NRO Selects 2008 Class Of Pioneers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 5, 2008 

CONTACT: (703) 808-5050

Mr. Scott F. Large, Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, has selected Colonel 

Raymond E. Anderson, USAF (Ret), Mr. Howard G. Brotherton, and Mr. Hilliard W. Paige, Sr., 

as 2008 Pioneers of National Reconnaissance. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) 

honors as Pioneers those individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the 

discipline of reconnaissance. Mr. Large will induct Colonel Anderson, Mr. Brotherton, and Mr. 

Paige as members of Pioneer Hall during a ceremony on September 11, at 2:00 p.m., in the 

Jimmie D. Hill Auditorium at the NRO headquarters in Chantilly, Virginia. Mr. Glenn Gaffney, 

Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Collection, will be the keynote speaker at this year's 

event.

Colonel Raymond E. Anderson, USAF (Ret), pioneered the use of solid-state technology in 

reconnaissance satellites to extend their operational life spans. In the 1980’s, Colonel Anderson 

recognized that mechanical tape records were one of the shortest life components and of the most 

mission-limiting elements in national reconnaissance satellites. His insight resulted in the 

replacement of mechanical recorders with solid-state recorders. His contributions brought about 

a significantly improved generation of satellites that continues to provide crucial intelligence 

essential to U.S. national security. Colonel Anderson’s career in national reconnaissance spans 

from 1966 to the present.

Mr. Howard G. Brotherton pioneered innovative advances in satellite technology that improved 

target accuracy, provided better product quality, delivered more efficient throughput, and 

extended satellite life. Mr. Brotherton was instrumental in the digitalization of the mapping, 

charting, and geodesy (MC&G) system. His innovation, development of collection and postprocessing algorithms, and engineering excellence furthered the utility of near real-time imagery 

programs. His contributions to national reconnaissance and the NRO significantly advanced the 

utility of imagery intelligence for analysts and customers. Mr. Brotherton’s career in national 

reconnaissance spans from 1969 to the present.

Mr. Hilliard W. Paige, Sr., pioneered the concept of using proven ICBM reentry technology for 

the recovery of reconnaissance film capsules from space. He also recognized the requirement for 

the space-based camera to operate on a three-axis stabilized platform to obtain clear images and 

the need for a heat-shield for the capsule to survive the reentry into the earth’s atmosphere. Mr. 

Paige’s efforts made camera pointing and film recovery possible, convincing leadership that a 

film return system was a logical follow-on to the U-2. His work led to the physical recovery of 

imagery from over 100 Corona film buckets that provided intelligence critical to national 

security during the Cold War. Mr. Paige’s career in national reconnaissance spans from 1941 to 

the present.
These pioneers performed critical work toward establishing the NRO’s reputation for 

engineering excellence, responsiveness, and technical innovation. Building upon their 

foundation, today’s NRO strives to provide a global perspective when users need the 

information. With the addition of these three honorees, 74 pioneers have now been selected over 

the past nine years. Being designated a Pioneer of National Reconnaissance is the highest honor 

the NRO can bestow. Commemorative plaques for each of the Pioneers are on permanent display 

in the NRO’s Pioneer Hall at NRO Headquarters.

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