Project Horizon

Background

Project Horizon was a 1959 study to determine the feasibility of constructing a scientific / military base on the Moon. During this time, the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force had responsibility for the U.S. space program.

On 8 June, 1959, a group at the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) produced for the U.S. Department of the Army a report entitled Project Horizon, A U.S. Army Study for the Establishment of a Lunar Military Outpost. Some reasons cited were military and scientific advantages over other nations. The program would also assure demand for the rockets ABMA was designing.

According to the documents:

“The lunar outpost is required to develop and protect potential United States interests on the moon; to develop techniques in moon-based surveillance of the earth and space, in communications relay, and in operations on the surface of the moon; to serve as a base for exploration of the moon, for further exploration into space and for military operations on the moon if required; and to support scientific investigations on the moon.”

 

Below you will find the documents obtained about the plans.

Document Archive

 Project Horizon – Volume 1 Summary and Supporting Considerations [57 Pages]

 Project Horizon – Volume 2 Technical Considerations and plans [323 Pages]

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