May 28, 2010 Vol. 3, Issue 5
The International Space Station was awarded the 2009 Collier Trophy.
Image of ISS with newly installed Destiny Laboratory taken by Space Shuttle Atlantis during STS-98. Credit: NASA
On May 13, 2010, the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) presented the 2009 Collier Trophy to the International Space Station (ISS) team. Established in 1910 by Robert J. Collier, the Collier Trophy is awarded annually to recognize great achievements in aeronautics or astronautics in America.
The NAA selected the ISS team from seven other nominees for its “design, development, and assembly of the world’s largest spacecraft, an orbiting laboratory that promises new discoveries for mankind and sets new standards for international cooperation in space.” The American ISS team consists of members from NASA, Boeing, Charles Stark Draper Laboratories, Honeywell Corporation, Lockheed Martin, United Space Alliance, and United Technologies Corporation.
The ISS partners include NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, the European Space Agency, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Declared a national laboratory in 2005 by Congress, the ISS has conducted over 400 experiments that have contributed to food safety, delivery of cancer treatments, and the development of more capable engines and materials for use on Earth and space. Over 150 experiments are currently underway on the ISS.
Other nominees for the 2009 award included:
- Aircell
- Ares I-X Flight Test and Ares 1 Design Team
- C-5M Super Galaxy, Kandahar Airfield Operations Team
- MC-12W Project Liberty Enterprise Team
- SpaceX Falcon 1 Development Team
- John Warner and the Excalibur Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle
Robert J. Collier, the publisher of Colliers Weekly (1888-1957), was an enthusiastic aviator. He was the first to purchase an airplane from the Wright brothers for personal use. Collier died in November 1918, the day after he completed his military service in World War I.
NASA APPEL Flickr slideshow of International Space Station (ISS)
View slideshow on Flickr where you may click Show Info to see detailed image captions.
