On Feb. 9, 1965, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – NASA Technology of Spacecraft Sterilization report was released establishing crucial planetary quarantine protocols. In 1964, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had approached the CDC for assistance with keeping spacecraft free of germs from Earth.

Upon the recommendation of the scientific community, NASA had established as a major goal the search for extraterrestrial life. So that the data obtained in this search will not be compromised, NASA embarked on a program designed to prevent external contamination of the planets.

This National Conference on Spacecraft Sterilization Technology was held November 16-18, 1965 in Pasadena, California, bringing together for exchange of knowledge those scientists, engineers, and administrators who play a role in spacecraft sterilization technology. Recognizing the rapid accumulation of knowledge in this area of scientific endeavor, it was deemed essential to broadcast this information as rapidly as possible, to establish a firm base upon which newer techniques could be built, and to provide a forum in which differences could be aired and guidelines revised or established.