von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management Open for Nominations 10 November 2024 – 15 January 2025

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Approved by the Board of Directors in 1987, the von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management gives national recognition to an individual(s) for outstanding contributions in the management of a significant space or space-related program or project. The award honors Dr. Wernher von Braun, who was one of the world's first and foremost rocket engineers and a leading authority on space travel.

This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA AVIATION Forum/ASCEND.

Deadlines:
Accepting Online Nominations: 10 November
Nomination Deadline: 15 January
Endorsement Letters Deadline: 1 February

Award Recipients

2023

  • Dr John M Grunsfeld
    Endless Frontier Associates LLC
    Awarded
    Award: 2023 AIAA von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management
    AIAA Citation: For exceptional leadership of America’s space science program resulting in amazing achievements exploring the Earth, our solar system, and unravelling the mysteries of the cosmos.

2021

  • Dr Fuk Li
    Jet Propulsion Laboratory
    Awarded
    Award: 2021 AIAA von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management
    AIAA Citation: For sustained excellence in management of NASA’s New Millennium and Mars Exploration Programs, achieving major breakthroughs in space technology and Mars exploration objectives

2020

  • Kim A Cooper
    The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
    Awarded
    Award: 020 AIAA von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management
    AIAA Citation: “Parker Solar Probe is a daunting science mission that demanded exceptional program management skills to balance science requirements, budgets and launch window, and engineering development”
  • Andrew S Driesman
    The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
    Awarded
    Award: 2020 AIAA von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management
    AIAA Citation: "Parker Solar Probe is a daunting science mission that demanded exceptional program management skills to balance science requirements, budgets and launch window, and engineering development”
  • Mr Patrick Hill
    The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
    Awarded
    Award: 2020 AIAA von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management.
    AIAA Citation: “Parker Solar Probe is a daunting science mission that demanded exceptional program management skills to balance science requirements, budgets and launch window, and engineering development”

2019

  • Mr Chris M Crumbly
    VCSI
    Awarded
    Award: 2019 von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management
    AIAA Citation: For sustained excellence in furthering human spaceflight through strategic planning, managing several NASA projects, and leading key programs within the Space Launch System.

2018

  • Maj Gen Thomas Doukas Taverney
    USAF (ret)
    Awarded
    Award: 2018 von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management
    AIAA Citation: Major General (Retired) Tom Taverney has contributed significantly to the Space Mission as both a senior military leader and Aerospace Industry Executive

2016

  • Mr Todd A May
    KBRwyle
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For meritorious performance in managing the development of America’s future launch system to send human and scientific exploratory missions to deep space objectives including Mars.

2015

  • Lt Gen John T Sheridan
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For exceptional performance in management of military and evolutionary space programs and excellent leadership in achieving national security space superiority.

2014

  • Mr. Frank J Cepollina
    NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center
    Awarded
    Award: 2014 von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Managment
    AIAA Citation: For 50 years of astonishing contributions in on-orbit servicing culminating in five spectacular Hubble Space Telescope repair missions.

2013

  • Lt Gen Eugene (Gene) Tattini
    NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For exceptional technical management and performance to achieve space mission success and excellence, and for pioneering the development of National Security Space.

2012

  • Maj Gen James B Armor Jr
    Orbital ATK
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For insightful leadership in the space community – as an Air Force officer and GPS Program Manager, as the leader of SIGINT systems for the NRO, as the National Security Space Architect, and as an Vice President at ATK

2011

  • William H Gerstenmaier
    NASA
    Awarded
    Award: 2011 AIAA von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management
    AIAA Citation: For exemplary leadership of America’s human space flight program, culminating in completion of construction of the International Space Station and safe operations of the Space Shuttle system

2010

  • Dr Wanda M Austin
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For significant contributions in satellite acquisition, systems engineering and system simulation, and for leadership in ensuring not only technical excellence but space mission success.

2007

  • Mr. Glen H Fountain
    Johns Hopkins University
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For 40 years of outstanding contributions to space flight missions to advance the fundamental understanding of the earth’s environment and solar system.

2006

  • Mr Byron K Wood
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For successfully managing the largest liquid propulsion rocket engine company and for installing/innovating a novel management organization system which reduced development costs and schedules.

2005

  • Alexander A McCool
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: In recognition of more than 40 years of outstanding engineering and management contributions to America's space program.

2003

  • Brewster H Shaw
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: His outstanding leadership and management skills resulted in historic International Space Station achievements, permanent human presence in space, and continuing additions involving multiple international partners

2001

  • Dr Han Hwangbo
    Korea Telecom
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: In recognition of his pioneering role in establishing and advancing Korea’s national space program, as exemplified by his outstanding management of the Korea Communications and Broadcasting Satellite Program

2000

  • Mr. Robert A Pattishall
    Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For revolutionizing the National Reconnaissance Office’s Advanced Technology Enterprise; expanding collaboration, enhancing customer focus and demonstrating new capabilities to exploit intelligence collection from space

1999

  • Christine M Anderson
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding management leadership of the Space Technology Alliance, which enabled greater efficiency and synergy of space technology developments across a multitude of federal agencies

1998

  • Richard L Kline
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding engineering and management leadership during the development of the Apollo, Space Transportation, and the International Space Station programs

1997

  • Mr. Robert R Lovell
    Orbital Sciences Corporation
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding engineering and management leadership of a range of spacecraft and launch vehicle programs in both government and private industry which greatly benefited the U.S. international competitive position in space

1996

  • James P Noblitt
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For innovation and enduring leadership on space programs, including the successful restructuring of the International Space Station, and development of the International Sea Launch Company

1995

  • Mr. Arthur F Obenschain
    NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For assuming management of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Program on the verge of cancellation and within 30 months making it one of NASA’s model programs

1994

  • Mr. Minoru S Araki
    Lockheed Missiles & Space Company
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For leadership and management contributions in the design, development, and integration of the Agena, Hubble Space Telescope, MILSTAR, and key classified spacecraft systems

1993

  • Mr. Aaron Cohen
    Texas A&M Univ
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: In recognition of steady and consistent leadership, creativity, and excellence in program management that have produced outstanding results and advances in this nation's Space Program

1992

  • Thomas J Lee
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For exceptional dedication and substantial engineering and management contributions to the science of space flight over the span of three decades

1991

  • Lt Gen Forrest McCartney
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: In recognition of continued excellence in Space Program Management and leadership in the Space Shuttle launch Operations "Return to Flight."

1990

  • James R Thompson
    Orbital ATK
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For exemplary engineering and management contributions which have had major impact on the nations liquid and solid rocket programs and for outstanding leadership which contributed greatly to NASA's "Return to Flight" with the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery

1989

  • Samuel Hoffman
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For distinguished leadership, integrity, and excellence in program management of rocket propulsion systems for the United States space missions, including the Explorer, Mercury, Gemini, Apollo series, and Space Shuttle

1988

  • GEN Samuel C Phillips
    Awarded