Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

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[1] For the Record
SAR/Robert G. Reeves
OBSERVING THE EARTH FROM SPACE
[rubber stamped “AUG 31 1966”]
Meeting at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS),
10 a.m., August 25, 1966
A meeting was called by Mr. Edgar L. Owens, Chief, Planning Division, Bureau for
Latin America, Department of State, Agency from International Development (AID), and
was held in the Director’s Conference Room, U.S. Geological Survey. Attendees were:
Edgar L. Owens, State/AID
Kenneth Milow, State/AID
Leonard Jaffe, NASA/Code SA, Director
James R. Morrison, NASA/Code I
Robert G. Reeves, NASA/Code SAS (USGS)
Arch B. Park, USDA/Agricultural Research Service
James Bailey, U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office (USNOO)
Leo V. Strees, USNOO
William A. Fischer, USGA/Office of the Director
Montie R. Klepper, USGS/Associate Chief Geologist
Charles J. Robinove, USGS/Hydrology Program Manager
John Place, USGS/Geography Program Manager (Acting)
Robert Peplies, USGS/Geography Program (East Tennessee State University)
The subject of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of using Remote Sensors for
resources surveys in the AID program, Latin America. Specifically, preparation of a paper
explaining the techniques of remote sensing, suitable for use by higher officials State was
requested (See enclosed letter to W.A. Fischer from E.L. Owens).
[2] The meeting opened with a brief review of the recommendations of the Rostow
Report, which includes formation of an interagency committee to, among other things,
investigate use of space for resources studies in Latin America. The Department of State
(Assistant Secretary for Latin American Affairs) has action, according to NSAM 349, to
convene such a committee. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Dr.
Seamans) will probably chair the committee. A “working group” drawn probably from
among those in attendance at this meeting (and including others, no doubt) will probably
be constituted; results of this meeting will probably influence the decision whether or
not to recommend constitution of a formal working group.
Mr. Jaffe cautioned about overenthusiasm on part of underdeveloped nations for new
and exotic techniques, with concomitant exclusion of proven methods. He gave as an
example the reliance on satellites for communication in Latin America. Work on a
microwave net connecting South American capitals was stopped when communication
satellites made their appearance; however, the South American countries have not been
able to use satellites, and neither do they have a microwave link.
Political sensitivity of remote sensing was briefing discussed. Mr. Morrison mentioned
the Brazilian proposal, and I reviewed a recent memorandum from Dr. Fernando de
Mendonca (Technical Director, Brazilian National Space Activities Commission) stating
that the undertaking of the proposed Brazilian Remote Sensing Project has been