This is a follow-up thread to
https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=126711
I may adjust some of the assumptions to that thread. I welcome constructive criticism here. I will make adjustments as I go, and then perhaps, if necessary, make a part 3 consolidating everything.
Okay here we go
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NSC Memo 650837/24/74/X
Top Secret - US Eyes Only
July 23, 1965
The NSC subcommittee on Mars has reviewed the scientific evidence and reports regarding the recent discoveries on Mars, and draws the following conclusions:
1. Despite their low resolution, the Mariner 4 photography has provided indisputable evidence of life and a technological civilization existing on Mars.
2. It is unclear whether the Martian life and/or civilization continues to exist until the present day. The scientific evidence is insufficient for conclusions at present, although the committee notes there is no current indication of any ongoing technological activity on Mars.
3. The large scale of the Martian ruins, as well as the unreleased photographic evidence, is suggestive that the Martian civilization is or was of an advanced technological nature, in all likelihood more technologically advanced than our own:-
(i) The top secret photographs labelled KH-43 through KH-46 and KP-16 and KP-17 (see Appendix A) are strongly suggestive of one or more very large artificial objects in orbits around Mars.
(ii) Photograph KP-16 seems to show an artificial object with a tether. and may be the remains of a Clarke elevator (see Appendix B).
4. It is not clear whether the Soviet Union is currently aware of the technological character of Martian civilization. Even if they are not currently, they are likely to become aware of it in the near future.
Having drawn these conclusions, the subcommittee makes the following recommendations and observations:
1. Unfortunately the public is already aware of the existence of the Martian ruins, and there is potential for widespread panic.The subcommittee therefore recommends that:-
(i) The US government adopt a position of publicly downplaying the importance of these discoveries, while also emphasizing its prudent and ongoing scientific investigations.
(ii) Maintain the current embargo on those materials which establish the sophisticated technological nature of Martian civilization.
2. The information, scientific and technological advances, which may flow from either contacting a present Martian civilization, or investigating a past Martian civilization, are likely to be considerable, even if currently unpredictable. They may have an important impact on human civilization as a whole. It is therefore considered essential for the security of the free world, that the United States be first to first explore Mars and establish a permanent human presence on that planet before any advisory. The subcommittee therefore recommends:-
(i) Additional unmanned probes be launched towards Mars as soon as possible.
(ii) Development of the Saturn V be accelerated, with large scale production beginning no later than the Fall of 1967 (possible production schedules are given in Appendix C).
(iii) The United States launch multiple redundant Mars flyby/orbital missions in February or March of 1969 (these will reach the planet in July or August of 1969). Each such mission will require a minimum of 8 Saturn V launches, and 1 Saturn IB launch, assuming Earth-orbit assembly. Given the critical importance of these missions, the subcommittee recommends a minimum of 3 simultaneous flyby/orbital missions, which will therefore require the production of perhaps as many as 30 to 35 Saturn Vs (given inevitable failures, and the requirements of the lunar program) during 1967 to 1968.
(iv) The United States aim to achieve a manned landing on Mars by early 1970, and a permanent manned presence soon after, eventually including a large scientific team. Initial landings can be achieved using craft launched using Saturn Vs and assembled in Earth orbit, and for this reason it is essential that the Saturn V enter mass production (10-12 units per week) no later than January 1, 1969 (possible production schedules for 1969-1970 are also shown in Appendix C).
(v) In the long run, the exploration of Mars, is likely to require the development of vast improvements in our heavy lift capacity. The subcommittee therefore recommends that full funding therefore be given to the enhanced Saturn programs (currently designated Saturn V-3 and Saturn V-D), as well as on going development of NERVA, and for studies of reusable and partially reusable launcher systems.
(vi) While safety is an important consideration, some risks will inevitably have to be taken during this program. The United States should be prepared to accept casualties that may result from these risks, and take any necessary steps to prepare public opinion for such casualties.
4. As soon as the USSR, becomes aware of the nature of Martian civilization, it is likely to recognize the importance and strategic nature of being the first country to investigate Mars, and therefore launch a crash program of its own. The committee is aware (see Appendix D), that the Soviet Union has been developing a large booster of its own (designated "N-1"), and has even carried out studies regarding the possibility of a manned landing on Mars after assembling a craft in Earth orbit from multiple (approximately 25) N-1 launches. The subcommittee therefore recommends:-
(i) The US increases efforts, using all available channels, and principally through national technological means, of monitoring the Soviet space program.
(ii) If there is any possibility of the Soviet program beating the US to Mars, the US program be further accelerated from that outlined here.
(iii) Since the USSR may attempt to win the race to Mars by disrupting the US space program, and/or distracting the US attention by subversion of free world allies (particularly those in Southeast Asia which are experiencing political instability):
(iii)(a) The US increases measures to secure its space program against possible communist inspired sabotage or subversion.
(iii)(b) The US takes decisive steps to halt insurgencies in free world allies. In the case of Southeast Asia, this may, for example, require the deployment of Operation Daybreak (although this would require 12 to 14 Saturn Vs - see Appendix E).