The Military Astronautics Award was established to recognize outstanding leadership in the application of astronautics to the development of space systems for national defense. The award has been revived for the 2026 awards cycle.

Recipients 1982 – 2013:

• 2013 – Gen Lance Lord, USAF

For outstanding contributions throughout a long career of leadership in the development and use of space technology with the United States Air Force.

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 2012 – No Award Given
• 2011 – Maj Gen Tod D. Wolters, USAF

For exceptionally meritorious service in duties of great responsibility and service to our Nation as Director, Air, Space and Cyberspace Operations, Headquarters Air Force Space Command.

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 2010 – Brig Gen Duane W. Deal, USAF

For outstanding contributions over more than twenty-five years of service to the development of space science and technology by service in the U.S. Air Force, as a member of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB), and as a senior official in commercial space firms.

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 2009 – No Award Given
• 2008 – Gen Kevin P. Chilton

For your outstanding service to military space and in recognition of being the only astronaut to achieve four-star rank.

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 2007 – No Award Given
• 2006 – Hans Mark

For outstanding contributions to the United States’ military space program during a critical time in the history of spaceflight.

Picture courtesy of NASA

• 2005 – Peter B. Teets

Picture courtesy of the National Air and Space Museum

• 2004 – Rand H. Fisher
• 2003 – No Award Given
• 2002 – No Award Given
• 2001 – Maj Gen Richard W. Davis, USAF (Posthumously)

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 2000 – Gen Lester L. Lyles, USAF

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 1999 – Keith Hall

Picture courtesy of NRO

• 1998 – Lt Gen Roger G. DeKok, USAF

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 1997 – Gen Thomas S. Moorman, Jr., USAF

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 1996 – LTG Donald M. Lionetti, US Army

Picture courtesy of the National Archives

• 1995 – Maj Gen David D. Bradburn, USAF

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 1994 – VADM Jerry O. Tuttle, USN

Picture courtesy of the National Archives

• 1993 – Maj Gen Nathan J. Lindsay, USAF

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 1992 – Eberhardt Rechtin

Picture courtesy of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

• 1991 – RADM Thomas C. Betterton, USN

Picture courtesy of NARA and DVIDS Public Domain Archive

• 1990 – Herbert F. York

Picture courtesy of Atomic Archive

• 1989 – Lt Gen James A. Abrahamson, USAF

Picture courtesy of the National Archives

• 1988 – Gen Robert T. Herres, USAF

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 1987 – Lt Gen Forrest S. McCartney, USAF

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 1986 – VADM William E. Ramsey, USN

Picture courtesy of PICRYL

• 1985 – Edward C. Aldridge, Jr.

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 1984 – Norman Augustine

Picture courtesy of Smithsonian Magazine

• 1983 – Gen Lew Allen, USAF

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force

• 1982 – Gen Bernard A. Schriever, USAF

Picture courtesy of the United States Air Force