Advancement of International Cooperation Award

This award, selected by the AAS International Programs Committee, may be given to an individual, a team, a group of people or an established partnership. The award recognizes contributions to the advancement of international cooperation that meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Have significant and/or long-lasting impact
  • Are achieved over a significant portion of a career
  • Include activities not required by their profession

Award Criteria

Recipients:

  • 2025 – Virgin Galactic ‘Galactic 01’ Mission

For flying three Italian astronauts and over a dozen research payloads to space on Virgin Galactic’s spaceship, demonstrating space flight capabilities open to all nations.

Picture courtesy of Virgin Galactic

  • 2024 – Eric Maier

For exceptional achievement establishing first major cooperative activity between NASA and the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre

Picture courtesy of Eric Maier

  • 2023 – Artemis I Team

For the international partnerships that enabled the successful demonstration of the fully integrated system that comprises the Artemis I mission whose components were built by space agencies and companies from around the world

Picture courtesy of NASA

  • 2019-2022 – No Award Given

 

  • 2018 – Joel Montalbano

For his contributions as a NASA’s visionary and leader, fostering collaboration across international partners for successful International Space Station utilization

Picture courtesy of NASA

  • 2017 – Kenneth Hodgkins

Picture courtesy of the Wilson Center

  • 2016 – Jacques E. Blamont

For your efforts as a senior official with the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) in developing the cooperative framework for many space science missions with European partners of both the United States and the Soviet Union/Russia

Picture courtesy the International Astronomical Union

  • 2015 – Lynn F.H. Cline

In recognition of leadership at NASA in promoting international cooperation through a uniquely effective mix of insightful planning, tough negotiation and meticulous execution.

Picture courtesy of NASA

  • 2014 – Kathleen Laurini

In recognition of contributions as a leader for NASA’s International Space Station Program and key visionary for the second generation Exploration Roadmap, a tool which will lay the foundation for future international partnerships.

 

Picture courtesy of the International Astronautical Federation

  • 2013 – Richard J.H. Barnes

For outstanding efforts throughout his 29 year career to foster successful space collaboration between the United States and other countries and to nurture future generations of space program and policy leaders.

 

Picture via Flickr

 

  • 2012 – Thomas P. Stafford and Alexei Leonov

For pioneering cooperation in space in commanding the American and Soviet missions to rendezvous and dock in space in 1975.

 

Picture courtesy of NASA

Picture courtesy of Space.com

  • 2011 – Peggy Finarelli

In recognition of incredible professional accomplishments, as well ashistoric and revolutionary contributions to the space community, in particular those contributions which have had a direct, sustained impact on the success of the International Space Station.

Picture courtesy of International Space Services

  • 2010 – Arnold W. Frutkin

In recognition of leadership in establishing NASA’s unique approach to international activities.  Your “rules,” which survive to this day, have guided the selection, negotiation and implementation of joint space programs for fifty years.

Picture courtesy of European Space History/X

  • 2009 – Richard L. “Dick” Kline

For advancing international cooperation in space projects during his career in private aerospace industry, and for promoting meaningful cooperative space activities through professional international organizations.

Picture courtesy of International Astronautical Federation

  • 2008 – James V. Zimmerman

For leadership in the space community through International Space Services, Inc., and the presidency of the International Astronautical Federation.

Picture courtesy of James V. Zimmerman

  • 2007 – International Space Station Partnership

For major contributions to the opening of the space frontier through outstanding international cooperation over many years in the design, development, assembly, management and operation of the International Space Station.

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

  • 2006 – Roger-Maurice Bonnet

In recognition of his outstanding contributions in advancing  international astronautics activities.

Picture courtesy of International Space Science Institute

  • 2005 – Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr.

Picture courtesy NASA & DAVIDS Public Domain Archive