The Emerging Astrodynamicist Award was established to recognize the junior researchers making significant contributions to the field of Astrodynamics. The award is based on the impact of the technical contributions of the candidate, with their service contributions also considered. The recipient of this award will be chosen by the Space Flight Mechanics Committee. See below for materials needed for nominations.

Awardees will be recognized during a Summer Astrodynamics Meeting and will receive a commemorative plaque and $1000 award.

Emerging Astrodynamicist Criteria:

Those qualified to be nominated for this award must meet the following criteria:

• Must be within 10 years of receiving their highest degree during the year the award will be made.
• Must have presented at a previous AAS Astrodynamics/Space Flight Mechanics conference.
• No self nominations are accepted.

Requirments for the Emerging Astrodynamicist Award

The deadline for nominations is October, 31 2025.

The evaluation will be based on the nomination form, the vitae and the letters of recommendation. Nominations that do not follow the above criteria will not be considered. For example, a nomination with a Curriculum Vitae longer than two pages will not be considered.

Please go to Criteria and Procedures link for more information on the award nomination form requires.

Nominations should be submitted through the AAS Award Form.

Recipients:

• 2025 – Koki Ho

For substantial contributions to the field of space mission design and outstanding services to the astrodynamics community. 

Picture courtesy of Koki Ho

• 2024- Richard Linares

For outstanding technical contributions to space situational awareness, satellite drag, and orbital capacity

Picture courtesy of Richard Linares

• 2023- Sonia Hernandez

For outstanding technical contributions to deep-space navigation, mission design, maneuver analysis, and space-based interferometry

Picture courtesy of Sonia Hernandez

• 2022 – Natasha Bosanac

For the development of innovative techniques for trajectory and maneuver design in complex multi-body gravitational systems, combining dynamical systems theory, machine learning, and path planning concepts.

Picture courtesy of the University of Colorado Boulder