1991 NATIONAL SPACE TROPHY RECIPIENT
Dr. Aaron Cohen
Aaron Cohen
Profile as published in the February 28, 1991 program book. Author unknown.
Aaron Cohen, Director of the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, has been selected to receive the 1991 Rotary National Award for Space Achievement for distinguished contributions to the United States Space Program.
For 28 years, Mr. Cohen's engineering management at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) has helped make America a world leader in space exploration. Mr. Cohen was appointed Director of JSC on October 12, 1986. Under his leadership, the United States has increased its capabilities in space through safer and more efficient operation of the National Space Transportation System (Space Shuttle). He also managers major elements of the Space Station Program, including the development of substantial capabilities in the fields of space systems engineering, mission operations, life sciences, research, lunar and planetary sciences and Earth observations.
As Director, he oversees the maintenance of a significant aircraft operations program and is responsible for selecting and training all flight crews for NASA's manned space flight programs. Mr. Cohen directs a diverse work force of over 3,600 NASA employees and 6,600 support contract personnel. He managers an annual budget of approximately $2.3 billion.
Formerly, Mr. Cohen was the Director of Research and Engineering at Johnson Space Center. In this capacity, he was responsible for the direction and management of all engineering, space and life science, and research and development in support of the major manned space flight programs assigned to JSC.
Cohen first came to the Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center) in 1962 as part of the Apollo Spacecraft Program Office. He served as Manager of the Command and Service Module and Lunar Module; Chief of the Systems Integration Branch in the Systems Engineering Division; Assistant Chief, Systems Engineering Division; and Chief of the Command Service Module Project Engineering Division.
As Manager of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Project from 1972 to 1982, Cohen guided the design, development, production and test flights of the Space Shuttle Orbiter with various line organizations at JSC, other NASA centers and various contractors.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Mr. Cohen received a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A & M University and a master of science degree in Applied Mathematics from Stevens Institute of Technology. He has been honored with many prestigious awards including NASA's Exceptional Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal and Engineer of the Year Award. The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation is proud to name Mr. Aaron Cohen the recipient of the 1989 National Space Trophy.