Dr. Wilmot N. Hess was a prominent physicist known for his extensive work in various scientific disciplines, including high-energy physics, space exploration, and atmospheric sciences. His early career was marked by his work at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, where he was involved in groundbreaking high-energy physics experiments. His expertise in this area led him to a position at Livermore, where he contributed to weapons research and innovative projects aimed at finding peaceful applications for nuclear technology. One such project involved an attempt to harness geothermal energy from a lava lake in Hawaii, which, despite its initial promise, encountered practical difficulties in heat extraction due to the insulating properties of solidified lava around the drill pipe. Dr. Hess's career took a significant turn when he joined the space exploration efforts, contributing to the study of the Van Allen radiation belts and the development of the Explorer 15 satellite. His work during this period was not only scientifically important but also emblematic of the collaborative yet competitive spirit of the Cold War era. Later, as the Director of Science at the Manned Spacecraft Center, Dr. Hess was instrumental in integrating scientific objectives into the Apollo Program, overseeing quarantine procedures for lunar samples, and managing the Lunar Receiving Laboratory. After his tenure at NASA, Dr. Hess moved to NOAA in Boulder, Colorado, where he shifted his focus to meteorology and atmospheric sciences. His research there included tornado detection, El Niño studies, and climate modeling, demonstrating his remarkable ability to contribute to diverse scientific fields.

Scope and Content Note
In this interview, Dr. Wilmot N. Hess recounts his extensive career in physics, which spanned several disciplines and institutions. He begins by discussing his early interest in science, leading to his work at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory in California, where he conducted high-energy physics experiments. His career then took him to Livermore, where he was involved in weapons research and innovative projects aimed at finding peaceful applications for nuclear technology, such as using underground nuclear explosions for excavation and mining. He reflects on a notable but unsuccessful experiment to extract geothermal energy from a lava lake in Hawaii. Dr. Hess also delves into his significant contributions to space exploration, particularly his work on the radiation belt and the development of the Explorer 15 satellite. He shares insights into his interactions with Soviet scientists during a period marked by intense competition and collaboration in space research. His role in the Nuclear Test Ban Conference and the planning of the Apollo Program is also highlighted, along with the challenges he faced as the Director of Science at the Manned Spacecraft Center. There, he managed the integration of scientific objectives with the operational demands of manned space missions, including the development of quarantine procedures for lunar samples and astronauts returning from the moon. The interview further explores Dr. Hess's involvement with the Lunar Receiving Laboratory, where he was responsible for the handling and distribution of lunar samples. He discusses his efforts to involve the scientific community in the Apollo missions and the limitations he encountered in trying to expand the scientific aspects of these missions. He recounts the challenges with the equipment and procedures in the Lunar Receiving Laboratory, including an incident where quarantine protocols were breached. Dr. Hess's tenure at the Johnson Space Center is also covered, where he monitored solar flares and collaborated with mission control during the Apollo missions. He then speaks about his subsequent move to NOAA in Boulder, Colorado, where he engaged in various meteorological and atmospheric science projects, including tornado detection, El Niño research, downburst studies, and climate modeling. His involvement in the superconducting supercollider project is mentioned as part of his diverse research interests. Finally, Dr. Hess reflects on his time at NASA, discussing the challenges and achievements of the Apollo program, his personal interest in creating artificial auroras, and the scientific community's reactions to the accomplishments of the Apollo program. His career, as described in the interview, showcases a remarkable ability to cross disciplinary boundaries and contribute to the advancement