Customer Reviews

Deep Black: Space Espionage and National Security

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is still the only really great book on overhead reconnaissance, and I have been surprised and disappointed to see it overlooked by the mainstream intelligence academics. Contains useful early history on why we got into technical collection (our human spies kept getting killed on arrival as we took the easy route of recruiting from émigré organizations already penetrated by the KGB and GRU). Ends with a passing reference to commercial imagery, a topic that merits its own book.

To Fool a Glass Eye: Camouflage Versus Photoreconnaissance in World War II recommended by comment below.

Also:
Commercial Satellite Imagery and GIS (Springer Praxis Books / Geophysical Sciences)
Commercial Satellite Imagery and United Nations Peacekeeping: A View from Above

Simply the definitive book on US intelligence-gathering from air-vehicles, space-borne platforms and sub-surface systems. Burroughs work is thorough and informative. Though now dated by more than a decade's worth of technological improvements, the basics of intelligence and counter-intelligence systems are well-covered here. The sections on aircraft (RC-135, U-2, TR-1, A-12, SR-71) and satellites are simply fascinating.

GREAT photo section in the middle of the book, with pictures of the Russians' Black Com 2 nuclear-powered aircraft carrier under construction (KH-11 pic), a nice pic of an SR-71 in flight, an F-15 launching an ASAT weapon (30,000mph terminal speed!) and much more.

It's a shame this book is out-of-print. It would be nice to see a limited production run, perhaps a new edition. Mr. Burroughs, how about "Deep Black 2, The Next Generation"?

I have been fortunate enough to collect several hardcover editions of this book, including "like new" copies. I prefer the larger hardcover, but I miss my paperback copy which has disappeared. These are becoming collector's items, so if you find a decent copy at a good price, grab it!!! (I have several excellent copies in my collection!!!)