Dr. Robert E. Stevenson was a distinguished figure in the field of oceanography, with a notable tenure as a payload specialist at NASA. His multifaceted career was built upon a rich educational foundation and augmented by his service in the military. Stevenson's expertise in oceanography was not only recognized through his work with NASA but also through the numerous accolades he received post his tenure at the space agency. Stevenson's contributions to the scientific community extended beyond his practical work; he was a prolific author, sharing his insights and research findings through various publications that bridged the topics of oceanography and space exploration. His written works served to enhance the understanding of the oceans and their significance in the broader context of space and Earth sciences. Following his time at NASA, Stevenson did not retire from the field of oceanography. Instead, he continued to engage actively with the scientific community, lending his expertise to various oceanography-related organizations. His role as a consultant allowed him to influence and guide ongoing research and exploration, ensuring that his vast knowledge and experience continued to benefit the field. Dr. Stevenson's career is a testament to his dedication to oceanography and his ability to integrate his knowledge into the expanding realm of space exploration. His ongoing involvement in the scientific community underscores his commitment to advancing our understanding of the world's oceans and their critical role in our planet's ecosystem.

Scope and Content Note
March 5, 1999: Dr. Robert Stevenson provides a comprehensive account of his multifaceted career, detailing his contributions to photo interpretation, oceanography, and space missions. His work with the Air Force's Photo and Radar Interpretation Section is highlighted, including a top-secret project in Alaska, nighttime reconnaissance, and the development of high-speed film for rockets and balloons. Stevenson emphasizes the pivotal role of black and white infrared film in aerial reconnaissance during the Korean War, particularly in detecting MiG-equipped air bases. Stevenson's narrative extends to his involvement with space exploration, recounting his use of innovative photo interpretation techniques on imagery from the Gemini missions and his aspirations to contribute to the Apollo program. He shares insights from the Apollo 7 and 9 missions, such as observations of internal waves and cloud formations and the novel attempt to trace ocean currents with dye. The interviewee reflects on the practical applications of his work, such as using wind pattern analysis to forecast shrimp yields along the Texas coast and training astronauts in Earth observation for the Skylab program, leading to discoveries like ocean eddies. Stevenson also discusses the strategic significance of space oceanography in naval operations, citing the detection of oceanfronts and eddies in key maritime regions. Stevenson's interactions with astronauts are a recurring theme, as he recounts briefing them on the importance of space photography for capturing oceanic phenomena and their varying attitudes towards the task. He shares personal anecdotes, including dining with astronaut candidates and George Abbey, and expresses his thoughts on a book about space missions. The interview concludes with Stevenson's reflections on the Shuttle Earth observations program, his missed chance to travel to space, and the impact of the Challenger disaster. He also mentions attending a reunion with his former bomb group and a launch delay that was successfully resolved, allowing for a subsequent launch.

May 13, 1999: This interview with Dr. Robert Stevenson offers a comprehensive overview of his extensive involvement in the space program, particularly in relation to Earth observation and oceanography. Stevenson recounts his experiences training the first class of Shuttle astronauts, including personal interactions with notable figures such as Kathy Sullivan, George Abbey, and John Young. He reflects on the preparations for the inaugural Shuttle flights and the implementation of synthetic aperture radar for Earth studies. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to the strategic use of satellite imagery during the Cold War, including tracking Soviet submarines in the Arabian Sea. Stevenson shares anecdotes from space missions, including a diplomatic episode in China involving satellite images and the subdued reaction of Chinese officials. The narrative also delves into the discovery of oceanic phenomena such as isolated spirals in the southern Indian Ocean, solitons, and spiral eddies, underscoring their importance for understanding ocean dynamics and climate models. Stevenson discusses the challenges he faced in convincing the scientific and naval communities of the significance of these discoveries, particularly in relation to their role in carbon dioxide absorption and the continuous changes in ocean temperature. Personal elements are woven throughout the interview, including Stevenson's decision against participating in a space mission due to his wife's illness and passing and the emotional impact of the Challenger disaster on him. Furthermore, the interview touches on environmental concerns, highlighting the presence of chlorine in the stratosphere and the complexities of modeling the dynamic ocean and atmosphere. Stevenson emphasizes the critical need for recognizing and accounting for turbulence in the ocean to advance scientific understanding. Overall, the interview provides a rich tapestry of Stevenson's professional achievements and personal experiences, offering insights into the evolution of astronaut training, Earth observation technology, and the recognition of oceanic patterns critical to environmental science.