The initial results of the above work indicated that a number of the proposed
possible detonation altitudes over Johnston would be unacceptably hazardous.
This led to several rather heated meetings between Task Force personnel,
particularly the scientific deputy and his safety advisors, and the technical
.
the
advisors of the DOO
for examp |e ea Mc Millan committeeyon what compromise
could be effected.
The detonation points could be moved a
Hawaii within the limits of the missile systems proposed.
little away from
However, that
distance could not be increased significantly since most of the pertinent
measurements had to be made either from the ground on Johnston Island or from
smal! missiles launched from Johnston Island.
Some consideration was given to
sea launched small rockets, however, the time to develop such a capability was
thought to be excessively long.
It was recognized that a detonation above
approximately 250 kilometers would release most of its energy as x-rays and no Jarge ;
bright fireball
in the visual wavelengths would be formed.
Thus the shots above
that altitude were considered sate although reconsideration of that problem
continued right up to the time of detonation.
re
ea FSI
Herman Hertand-was the main
advisor to the scientific deputy on this subject.
Shots below 110 or 115
kilometers (Raeealcheck this number) could not be seen from Hawaii so the
eye burn problem could be handled as long as there was the appropriate restriction
on aircraft and shipping.
Hence the danger area declared eventually varied in
size with the particular detonation and also varied as a function of the
altitude of the observer.
The DOD planners felt very strongly that Ct shot in
the region of 200 kilometers was needed since this was one of
x
the favorite
|. ,
com, - CnlleaKec
altitudes of intercept for the proposed Nik& Zeus or Nike #& angeaeebrehtcmissile system.
A shot at this altitude, could, of course, be seen from Hawaii.
This proposed shot involved image sizes on the retina of people in Hawaii that
were somewhat smaller than we had experimental
information for.
The brightnesses