John F. Kennedy Astronautics Award

The John F. Kennedy Astronautics Award was established in honor of the late President, who launched our space program in 1961 with the famous statement that “we should land men on the moon and return them safely in this decade. This public service award is given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution by promoting the Nation’s space programs for the exploration and utilization of outer space. The John F. Kennedy Astronautics Award was merged with the Olin E. Teague Space Award, which was established by the Society in 1981.

Award Criteria

Recipients:

2025 – Steve Isakowitz

For over four decades of visionary leadership in our nation’s civil, commercial, and national-security space efforts, advancing American space leadership through public service, innovation, integration, and public-private partnerships.

Picture courtesy of Steve Isakowitz

2024 – No Awards Given
2023 – Hubert J. Brasseaux Jr.

For thirty-plus years supporting NASA’s human spaceflight programs and, in particular, for outstanding leadership as Increment Manager and co- chair of the EVA Requirements Integration Panel Splinter Working Group.

Picture courtesy of Crowder Funeral Home

2022 – Scott Pace

In recognition of his seminal accomplishments promoting the Nation’s space programs for the exploration and utilization of outer space across the civil, commercial and national security sectors.

Picture courtesy of George Washington University

2021 – No Award Given
2020 – John J. McBrine

In recognition of John J. McBrine’s outstanding work promoting NASA’s Human Spaceflight Program through his leadership in the NASA Astronaut Appearances Office and far-reaching support of crew training and mission operations in Russia

2019 – No Award Given
2018 – George Salazar

For his passion surrounding education and dedication as a NASA outreach ambassador, inspiring students of all ages and helping this country grow in the next generation of passionate engineers.

Picture courtesy of George Salazar

2017 – No Award Given
2016 – Hon. Kathryn Sullivan

For her long standing and ongoing dedication to the exploration and utilization of outer space as an astronaut, museum director, educator, and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Picture courtesy of the National Academy of Engineering

2015 – James Lovell

For more than fifty years of service to the nation as a military pilot, test pilot, astronaut, commander of the Apollo 13 mission, and advocate for the advancement of air and space flight

Picture courtesy of NASA

2014 – Senator Bill Nelson

For outstanding contributions to public service through leadership in promoting our space programs for the exploration and utilization of outer space

Picture courtesy of Bill Nelson

2013 – Howard E. McCurdy

For outstanding contributions over more than 25 years in analyzing our Nation’s programs for the exploration and utilization of outer space.

Picture courtesy of NASA

2012 – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

For her visionary leadership and efforts in preserving America’s leadership in space during nineteen years in the U.S. Senate.

Picture courtesy of CNN

2011 – Congressman Ralph M. Hall

For over three decades of national leadership in U.S. space policy as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, steadfastly supporting NASA and convincing others to join him in keeping the nation’s space program vibrant and inspirational.

Picture courtesy of The New York Times

2010 – Michael D. Griffin

In recognition of his dedication and contributions to the space community and aerospace industry as NASA’s 11th Administrator, and for his vision and leadership in advancing the nation’s space exploration initiative through the expansion of the International Space Station and the development of NASA’s Constellation Program.

Picture courtesy of the U.S. Army

2009 – Roger D. Launius

For a distinguished career of promoting America’s space program by capturing its history and distilling the lessons of that history for its betterment.

Picture courtesy of the International Astronautical Federation

2008 – William E. Burrows

For a lengthy and illustrious career as an historian and journalist telling the story of the space program and inspiring a generation of readers to consider the importance of spaceflight to humanity.

Picture courtesy of The New York Times

2007 – Walter Cronkite

To honor his enthusiastic coverage and support of the U.S. Space Program, from the 27 out of 30 hours of coverage of Apollo XI to the second space flight of John Glenn in 1998.

Picture courtesy of the Television Academy

2006 – Marcia Smith

For outstanding contributions over thirty years in analyzing for Congress our Nation’s programs for the exploration and utilization of outer space

Picture courtesy of AAS

2005 – John M. Logsdon

For your exceptional work as a space policy analyst and public spokesperson in helping the public appreciate and understand the nation’s space programs

Picture courtesy of The Conversation

2004 – Lori B. Garver

For working tirelessly and effectively in numerous public efforts to promote the nation’s space programs for the exploration and utilization of outer space

Picture courtesy of SpaceNews

2003 – Buzz Aldrin

For over 40 years of outstanding contributions in promoting our Nation’s programs for the exploration and utilization of space

Picture courtesy of Britannica

2002 – William H. Pickering

For outstanding contributions over more than 50 years in advancing humankind’s understanding of our Solar System and the larger universe and for inspired leadership of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory