Theodor W. Knacke Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Award Open for Nominations 10 November 2025 – 15 January 2026
The Theodor W. Knacke Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Award is presented to recognize significant contributions to the advancement of aeronautical or aerospace systems through research, development and application of the art and science of aerodynamic decelerator technology.
This award is presented biennially (in even-numbered years) at the AIAA AVIATION Forum/ASCEND.
Deadlines:
Accepting Online Nominations: 10 November (Odd-numbered years)
Nomination Deadline: 15 January (Even-numbered years)
Endorsement Letters Deadline: 1 February (Even-numbered years)
This award is presented biennially (in even-numbered years) at the AIAA AVIATION Forum/ASCEND.
Deadlines:
Accepting Online Nominations: 10 November (Odd-numbered years)
Nomination Deadline: 15 January (Even-numbered years)
Endorsement Letters Deadline: 1 February (Even-numbered years)
Award Recipients
2022
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Mr Benjamin A TuttAirborne SystemsAwardedAward: 2022 AIAA Theodor W. Knacke Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems AwardAIAA Citation: "For a lifetime of continued excellence and leadership in the field of modeling and simulation of aerodynamic decelerators."
2019
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Ricardo A MachinNASA-Johnson Space CenterAwardedAward: 2019 Theodor W. Knacke Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems AwardAIAA Citation: For excellence in the area of design, test, and certification of human rated capsule recovery parachutes enabling mankind to explore beyond the earth
2017
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Elsa J HenningsindependentAwardedAIAA Citation: For expertise in overcoming challenges in decelerator design: including regulated drag area, innovations on Space Shuttle, Mars and Orion landing systems and creative genius.
2015
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Mr Robert J SinclairAirborne SystemsAwardedAward: 0AIAA Citation: For 30 years of innovation and leadership in the design, testing and fielding of parachutes for military systems, manned spacecraft recovery, and interplanetary probe descent and landing.
2013
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Mr Gary W ThibaultUS Army RetiredAwardedAward: 2013 Theodor W. Knacke Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems AwardAIAA Citation: “For over 30 years of exceptional commitment to the technical advancement of military airborne equipment and unwavering dedication to the field of aerodynamic deceleration systems.”
2011
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Edwin D VickeryAwardedAIAA Citation: For five decades of dedication and innovation in the art of aerodynamic decelerator systems and for exceptional mentorship of the next generation of aerodynamic decelerator engineers.
2009
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Mr Charles LowryAwardedAIAA Citation: For nearly five decades of significant contributions to the understanding and application of aerodynamic decelerators while working with and mentoring several of the industry leaders.
2007
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G. BrownVertigoAwardedAIAA Citation: For breakthroughs in parafoil flight mechanics and parachute guidance and soft-landing as well as advances in supersonic and hypersonic planetary aerobraking and decelerator systems.
2005
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Mr. Roy L FoxAwardedAIAA Citation: For four decades of outstanding contributions to the developmental and qualification testing of parachute deceleration and landing systems.
2003
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Dr Vance L BehrAwardedAIAA Citation: For his significant contributions to the design of several high-performance parachute systems for NASA and the Department of Energy, and for his ongoing dedication to the education of the next generation of aerodynamic decelerator systems engineer.
2001
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Phillip R DelurgioAwardedAIAA Citation: In recognition of a lifetime of achievement and dedication to the field of aerodynamic decelerator systems
1999
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Dean F WolfAwardedAIAA Citation: For sustained excellence in technical contributions to the development of parachutes for NASA Programs including Apollo, Pioneer Venus, Galileo, Space Shuttle and Space Station
1997
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Dr J Stephen LingardVorticity LtdAwardedAIAA Citation: For breakthroughs in the theory of gliding parachute aerodynamics, and advances to personnel safe escape systems and super sonic interplanetary parachute systems
1996
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Mr. Matts J LindgrenAwardedAIAA Citation: For excellence of technical contribution, innovative design, and exemplary personal commitment to the CORONA photo reconnaissance reentry vehicle, SR-71, and D-21 programs
1995
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Dr Carl W PetersonAwardedAIAA Citation: For contributions to the understanding of aerodynamic decelerators and their technical applications, both as an engineer and as an inspiring leader.
1994
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Mr. Robert W RodierAwardedAIAA Citation: For contributions in the development of sophisticated parachute recovery systems used in the Univeted States Space Program, military aircraft, and United States Army Airdrop Systems
1993
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Dr Karl F DoherrAwardedAIAA Citation: For demonstrated leadership and experience in modeling flight dynamics of modern parachute systems; and for creativity, technical depth and other contributions to the science of decelerator systems design
1992
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Mr. James D ReuterPioneer Parachute Company IncAwardedAIAA Citation: For continuing contributions to the art of parachute design, repeatedly pioneering new capabilities beyond the edges of the old performance envelope
1990
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Maurice P GionfriddoAwardedAIAA Citation: For over 30 years of dedication, management and administration that led to a significant amount of advances in the field of aerodynamic decelerator systems
1989
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Dr David J CockrellNASA Marshall Space Flight CenterAwardedAIAA Citation: For outstanding sustained and continuing contribution to the science of parachute dynamics and mathematical modeling of parachute motion.
1988
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Mr. John W KikerAwardedAIAA Citation: For outstanding work in the development of parachutes and recovery systems of all types, and in particular for work on airplane and spacecraft parachute systems for the safe recovery of American airmen and astronauts
1986
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Domina JalbertAwarded-CoRecipientsAward: -AIAA Citation: In recognition of a lifetime of innovation in parachutes, balloons and kites, in particular ,his invention of the Para-foil ram-air wing
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Mr. William B PepperAwarded-CoRecipientsAward: -AIAA Citation: In recognition of twenty-seven years of major contributions to parachute technology and design in the areas of weapon parachute systems, re-entry vehicle and scientific payload recovery and Kevlar parachute technology
1984
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Mr. Herman EngelAwardedAIAA Citation: In recognition of 35 years of outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the design and development of many parachute systems for emergency escape of aircraft crew members and the recovery of unmanned vehicles
1981
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Mr. Theodore W KnackeAwardedAIAA Citation: For the introduction of modern technology and sound engineering principles to the former art of parachute design, thereby enabling aircraft, ordnance, spacecraft, and other advanced system designers to successfully use parachutes to satisfy system requirements
1979
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Helmut G HeinrichAwardedAIAA Citation: For 40 years of continous involvement with and significant contributions to the science and technology of aerodynamic deceleration systems, and for teaching by doing and doing by teaching.