§ 29. Mr. Ian Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many satellites or missiles launched for observation or other military purposes are in regular daily orbit over the British Isles; and if he will make a statement on the security threat which they present.
§ Mr. HealeyThe nations which launch satellites do not announce which, if any, are for military purposes. There have been about 500 over-flights in the last 12 months from all sources. The main security threat from satellites is of reconnaissance.
Russian satellites in the KOSMOS series pass regularly over the United Kingdom in orbits suitable for reconnaissance purposes. They disappear from orbit after 8 days and are assumed to have been returned to earth.