Categories: ScienceSpace

Soviet Intentions Concerning Manned Lunar Landing, 25 April 1963

Background

According to the summary of the memorandum:

“Three unmanned lunar launchings this year, together with other new evidence and further analysis, clearly indicate a continuing strong Soviet interest in lunar exploration. We still cannot state conclusively, however, that the Soviets are in a race with the US for a manned lunar landing. On balance, we have no basis for changing our earlier estimate that the chances are better than even that the Soviets will seek to accomplish a manned lunar landing ahead of or in close competition with the US. It remains possible nevertheless, that Soviet lunar objectives are less ambitious.”

Previously, this document was released before, with heavy redactions in paragraph 12. The original release was sent to the National Security Archive.  In March of 2019, The Black Vault requested a Mandatory Declassification Review (MDR) request to the CIA for a review of the record. Below, is the result.

Continue scrolling for more...

Document Archive

Soviet Intentions Concerning Manned Lunar Landing, 25 April 1963 [12 Pages, 4.2MB]

Follow The Black Vault on Social Media:

This post was published on March 11, 2020 4:31 pm

John Greenewald

Recent Posts

FBI Files: Historical Figures & Groups

Background Welcome to the FBI Files on Historical Figures & Groups archive at The Black…

October 17, 2025

FBI Files: Civil Rights Era

Background Movements for civil rights were a worldwide series of political movements for equality before…

October 16, 2025

Russian Dossier on JFK Assassination Released to Public After Hand Delivery to Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

A 386-page dossier reportedly compiled by the Russian government detailing its findings on the assassination…

October 16, 2025

Thousands of Historical Artifacts Cataloged in Released NY Parks Databases

(Note: Photo graphic above is for illustrative purposes, and not a representation of actual holdings…

October 16, 2025

Unheard FBI Audio Reveals Art Bell Discussing Threats, Rumors, and Radio Rivalries

The FBI’s file on late-night radio host Art Bell has expanded with the release of…

October 6, 2025

“Looked Like Iron Man”: Tucson Pilot’s “Drone” Report and Audio Recording Revealed in FAA Records

On December 17, 2022, a Cessna 172 pilot approaching Tucson, Arizona, reported an unusual airborne…

October 2, 2025