Space Automation & Robotics Open for Nominations 10 November 2024 – 15 January 2025

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Reactivated in 2005, the Space Automation and Robotics Award is presented for leadership and technical contributions by individuals and teams in the field of space automation and robotics.

The award is presented biennially (in odd-numbered years) at the AIAA AVIATION Forum/ASCEND.

Deadlines:
Accepting Online Nominations: 10 November (Even-numbered years)
Nomination Deadline: 15 January (Odd-numbered years)
Endorsement Letters Deadline: 1 February (Odd-numbered years)

Award Recipients

2019

  • Orbital Express Team
    Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
    Awarded
    Award: 2019 AIAA Space Automation and Robotics Award
    AIAA Citation: In recognition of Orbital Express’s pioneering work in demonstrating autonomous orbital robotics, including these firsts: autonomous robotic grapple, robotic ORU changeout, and robotic fluid transfer in space.

2017

  • Mr. Frank J Cepollina
    NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center
    Awarded
    Award: In recognition of the Robotic Refueling Mission Team for their work in advancing the state of robotic servicing technology enabling the routine servicing of satellites.
    AIAA Citation: In recognition of the Robotic Refueling Mission Team for their work in advancing the state of robotic servicing technology enabling the routine servicing of satellites.

2013

  • Robonaut 2 Development Team
    Robonaut 2 Development Team
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: In recognition of the Robonaut 2 Development Team’s pioneering technical achievement and advancement of humanoid dexterous robotics for human space exploration.

2011

  • ETS-VII/JEM Team, JAXA
    ETS-VII/JEM Team, JAXA
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: In recognition of pioneering work in space robotics, including the operation of the first dexterous robotic arm in space and the first teleoperation of a space robotic arm from the earth.

2009

  • Prof Gerd Hirzinger
    DLR
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions in the field of space automation and robotics.

2007

  • Dr Antal Bejczy
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For establishing the foundation of robotics for space applications and pioneering the development of key enabling techniques to overcome the special challenges of communication delay, operation feedback, and unstructured environments.