Robert J. Hermann

Robert Jay Hermann (April 6, 1933 – October 5, 2023) was an American public servant who was the eighth Director of the National Reconnaissance Office.

Robert J. Hermann
8th Director of the National Reconnaissance Office
In office October 8, 1979[1] – August 2, 1981
President	Jimmy Carter Ronald Reagan
Preceded by	Hans Mark
Succeeded by	Edward Aldridge Jr.
Personal details
Born	(1933-04-06)April 6, 1933 Sheldahl, Iowa, U.S.
Died	October 5, 2023(2023-10-05) (aged 90) Darien, Connecticut, U.S.
Education	Iowa State University (B.Sc., M.Sc., D.Sc.)

Life and career

Hermann was born on April 6, 1933.^[2] He was the major architect of the National Security Agency's expanded role in space reconnaissance. In addition, he advocated broadening the NRO's support to tactical military customers. Hermann was also responsible for establishing the Defense Reconnaissance Support Program.^[3]

In 1989, Hermann was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering for conceiving and guiding applications of space technologies to national security.

Hermann died in Darien, Connecticut on October 5, 2023, at the age of 90.^[4][5]