HONORING SPACE ACHIEVEMENT
National Space Trophy
The RNASA Board of Directors selected NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations, William (Bill) H. Gerstenmaier to receive the 2010 National Space Trophy. The award was presented at a gala event on Friday, April 30, 2010 at the Houston Hyatt Regency hotel.
THE NATIONAL SPACE TROPHY
Nominations for the recipient of the National Space Trophy are submitted by leaders in government, industry, professional organizations, and the media. A ballot is voted upon by the RNASA's Board of Advisors, all individuals intimately involved with the space program, including NASA center directors, presidents of aerospace corporations, military, newsmedia, academic, and political leaders, and previous trophy winners. Their confidential votes are tabulated by an independent accounting firm. The winner is presented with the National Space Trophy at a black-tie gala held in the spring of each year.
Stellar Awards
In addition to the National Space Trophy, nominations for Stellar Awards for individual and team achievements are also solicited each year from the government, military, and industry. To ensure recognition of individuals at all stages of their careers, nominations are solicited in four categories: early career, mid-career, late-career, and teams. The nominations are reviewed by a distinguished committee with winners selected based on which accomplishments hold the greatest promise for furthering future activities in space. All nominees are invited for a special day of activities at Johnson Space Center and the winners in each category are announced at the spring gala. The list of winners is posted on the Stellar Awards page.
COMMUNICATOR AWARD
The Foundation also periodically selects an individual or team for the Space Communicator Award. This award is for an important professional contribution to the public's understanding of and appreciation for the accomplishments of the American space program. This category extends to communicators of all varieties including journalists, government public affairs professionals, industry public relations professionals, broadcasters, publishers, and public figures.
SPONSORS
RNASA is supported by sales of banquet Tables and congratulatory advertisements in the souvenir Program Book. Proceeds remaining after each year's event are donated to an organization involved in aerospace education. RNASA is grateful for the participation of NASA, the Department of Defense, academic organizations, and the generous support it has received from corporate Sponsors. This support assures the continued recognition of outstanding achievements by United States' citizens in the area of space exploration.