AIAA to Recognize Achievements During AIAA Space and Astronautics Forum and Exposition Written 17 August 2017

AIAA to Recognize Achievements During AIAA Space and Astronautics Forum and Exposition

August 17, 2017 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present awards for key contributions to space science and technology during a recognition luncheon on 14 September 2017, as part of the AIAA Space and Astronautics Forum and Exposition (2017 AIAA SPACE Forum), 12–14 September, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, Orlando, Florida. 

The honorees are:

• The Robotic Refueling Mission Team, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, will receive the 2017 AIAA Space Automation and Robotics Award. The citation for the award reads: “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.” This award is presented for leadership and technical contributions by individuals and teams in the field of space automation and robotics. The award will be accepted by Frank Cepollina, program manager.


• The ISS Loop A Response Team, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, will receive the 2017 AIAA Space Operations and Support Award. The citation for the award reads: “For leadership and innovation in working around the External Thermal Control System Loop A Flow Control Valve failure on the International Space Station.” This award is presented for outstanding efforts in overcoming space operations problems and assuring success, and recognizes those teams or individuals whose exceptional contributions were critical to an anomaly recovery, crew rescue, or space failure. Anthony Vareha and Todd Quasny, ISS flight controllers at NASA Johnson Space Center, will accept the award on behalf of the team.


• The Juno Mission Team, at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, will receive the  2017 Space Systems Award. The citation for the award reads: “For exceptional achievement in the development and implementation of the Juno Mission, resulting in groundbreaking data that is revolutionizing our understanding of Jupiter.” This award is presented to recognize outstanding achievements in the architecture, analysis, design, and implementation of space systems. Rick Nybakken, project manager, will accept the award.


• Maj. Gen. Roger W. Teague, Director, Space Programs, Assistant Secretary (Acquisition), U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., will receive the 2017 AIAA von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management. The citation for the award reads: “For exceptional achievement in space missions, through innovative strategic thinking, revolutionary program management, and inspirational leadership on program execution.” This award gives national recognition to an individual(s) for outstanding contributions in the management of a significant space or space-related program or project.

Certificates of merit for best papers will also be presented. 

For more information about the AIAA Honors and Awards program, please contact Patricia A. Carr at patriciac@aiaa.org or 703.264.7523.