According to Wikipedia, “The Air Force Special Projects Production Facility was a top-secret facility operational at Westover Air Force Base from 1961 to 1976. It was responsible for developing film from the Corona satellite program and other film projects that were top secret. The facility was co-located with the 8th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron and developed the film used during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It was also the primary production facility for the National Reconnaissance Program during this time.”
Below, you will find records relating to the Air Force Special Projects Production Facility, and it’s history.
National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Documents
Air Force Special Projects Production Facility History, Volumes 1-3
The history of the Air Force Special Projects Production Facility (AFSPPF) is closely related with the evolution of earth satellite reconnaissance. The Facility was established to support the SAMOS Program, which was a project derived from studies in earth surveillance from space that began as early as 1946, and which achieved minimal success in 1960. The Facility expanded in mission, technical ability, and production capability as earth satellite reconnaissance systems were improved through development of the CORONA, GAMBIT, and HEXAGON Programs. History has already shown that AFSPPF was a key element and contributor in the overall success of these vital national programs.
Air Force Special Projects Production Facility History, Volume 1: Overview, 1 September 1976 [ 287 Pages, 6.28MB ]
Air Force Special Projects Production Facility History, Volume 2: Resources, 1 September 1976 [ 146 Pages, 3.03MB ]
Air Force Special Projects Production Facility History, Volume 3: Phaseout, 1 September 1976 [ 39 Pages, 0.9MB ]
* Special thanks to Joe Page II for the tip on the above document and it’s declassification.
