Public Service Award Open for Nominations 1 June 2025 – 1 September 2025
The Public Service Award honors a person who has demonstrated sustained and visible support for aviation and space goals. Nominees may or may not be members of AIAA and should be widely known outside of the aerospace community, should present a positive public image, should support and advocate for the aerospace industry through consistent and visible support of aeronautics and/or astronautics research and development, should demonstrate unhesitant willingness to be identified with aerospace programs/supporters, and should have no personal vested interest in advocacy.
The AIAA Public Policy Committee (PPC) reserves the right to vet all candidates using criteria in concert with its policies and procedures. The AIAA Honors and Awards Committee (HAC) must be informed about any candidate(s) not put forth for a vote at the time the PPC submits its selection report.
Nominees will not be considered if the award could have perceived influence in a federal/state election or political appointment process. If such is the case, consideration of the nominee will be tabled until such time that the said election or political appointment process has concluded. This is to ensure AIAA’s objectivity as an organization.
This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA Awards Gala.
Deadlines:
Accepting Online Nominations: 1 July
Nomination Deadline: 1 September
Endorsement Letters Deadline: 1 October
Award Recipients
2024
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Leland D MelvinAwardedAward: 2024 AIAA Public Service AwardAIAA Citation: For tirelessly promoting STEAM and aerospace to young people of all demographics by word and personal example.
2023
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Bill NyeThe Planetary SocietyAwardedAward: 2023 AIAA Public Service AwardAIAA Citation: For demonstrating sustained and visible support for aviation and space goals through popular media outreach.
2022
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HON Lori B GarverEarthrise AllianceAwardedAward: 2022 AIAA Public Service AwardAIAA Citation: “For sustained leadership in the arenas of public, private, and commercial aviation and aerospace research, development, technology transition, and mentorship.”
2021
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Marcia S SmithSpace and Technology Policy Group, LLCAwardedAward: 2021 AIAA Public Service AwardAIAA Citation: “For a lifetime and ongoing public support of aerospace, providing cogent analyses of critical, high visibility issues to Congress, the government, and the general public.”
2020
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Steve T KnightAwardedAward: 2020 AIAA Public Service AwardAIAA Citation: For Sustained National Leadership and Unmatched Support as a Champion of the Aerospace Industry and its workforce
2019
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Ms Pamela A MelroyMelroy & Hollett Technology Partners, LLCAwardedAward: For excellence in public service to the aerospace community in the United States and world through military and civilian service, spaceflight, engineering, and research excellence.AIAA Citation: For excellence in public service to the aerospace community in the United States and world through military and civilian service, spaceflight, engineering, and research excellence.
2018
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Dr George C NieldCommercial Space Technologies, LLCAwardedAward: “For his dedicated service to our nation’s space programs, and his ongoing efforts to encourage, facilitate, and promote commercial space transportation.”AIAA Citation: “For his dedicated service to our nation’s space programs, and his ongoing efforts to encourage, facilitate, and promote commercial space transportation.”
2017
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Maj Gen Charles BoldenNASA HeadquartersAwardedAIAA Citation: For outstanding service and leadership to our nation’s space program, advancing its economic competitiveness and ensuring the nation’s security.
2016
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Kay IveyAwardedAIAA Citation: For public service as a distinguished leader and stalwart supporter of the aerospace industry and profession in Alabama and throughout the nation.
2015
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Ralph M HallUnited States House of RepresentativesAwardedAIAA Citation: For outstanding service and leadership to the U.S. space program, advancing its economic competitiveness and ensuring the nation’s security
2014
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Dr Kathie L OlsenScienceWorksAwardedAIAA Citation: “For a lifetime of personal and professional commitment to the advancement of science in aerospace and biological fields, and for inspiring the next generation of scientists around the globe.”
2013
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Neil deGrasse TysonAwardedAIAA Citation: For exceptional contributions promoting the public consciousness of aerospace’s societal benefits and dynamic advocacy for aerospace education and research, space exploration, and U. S. aerospace preeminence.
2011
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Dr Richard R JohnAwardedAIAA Citation: For excellence in national leadership and lifelong contributions to the nation's aviation and aerospace enterprise.
2010
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Mr Miles O'BrienMiles O'Brien Productions, LLCAwardedAIAA Citation: For the most respected coverage of aviation and space as aerospace’s most visible ambassador and champion - engaging and inspiring an entire generation of space enthusiasts.
2009
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Dr Duncan CoppAwardedAIAA Citation: For stimulating public interest in science and technology, specifically in space exploration, through a dedicated career focusing upon the achievements and wonderment of man’s space exploration
2008
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Ms. Amanda Wright LaneAwardedAIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions to the aeronautics industry on national and international levels, and for dedicated efforts to preserve aviation history through education and outreach.
2007
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CongM David L. HobsonUnited States CongressAwardedAIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions and service to the aerospace industry and community.
2005
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ADM Harold W GehmanAwardedAIAA Citation: For your lifetime commitment to public service and for your work as Chairman of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.
2004
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HON Robert S WalkerThe Wexler & Walker Public PolicyAwardedAIAA Citation: In recognition of longstanding leadership and support of space, science, technology and energy issues during a distinguished career as a Congressman and Presidential Advisor
2003
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Dr Eilene M GallowayIntl Inst of Space LawAwardedAIAA Citation: For her instrumental role in formiulating space legistation and guiding its implementation for over four decades.
2002
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Wayne Curtis "Curt" WeldenAwardedAIAA Citation: In honor of your leadership and dedication to advancing our nation’s superior armed services capabilities
2001
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James F SensenbrennerUnited States House of RepresentativesAwardedAIAA Citation: For outstanding leadership in the interest of science and its applications and for years of service, devotion and loyalty to objectives of the aerospace industry.
1999
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John HollimanAwardedAIAA Citation: In recognition of distinguished service for the civil space program and for providing inspiration to the public on the benefits of space exploration
1998
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Barbara A MikulskiUnited States House of RepresentativesAwardedAIAA Citation: In recognition of distinguished service for the civil space program and for providing inspiration to the public on the benefits of space exploration
1997
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Dr Michael DeBakeyAwardedAIAA Citation: In recognition of the application of space-based research and technologies to trailblazing work in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and untiring efforts to educate the public and their elected representatives about the medical benefits derived from America’s space program
1996
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Norman Y MinetaDepartment of TransportationAwardedAIAA Citation: In recognition of 20 years of effective supportive involvement in shaping aerospace technology programs as Chairman of the Public Works and Transportation Committee and Member of the House Science and Technology Committee
1995
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George E BrownAwardedAIAA Citation: For three decades of consistent and enthusiastic leadership providing support for and promoting advances in the civil space program of the United States.
1994
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Gerald L BalilesAwardedAIAA Citation: For exceptional performance in seeking air transportation policy solutions while educating a broad audience on the role of the aviation industry in maintaining the nation’s economic vitality
1993
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Hugh DownsAwardedAIAA Citation: In recognition of the enduring contributions to the United States space and aeronautics programs through his personal participation and effective use of the news media
1992
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Edwin Jacob "Jake" GarnAwardedAIAA Citation: In recognition of long term service to the United States of America as a dynamic advocate of the United States space program.
1991
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Douglas S MorrowAwardedAIAA Citation: For extraordinary enthusiasm and energy in support of the civil space program, particularly his highly imaginative public service advertising campaign Space Technology--This is What''s In It For You, which describes the benefits of space technology to the nation
1990
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Walter CronkiteAwardedAIAA Citation: In recognition of over 30 years of informative and eloquent reporting on the nation's space program - from Projects Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Skylab through the first flights of the Space Shuttle.
1989
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Dr June V Scobee RodgersChallenger CenterAwardedAIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions and dedication to the education of America's youth, teachers and the public on space, science and technology and their benefits to the nation and its future.
1988
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Barry M GoldwaterUnited States SenateAwardedAIAA Citation: In recognition of over 30 years of distinguished public service as an articulate spokesman for American aviation and space in the US Congress and throughout the world
1987
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T Wendell ButlerAwardedAIAA Citation: For inspired leadership in the founding and growth of the Young Astronaut program, which now encompasses over 7000 chapters and 300,000 members. The AIAA also recognizes Dr. Butler and his staff''s fine efforts to minimize our school children''s trauma following the Challenger accident.
1986
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Gene RoddenberryAwardedAIAA Citation: For his continued enthusiastic support of the nation's space goals and for popularizing futuristic aerospace concepts through his "Star Trek" series.