vd03uLI
Сайт компании Finiko https://finikokatya.ru/ началась с работы создателя Кирилл Доронина и его партнеров. Инвестирование с помощью этого сайта является действительно выгодным, а управление капиталом всегда происходит ответственно. Использование платформы, с помощью которой можно получать большие проценты, является осознанным решением даже в достаточно долгосрочной перспективе. Благодаря грамотному разделению рисков, можно зарабатывать примерно +50-60% к депозиту в месяц.
Great site you've got here.. It’s difficult to find quality writing like yours nowadays. I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!
https://www.htcdev.com/?URL=www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLrKKo961Hs
Hey! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out
and say I truly enjoy reading your articles.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same subjects?
Appreciate it!
https://www.stardock.com/bounce/ga.aspx?utmac=UA-73966-2&utmn=619816936&utmr=-&utmp=http:///&guid=ON&url=https://fleetservicerepairshop.com/custom-van-repair-shop-near-me
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who was doing a little research on this. And he in fact bought me dinner simply because I found it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about this matter here on your website.
https://diademphoto.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=yelp.com/biz/ocrv-center-anaheim-4
Good blog you have here.. It’s difficult to find high quality writing like yours these days. I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!
https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/securedredirect.do?redirect=https://commercialrepairshop.com/winnebago-van-repair-shop-near-me
http://webgozar.com/feedreader/redirect.aspx?url=https://ocrvshop.com/rv-repair-shop-solana-beach-california
Hi, I do think your blog may be having browser compatibility problems. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE, it's got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, wonderful blog!
http://clicktrack.pubmatic.com/AdServer/AdDisplayTrackerServlet?clickData=JnB1YklkPTE1NjMxMyZzaXRlSWQ9MTk5MDE3JmFkSWQ9MTA5NjQ2NyZrYWRzaXplaWQ9OSZ0bGRJZD00OTc2OTA4OCZjYW1wYWlnbklkPTEyNjcxJmNyZWF0aXZlSWQ9MCZ1Y3JpZD0xOTAzODY0ODc3ODU2NDc1OTgwJmFkU2VydmVySWQ9MjQzJmltcGlkPTU0MjgyODhFLTYwRjktNDhDMC1BRDZELTJFRjM0M0E0RjI3NCZtb2JmbGFnPTImbW9kZWxpZD0yODY2Jm9zaWQ9MTIyJmNhcnJpZXJpZD0xMDQmcGFzc2JhY2s9MA==_url=https://ocrvcenter.mobi/rv-repair-shop-alhambra-california
Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It's the little changes that produce the biggest changes. Many thanks for sharing!
http://allfilm.net/go?http://youtube.com/watch?v=So7vXvD_HkM
https://slack-redir.net/link?url=https://theocrv.com/rv-repair-shop-warner-center-california
http://eroticgirlsgallery.com/cgi-bin/toplist/out.cgi?id=gigaporn&url=http://g.page/OCRVFleetServices
There's definately a lot to learn about this subject. I like all the points you have made.
https://www.portalfarma.com/paginas/redirigir.aspx?redirect=https://ocrvcenter.biz/rv-interior-remodeling-near-me
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people for this subject, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
http://www.ric.edu/Pages/link_out.aspx?target=https://fleetservicesorangecounty.com/sprinter-van-upgrades-shop-near-me
https://tapestry.tapad.com/tapestry/1?ta_partner_id=950&ta_redirect=https://ocrvshop.com/rv-repair-shop-inglewood-california
costa rica cialis sale http://cialisee.com/ generic cialis with dapoxetine
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article! It is the little changes that make the biggest changes. Many thanks for sharing!
https://www.priyo.com/feed/redirection?url=https://ocrvandtrucks.com/rv-repair-shop-laguna-beach-california
order online cialis with dapoxetine https://cialisee.com/ buy cialis without
Дети с помощью видео https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiAlL0yveG4 могут понять, как именно стоит жить в синем и розовом. Делать покупки, одеваться и готовить, есть и не только можно детям в любое время. Раскрашивать сладости и наслаждаться приготовлением вкусных и красочных блюд может каждый ребенок. Голубые и розовые спагетти приготовить сможет практически каждый – итальянская кухня и банановый коктейль, разноцветный коктейль и другие вкусности порадуют каждого просматривающего человека.
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly believe this amazing site needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the info!
https://polo-v1.feathr.co/v1/analytics/crumb?flvr=email_link_click&rdr=https://ocrv.world/rv-fiberglass-repair-near-me
http://digitalbuzzblog.com/?wptouch_switch=desktop&redirect=https://ocrv.today/motorhome-blinds-repair-near-me
You are so interesting! I do not think I've read anything like that before. So wonderful to discover another person with unique thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This web site is something that's needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality!
https://www.stardock.com/bounce/ga.aspx?utmac=UA-73966-2&utmn=619816936&utmr=-&utmp=http:///&guid=ON&url=https://ocrvfleetservices.com/high-top-van-repair-shop-near-me
Awesome site you have here but I was curious about if you knew
of any forums that cover the same topics
discussed in this article? I'd really love to be a part of group where I can get responses from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Thanks a lot!
When I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!
http://www.openherd.com/adredirect.aspx?adType=SiteAd&ItemID=9539&ReturnURL=https://ocrv.world/rv-solar-panel-repair-near-me
kredi notu öğrenme
https://anon.to/?https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZHUFNkLBHms
https://www.city.tonami.toyama.jp/search/?mode=bn_ad&url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=n5KM4Itkalg
write my term paper cheap descriptive essay outline help write my paper for me for free help with thesis outline
Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It's the little changes which will make the most significant changes. Thanks for sharing!
https://redirect.camfrog.com/redirect/?url=https://ocrvcenter.info/rv-supplies-near-me
Hi, I do think this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will return once again since i have book marked it.
Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be
rich and continue to guide other people.
I've been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts
on this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website.
Reading this information So i am glad to express that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling
I came upon just what I needed. I most without a doubt will make certain to do not
fail to remember this web site and give it a glance regularly.
You've made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for additional information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.
https://sc.devb.gov.hk/TuniS/fleetautorepairshop.com/commercial-van-repair-shop-near-me
На канале по ссылке https://zen.yandex.ru/id/6088d5493285e40e061539a3 можно ознакомиться с рецептами супов, тортов, закусок и не только. Большое внимание уделяется советам и секретам приготовления блюд, рецепты которых просто невозможно найти на других сайтах. Благодаря подписке на канал, каждый человек может узнать гораздо больше о мире кулинарии, вторых блюдах и не только. Тонкости разной кухни и рецептов можно узнать, подписавшись на канал на данном сервисе.
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the challenges. It was definitely informative. Your site is very helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
https://www.wearethesky.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=g.page/OCRVFleetServices
На сайте https://egrn.appany.ru можно заказать выписку из ЕГРН, что позволит получить информацию о любом объекте недвижимости в России. Проверка данных об объекте стоит 190 рублей, полную проверку можно осуществить за 1900 рублей, с примерами можно ознакомиться на сайте. Заказывая здесь выписку, вы экономите время и можете получить всю информацию об интересующей вас квартире, частном доме или земельном участке. Заполняйте заявку, чтобы получить вечный промокод со скидкой.
Hello. And Bye.
cialis with out a prescription https://rcialisgl.com/ cialis 20mg shopping
Genuinely when someone doesn't know then its up
to other visitors that they will help, so here it happens.
https://www.peintel.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=postfallswebsites.com
http://www.gladbeck.de/ExternerLink.asp?ziel=http://www.bestservicenearme.com
strongest viagra pill https://loxviagra.com/ – viagra ingredients viagra price comparison
http://www.ved-service.com/go.php?url=http://affordableranking.com
http://www.jugon.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.affordableranking.com
https://getcg.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.affordableranking.com
Детское игровое шоу, магические и сказочные рассказы, мультфильмы и не только на канале https://www.youtube.com/c/EmiOceanUSA/ можно просматривать. Погони и забавные истории, поиски сокровищ и квесты понравятся каждому человеку, который зашел на сайт. Сказочные и загадочные животные, супергерои и пираты могут радовать детей в любое время суток. Именно поэтому, стоит подписаться на этот канал, а также поставить лайки понравившимся видео. На тайм-коды также стоит обратить внимание.
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your website is useful. Many thanks for sharing!
http://www.ghiblies.net/cgi-bin/oe-link/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=13682&url=http://affordableranking.com
http://selfdx.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://www.allgaygals.com/cgi-bin/atc/out.cgi?id=36&l=tpom&u=http://affordableranking.com
My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
But he's tryiong none the less. I've been using WordPress
on a variety of websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform.
I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net. Is there
a way I can import all my wordpress posts into
it? Any help would be really appreciated!
I blog quite often and I seriously appreciate your content. The article has really peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.
https://www.tonerking.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
https://www.lakewoodcoa.com/ViewSwitcher/SwitchView?mobile=True&returnUrl=http3A2F2Faffordableranking.com
http://www.psycure.jp/index/redirest/?id=83&url=http://affordableranking.com
https://www.myleisuretime.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://www.xgazete.com/go.php?url=http://affordableranking.com
Wonderful site. Plenty of useful info here. I'm sending it to some buddies ans also sharing in delicious.
And of course, thanks to your sweat!
https://sancris.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.affordableranking.com
naturally like your website but you need to take a look at the spelling
on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it
very troublesome to tell the truth on the
other hand I'll certainly come back again.
I was extremely pleased to find this great site. I need to to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it and I have you book marked to check out new stuff in your blog.
https://prettyhappy.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
На сайте https://bogema.io/ вы найдете большой выбор обучающих онлайн-курсов в различных сферах. Подписавшись на премиум-рассылку, вы по выгодной цене получаете доступ ко всем образовательным курсам по графическому дизайну, оптимизации сайтов, иностранным языкам, программированию, психологии и многое другое. На сайте представлена обширная база курсов, которая постоянно обновляется. Предлагается безопасный и полезный контент, после оплаты премиума вы получаете доступ ко всем материалам.
http://officeservice.com.br/trackMKT/trackerFolha.aspx?DESCRIPTION=HotSite_EcrmContabil&FROM=Workshop&DESTINATION=http://affordableranking.com
Good day! I just want to give you a big thumbs up for your great information you have right here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.
http://www.mjsmanagement.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this website needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the information!
http://www.lifetimemagazine.info/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
https://buecher-teneues.de/mlm/lm/lm.php?tk=CQkJRkRhdW1AdGVuZXVlcy5jb20JU3BlY2lhbCBPZmZlcnMgYmVpIHRlTmV1ZXMgCTM3CQkzNzQ1CWNsaWNrCXllcwlubw==&url=http3A2F2Faffordableranking.com
https://chemringenergeticsuk.de/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Aw, this was a really nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to make a top notch article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and don't seem to get nearly anything done.
https://ampedwireles.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://www.123sudoku.net/tech/go.php?adresse=http://www.affordableranking.com
It’s difficult to find knowledgeable people for this topic, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
http://stepin.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you so much, However I am experiencing problems with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to join it. Is there anybody getting the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanks!!
http://www.fivepromises.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.affordableranking.com
low dose cialis http://ucialisdas.com/ – where to buy cialis cialis buy
Can I simply say what a comfort to uncover an individual who really knows what they're discussing on the net. You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people ought to read this and understand this side of your story. I can't believe you are not more popular since you certainly possess the gift.
http://brookfieldmanitoba.ca/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
I was able to find good information from your articles.
https://rachael.info/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Very good information. Lucky me I ran across your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I have book-marked it for later!
https://eagleelect.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://bjarnebs.com/?wptouch_switch=desktop&redirect=http3A2F2Faffordableranking.com
An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment. I do think that you ought to write more on this subject matter, it may not be a taboo subject but usually people don't talk about these subjects. To the next! Best wishes!!
http://www.chickenjazzman.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Hello. And Bye.
https://jameswood4.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
https://www.socialpsychology.org/client/redirect.php?from=search&id=40798&url=https://affordableranking.com
http://www.econom.uu.ru/index.php/component/k2/item/147-bep-s/?a5B5D=3Ca+href3Dhttp://affordableranking.com3Eaffordableranking.com3C/a3E
http://alpenquerung.info/sites/all/modules/pubdlcnt/pubdlcnt.php?file=http3A2F2Faffordableranking.com&nid=60
Very nice blog post. I certainly love this site. Thanks!
https://yoursingersucks.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
На сайте https://zvonil.online/ можно узнать, откуда вам звонили с незнакомого номера. Введите номер телефона в специальную форму, после чего вы узнаете его номер регистрации и можете почитать отзывы, которые оставляют пользователи, столкнувшиеся с мошенниками. Так вы будете знать, кто вам звонил и стоит ли перезванивать. На сайте представлена обширная база номеров мошенников, которые под разными предлогами требуют деньги. Так вы сможете защитить себя и сохранить финансы.
If some one wants to be updated with most recent technologies then he must be go to see this web page and be up to date
all the time.
I know this site presents quality dependent content and extra data, is there any other
web site which gives such data in quality?
На сайте http://lex-center.ru/ можно заказать юридическую консультацию и услуги адвоката. Специалисты компании «Лекс Центр» ведут гражданские дела, предоставляют грамотную защиту бизнеса, сопровождают сделки. Юристы помогут составить и подать документы, проконсультируют, предоставляют корпоративное обслуживание юридических лиц. На сайте можно узнать стоимость, заказать консультацию, узнать нюансы сотрудничества. Адвокатская консультация работает в Санкт-Петербурге, контактные данные для связи указаны на сайте.
You have made some good points there. I checked on the web to find out more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.
https://qweri.lexum.com/l/onlegis/api/auth/logout?redirect=http3A2F2Focrvcenter.com
Hello. And Bye.
I have been browsing online more than 3 hours nowadays, yet
I never found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It's pretty value enough for
me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made good content material as you
probably did, the web might be a lot more useful than ever before.
Next time I read a blog, Hopefully it doesn't fail me as much as this particular one. After all, I know it was my choice to read, nonetheless I truly thought you would have something helpful to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you can fix if you weren't too busy looking for attention.
https://adserver.red/ads/www/delivery/ck.php?ct=1&oaparams=2__bannerid=441__zoneid=118__cb=a3cb064c4e__oadest=https://affordableranking.com
https://www.fmx.cn/url.php?url=https://www.affordableranking.com
https://www.corpgov.am/?wptouch_switch=desktop&redirect=https://affordableranking.com
https://dominiontheatrelondon.co.uk/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Having read this I believed it was rather informative. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this content together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
https://www.lifl.fr/FOX/modules/babel/redirect.php?newlang=fr_FR&newurl=https://affordableranking.com
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this,
like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a
few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of
that, this is magnificent blog. An excellent read. I'll certainly be back.
https://deliciousnutritiousadventures.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking the time and actual effort to generate a great article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and don't manage to get anything done.
http://www.nwmcog.org/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.affordableranking.com
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I believe that you need to publish more on this subject matter, it may not be a taboo matter but generally people do not discuss these issues. To the next! Kind regards!!
https://www.fordmpv.com/smf2/index.php?thememode=full;redirect=https://www.affordableranking.com
Интернет-магазин https://m2sputnikspb.ru/ предлагает уникальное решение для путешественников и всех, кто хочет свободно общаться с иностранцами без знания языка. На сайте можно заказать беспроводные наушники-переводчики, которые позволят без проблем понять собеседника. Система быстро переводит разговор и передает информацию через наушник. Наушники также можно использовать для прослушивания музыки. Они автоматически подключаются к смартфону и работают без подзарядки 6 часов.
https://www.mytobago.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com