2023 PRESS/PHOTO INFORMATION
Press Release
RNASA's 2023 Stellar Awards Winners Announced
Rotary National Award for Space Achievement
May 3, 2023
Media Contact: Lindsey Cousins, 281-723-5683, lindsey@baysidegraphics.net
The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation honored the dedication of the space workers at the annual Space Awards Gala on Friday, April 28, 2023, by presenting the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Stellar Awards.
Every year, the aerospace community anxiously awaits the announcement of the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Stellar Award winners.
The 2023 Stellar Awards Evaluation Panel, Michael Coats, Kevin Chilton, Eileen Collins, Sandra Magnus, Charles Elachi, and Michael Hawes selected the winners based on which accomplishments have advanced U.S. space capabilities and hold the greatest promise of future capabilities.
Out of 130 nominations received, the Panel selected 19 individuals and 9 teams for recognition.
Prior to the evening's festivities, all nominees were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Johnson Space Center and a luncheon at the Clear Lake Hilton. Stellar Awards Committee Chair Jennifer Devolites welcomed the nominees.
Each nominee received a Fisher Space Pen donated by the company. The Fisher Space Pen was originally carried by the astronauts of the Apollo moon missions and is still used on manned space flights to this day. They are precision assembled, hand tested, and guaranteed to perform underwater, at any angle including upside down, in extreme temperatures, and of course in zero gravity. All the Stellar nominees had their photo taken as they received a special commemorative certificate with a United States flag that was flown to the International Space Station aboard the SpaceX-16 flight berthed December 8, 2018, through January 13, 2019, or were flown to the International Space Station aboard the SpaceX-17 flight berthed May 6, 2019, through June 3, 2019.
The Stellar Award winners were announced at the RNASA evening gala on April 28, 2023 by astronaut Bob Hines and astronaut Kate Rubins who presented them with engraved marble trophies. The winners in each of the four categories, Early Career, Mid Career, Late Career and Team are:
2023 Stellar Award Winners in the Early Career Category
Amy M. Caldwell of The Boeing Company - Outstanding initiative and commitment to crew safety and success of the International Space Station (ISS) Environmental Controls and Life Support System (ECLSS).
Angelica D. Garcia of CACI - Exemplary performance in the enhancement of NASA's Simplified Aid For EVA Rescue (SAFER) simulation and in leading a team of engineers in developing a state-of-the-art simulation of lunar surface visuals supporting the crewed Artemis missions.
Dr. Andrew J. Metcalf of United States Space Force - Outstanding contributions in developing new spacecraft Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) and communication technologies and capabilities.
Dr. James S. McCabe of NASA Johnson Space Center - Impressive technical acumen, innovative thinking, excellent communication skills, passion for human space flight, and being the consummate unselfish team player.
Jordan Olliges of Blue Origin, LLC - Outstanding contributions building the road to space through technology and leadership, from development of reusable BE-3PM rocket engine to New Glenn's BE-3U upper stage engine.
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L to R: Kate Rubins (presenting), Amy M. Caldwell, Dr. James S. McCabe, Jordan Olliges, Dr. Andrew J. Metcalf, Angelica D. Garcia, Bob Hines (presenting). (RNASA photo, 2023)
2023 Middle Career Stellar Award Winners
Damon Erb of Lockheed Martin - Technical excellence and exceptional leadership across the entire Spacecraft Mechanical Systems organization to certify all subsystems of the Orion Spacecraft for the Artemis I mission.
Dr. Steven S. Laurie of KBR - Excellence and innovation furthering the understanding of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) and cardio-pulmonary disciplines.
Dr. Teems E. Lovett of CACI - Outstanding leadership and technical excellence in spacecraft software and data architecture integrating complex Lunar Gateway modules into a single highly autonomous vehicle.
Felipe J. Sauceda of The Boeing Company - Outstanding leadership and flexibility in developing and executing plans for protection and efficient operation of ISS Solar Arrays.
Sarah Sheviakov of Blue Origin, LLC - Exceptional contributions and technical leadership in the development and certification of the BE-4 for next generation of American orbital rockets.
Dr. Wellesley E. Pereira of United States Space Force - Outstanding contributions to developing new intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) & missile warning technologies and capabilities.
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L to R: Bob Hines (presenting), Felipe J. Sauceda, Dr. Teems E. Lovett, Dr. Wellesley E. Pereira, Sarah Sheviakov, Kate Rubins (presenting). Not shown: Damon Erb, Dr. Steven Laurie (RNASA photo, 2023)
2023 Late Career Stellar Award Winners
John R. Elieson of Aerojet Rocketdyne - Career excellence for 37 years in development and fielding of Human Space and Exploration Systems.
William A. Hoskins of Aerojet Rocketdyne - Invaluable work on the NEXT-C ion engine, which was recently demonstrated aboard NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirect Technology (DART) mission.
Rodney A. Houser of United States Space Force - Outstanding leadership in advancing the Global Positioning System through acquisitions, satellite operations, launch, and ground control sustainment over 32 years.
Lt. Col. Lindley N. Johnson of NASA Headquarters - Outstanding leadership and early vision that helped establish planetary defense.
Teresa M. Kulakowski of Collins Aerospace - Outstanding electrical design contributions to the Collins Aerospace life support systems for the International Space Station and other space programs.
Enrique Moeller of Barrios - Outstanding contributions critical to the quality, safety and performance of the Commercial Crew Program, and preparation of aerial delivery platforms for both the Orion and Commercial Crew Program.
Dr. Alison A. Nordt of Lockheed Martin - Exceptional engineering and technical leadership to develop complex systems for space science missions that advance knowledge in Earth and planetary sciences, heliophysics, and astrophysics.
Deneen M. Taylor of NASA Johnson Space Center - Significant contributions to the safe continued operations of the International Space Station and Commercial Crew Program.
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L to R: Kate Rubins (presenting), John R. Elieson, Deneen M. Taylor, Lt. Col. Lindley N. Johnson, Rodney A. Houser, William A. Hoskins, Dr. Alison A. Nordt, Teresa M. Kulakowski, Bob Hines (presenting). Not shown: Enrique Moeller (RNASA photo, 2023)
2023 Team Stellar Award Winners
1st Range Operations Squadron of United States Space Force - Outstanding teamwork in managing the world's busiest spaceport with a diverse and talented team of 73 military and government service professionals.
Callisto Technology Demonstration Team of Lockheed Martin - Significant "first-of-its-kind" achievement for human space flight technology by successfully demonstrating a next-generation crew interface system, driving advances in commercial payload integration, deep-space network operations, and human-machine interaction.
Crew 3 Team of NASA Johnson Space Center - Outstanding teamwork and support during the first Axiom-1 mission to the ISS.
International Space Station (ISS) O2 Generator System/Life Support Rack (OGS/LSR) Relocation Team of The Boeing Company - Excellence in planning and safely completing the ISS Oxygen Generator System/Life Support Rack Relocation enabling Tech Demo implementation.
Jacobs Artemis I LH2 Replenish Valve Issue Resolution Team - Extraordinary efforts to resolve a hydrogen replenish valve leak while fueling the upper stage of the Space Launch System rocket during the Artemis I launch countdown, enabling the successful liftoff of the mission.
KBR US Extravehicular Activity (EVA) 80 Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Processing Team - Successful identification of the source of anomalous water in the EVA helmet and ensuring safe and successful EVA operations for the future.
Kennedy Space Center Weather Team - Exceptional initiative, vision, and excellence in protecting NASA people, property, and assets from weather affecting their success.
Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Service Life Extension Team of United States Space Force - Outstanding contributions to the Acquisition Strategy for Service Life Extension of Narrowband Satellite Communications Space and Ground Segments.
Orion Program Artemis 1 Mission Team of Lockheed Martin and NASA Johnson Space Center - Successful completion of the first mission around the Moon and back for a human-rated spacecraft since 1972, serving as the first step to return humans back to the surface of the Moon and beyond.
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L to R: Bob Hines (presenting), Phuong Phan (Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Service Life Extension Team of United States Space Force), Angela Kibler (Callisto Technology Demonstration Team of Lockheed Martin), Kathy Rice (Kennedy Space Center Weather Team), Wesley W. Wilson (KBR US Extravehicular Activity (EVA) 80 Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Processing Team), Steve VanKeuren (International Space Station (ISS) O2 Generator System/Life Support Rack (OGS/LSR) Relocation Team of The Boeing Company), Billy Cairnes (Jacobs Artemis I LH2 Replenish Valve Issue Resolution Team), Blaine Brown and Frank Lin (Orion Program Artemis 1 Mission Team of Lockheed Martin and NASA Johnson Space Center), Kate Rubins (presenting). Not shown: Crew 3 Team of NASA Johnson Space Center, 1st Range Operations Squadron of United States Space Force (RNASA photo, 2023)
Visit http://www.rnasa.org/photos.html for images from the event.
The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation's black-tie Gala on April 28, 2023, was recorded live, in its entirety, by Space City Films and is accessible on the website's agenda page, www.rnasa.org/agenda.html.
About the RNASA Foundation: The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation was founded by the Space Center Rotary Club of Houston, Texas in 1985 to organize and coordinate an annual event to recognize outstanding achievements in space and create greater public awareness of the benefits of space exploration. The nonprofit Foundation presents the National Space Trophy and Stellar Awards each year. See http://www.rnasa.org for more information
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Press Release
RNASA Foundation Honors Gwynne Shotwell and Stellar Winners
Rotary National Award for Space Achievement
May 3, 2023
Media Contact: Lindsey Cousins, 281-723-5683, lindsey@baysidegraphics.net
RNASA Foundation Chairman Rodolfo González welcomed the guests to gala, saying that "The RNASA Foundation's mission is to encourage, recognize, honor, and celebrate U.S. space achievement. The members of the foundation truly appreciate the enormity of work that tonight's audience represents."
The Clear Brook High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors, followed by Danny Myers, who sang the National Anthem and a rendition of "Fly Me to the Moon." Reverend Dr. Will Rushing, Pastor at University Baptist Church, provided the invocation.
After dinner, the program kicked off with a year-in-review film by Space City Films. John Zarrella, former CNN correspondent served as the emcee. In his opening remarks, John remarked, "I am thrilled to be back, and honored to serve as master of ceremonies for an event that celebrates both the history of space exploration and the accomplishments of so many important contributors."
Michael Suffredini, Axiom Space President and CEO, was the featured speaker. He commented, "The future of commercial space is here and brighter than ever. Thanks to trailblazers like Gwynne we stand at the precipice of new era in space exploration. An era where access to low earth orbit is no longer a privilege reserved for a select few but a shared resource that unites nations, organizations and individuals to assume knowledge and innovation."
Stellar Awards were presented to 19 individuals and 9 teams. The Stellar Award winners were announced by NASA Astronauts Bob Hines, and Kate Rubins, who then presented them with engraved marble trophies. The Stellar Awards were presented in Early Career, Mid-Career, Late Career, and Team categories.
Rob Meyerson, Founder and CEO of Delalune Space presented the prestigious National Space Trophy to Gwynne Shotwell. While introducing Gwynne, Rob commented "launching America's astronauts to space is an honor that hand been entrusted to small number of companies the thought that a young startup, an outsider could shatter the status quo and help America regain its leadership in human spaceflight... Gwynne and her team at Space X did just that."
During her acceptance speech, Shotwell remarked, "The partnerships that we have shared with NASA through the joy and tears has been extraordinary." When speaking about one such joint partnership, Gwynne said, "It (Starship) represented an extraordinary success for us. We will look back on April 20, 2023 and realize that was the moment that we knew that we could go live on other planets. Now we all know we can go to the Moon but that was the day that we can look back and say we can go past the moon...and that's actually why I work at SpaceX because I want to be part of the group of folks that have worked enough, demonstrated enough that we can ultimately get people flying out amongst the stars."
Lt. Gen Thomas P. Stafford, USAF (Ret.), Gemini and Apollo astronaut, and the 1993 National Space Trophy winner, presented an OMEGA speedmaster watch to Shotwell. Stafford commented, "you have shown a strong performance over many years in various aspects of the aerospace industry. We have had six successful launches of the Falcon Dragon and I wish you many, many more."
A portrait of Shotwell by Pat Rawlings was on display at the gala and used as the cover of the souvenir program. The portrait will become part of the National Space Trophy display at Space Center Houston for one year.
RNASA Chairman Rodolfo González concluded the evening by thanking the Foundation's corporate sponsors whose support and achievements made the event possible: Aegis Aerospace, Inc., Aerojet Rocketdyne, The Aerospace Corporation, All Points Logistics, ARES Corporation, ASRC Federal, Axiom Space, Barrios Technology, Bastion Technologies, Inc., Blue Origin, The Boeing Company, CACI International, Collins Aerospace, Deloitte, Draper, ERC, Ethos, GeoControl Systems Inc, ICON, Jacobs, JES Tech, KBR, Leidos, Lockheed Martin, MORI Associates, MRI Technologies, Nanoracks, Northrop Grumman, Oceaneering International, Paragon Space Development, SAIC, SpaceX, TEAGUE, TTTech North America, Inc., United Launch Alliance, V2X, Vericon Technical Services, and Wellby Financial.
Visit http://www.rnasa.org/photos.html for images from the event.
The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation's black-tie Gala on April 28, 2023, was recorded live, in its entirety, by Space City Films and is accessible on the website's agenda page, www.rnasa.org/agenda.html.
About the RNASA Foundation: The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation was founded by the Space Center Rotary Club of Houston, Texas in 1985 to organize and coordinate an annual event to recognize outstanding achievements in space and create greater public awareness of the benefits of space exploration. The nonprofit Foundation presents the National Space Trophy and Stellar Awards each year. See http://www.rnasa.org for more information.
Read the press release as a PDF
Press Release
Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, to Receive the 2023 National Space Trophy
Rotary National Award for Space Achievement
January 26, 2023
Media Contact: Lindsey Cousins, 281-480-2486, lindsey@baysidegraphics.net
Rodolfo Gonzalez, president of the RNASA Foundation, said, "The RNASA Foundation is excited to recognize Ms. Shotwell as the guest of honor at the 2023 Space Award Gala."
Shotwell was nominated for the award by Rob Meyerson, founder and CEO of Delalune Space. In recommending Shotwell, Meyerson described her as "a strong leader, engineer, and trusted partner to NASA, the Air Force, the National Security community, and commercial customers." In a 2020 Bloomberg article, Matthew Desch, CEO of Iridium Communications Inc. said, "She's got the technical savvy, and that underpins her being a great salesperson. But she never tries to oversell, and she's always open and honest."
Shotwell joined SpaceX in 2002 as its first Vice President of Business Development. One of the company's first dozen employees, she was initially responsible for selling launches to commercial and government customers before the company had operational rockets.
Shotwell became President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX in 2008. She is responsible for day-to-day operations, including production, launch, sales, mission management, finance, and management of all customer and strategic relations to support company growth. As President, she leads more than 10,000 employees.
SpaceX has gained worldwide attention for a series of historic milestones. In 2008, Its Falcon 1 rocket was the first privately developed liquid fuel rocket to successfully reach Earth orbit. In 2012, SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft became the first commercial spacecraft to deliver cargo to and from the International Space Station, and it continues to be the only private company capable of returning a spacecraft from low-Earth orbit. In 2018, Falcon Heavy made its first launch to orbit – with more than 5 million pounds of thrust at liftoff, Falcon Heavy is one of the most capable rockets flying. SpaceX's fleet of reusable Falcon launch vehicles are the first and only orbital class rockets capable of re-flight, completing more than 200 missions to-date. In 2020, SpaceX helped NASA return human spaceflight to the United States, and in 2021 NASA selected SpaceX to develop the Starship human landing system to help return astronauts to the surface of the Moon. SpaceX is also deploying its global Starlink network which is licensed to operate on all seven continents and is providing service to more than 1 million customers around the world.
Shotwell grew up north of Chicago and graduated with honors from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics. She began her aerospace career at The Aerospace Corporation in 1988, where she spent more than ten years in space systems engineering, technology, and project management. She was promoted to chief engineer of an MLV-class satellite program, managed a landmark study for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on commercial space transportation, and completed an extensive analysis of space policy for NASA's future investment in space transportation. She was recruited to Microcosm's Space Systems Division, where she served on the executive committee and directed corporate business development.
Shotwell served on the California Space Authority Board of Directors and its executive committee from 2004 to 2011. In 2014 she was appointed to the Export-Import Bank of the United States Advisory Committee and the FAA Management Advisory Council. Shotwell joined the Polaris Industries board of directors in 2019. She has received the World Technology Award for Individual Achievement in Space, was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame, and is an elected fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Through leadership in both corporate and external programs, Ms. Shotwell has helped raise over $1.4 million for STEM education programs reaching thousands of students nationwide. She has authored dozens of papers on a variety of space-related subjects.
The RNASA Foundation invites members of the public and the aerospace community to attend the black-tie event on April 28, 2023, at the Houston Hyatt Regency, where Ms. Shotwell will be recognized with the National Space Trophy during the 35th annual RNASA gala. Please visit http://www.rnasa.org/tables.html to reserve your table for the gala and find information about sponsorships and tickets. To reserve a room at the Houston Hyatt Regency, please visit http://www.rnasa.org/houston.html or call 713-654-1234 and request the RNASA group rate.
About the RNASA Foundation: The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation was founded by the Space Center Rotary Club of Houston, Texas in 1985 to organize and coordinate an annual event to recognize outstanding achievements in space and create greater public awareness of the benefits of space exploration. The nonprofit Foundation presents the National Space Trophy and Stellar Awards each year. The RNASA website is http://www.rnasa.org.
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