Wyld Propulsion Award Open for Nominations 10 February 2025 1 June 2025

The Propulsion Award and the James H. Wyld Memorial Award honoring the developer of the regeneratively-cooled rocket engine were combined in 1964 to become the James H. Wyld Propulsion Award. In 1975 the name was again modified to the Wyld Propulsion Award, which is now presented for outstanding achievement in the development or application of rocket propulsion systems.

This annual award is generally presented at the AIAA SciTech Forum.

Deadlines:
Accepting Online Nominations: 10 February
Nomination Deadline: 1 June
Endorsement Letters Deadline: 1 July

Award Recipients

2024

  • Prof Joseph Majdalani
    Auburn University
    Awarded
    Award: 2024 AIAA Wyld Propulsion Award
    AIAA Citation: For groundbreaking theoretical modeling and research on cyclonic rocket engines, revolutionizing the understanding of these and many other liquid, solid, and hybrid rocket engines.

2023

  • Rodney L Burton
    CU Aerospace LLC
    Awarded
    Award: 2023 AIAA Wyld Propulsion Award
    AIAA Citation: For distinguished enhancement of science and innovation in the field of electric space propulsion, education of scientist engineers, and entrepreneurial leadership in aerospace engineering.

2022

  • Dr Daniel J Dorney
    NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center
    Awarded
    Award: 2022 AIAA Wyld Propulsion Award
    AIAA Citation: “For his leadership, sustained contributions, and outstanding dedication to the design, development, testing, and operation of propulsion systems critical to our nation’s future in space.”

2021

  • Dr Stephen D Heister
    Purdue University
    Awarded
    Award: 2021 AIAA Wyld Propulsion Award
    AIAA Citation: “For continuous leadership in advancing rocket propulsion engineering through state-of-the-art computational and experimental research and decades of mentorship of students.”

2020

  • Prof Alec D Gallimore
    University of Michigan
    Awarded
    Award: 2019 Wyld Propulsion Award
    AIAA Citation: “For groundbreaking achievements and leadership in technology and workforce development that has contributed significantly to increased utilization of spacecraft electric propulsion systems.”

2019

  • Dr Stanley K Borowski
    Awarded
    Award: 2019 Wyld Propulsion Award
    AIAA Citation: For sustained outstanding contributions in advanced propulsion, including the development and application of nuclear thermal propulsion for future human lunar and Mars exploration missions.

2018

  • Mr T. Kent Pugmire
    Spincraft, Division of Standex International Corporation
    Awarded
    Award: 2018 Wylde Propulsion Award

2017

  • Mr. John R Brophy
    Jet Propulsion Laboratory
    Awarded
    Award: For leadership and technical contributions resulting in the implementation of electric propulsion on deep-space NASA missions and enabling the Asteroid Retrieval Mission.
    AIAA Citation: Propulsion and Energy Group

2016

  • Dr Gary A Flandro
    Gloyer Taylor Laboratories
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For exceptional contributions to the knowledge base and technology implementation of rocket propulsion and astronautics, especially in solid and liquid propellant rocket combustion instability and interior ballistics.

2015

  • Mr R Carl Stechman
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For over 50 years of development and integration of storable rocket engines into Space Systems from Apollo, to the Space Shuttle, to Orion.

2014

  • Dr Roger M Myers
    Aerojet Rocketdyne
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For sustained high-value contributions to propulsion for U.S. and international space systems and services to aerospace propulsion communities.

2012

  • Prof Robert G Jahn
    Princeton University
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For pioneering research and educational leadership in the field of electromagnetic plasma propulsion for spacecraft

2011

  • Prof Kenneth K. Kuo
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For numerous seminal contributions to advancements in hybrid rocket and solid rocket propulsion systems.

2010

  • Russell A Ellis
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For significant improvements to solid and liquid nozzle reliability and performance through introduction and demonstration of innovative design concepts incorporating new composite materials.

2009

  • Prof William A Sirignano
    University of California, Irvine
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For extensive and fundamental contributions to the advancement of chemical rocket propulsion through theories of nonsteady combustion and fluid dynamics.

2008

  • Dr Paul J Wilbur
    Colorado State University
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: In recognition of outstanding technical contributions and leadership in developing electrostatic thrusters and hollow cathode sources that significantly enhance commercial and government inspace propulsion capabilities.

2007

  • Mr. Frederick A Boorady
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For multiple contributions to the development of numerous liquid propulsion technologies as well as developing and fielding multiple liquid propulsion systems.

2006

  • Dr Frank M Curran
    Aerojet Rocketdyne
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: In recognition of technical contributions and program leadership resulting in the successful development and first U.S. flight tests of arcjet, NSTAR, and Hall-effect thrusters.

2005

  • Dr Ghanshyam P Purohit
    The Aerospace Corporation
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For technical expertise, leadership, and innovative contributions to hypergolic bipropellant systems and zero-gravity capillary flow devices.

2004

  • Mr. Thomas L Boggs
    Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding contribution to the field of solid rocket technology

2003

  • Dr Stanley V Gunn
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For substantial technical achievement contributions in the areas of chemical combustion instability, hydrogen pumping, thermal management, and nuclear rocket technologies for second-generation propulsion systems

2002

  • Yvonne C Brill
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For pioneering innovations in electric on-orbit propulsion systems, management leadership, and essential liquid engine and solid booster design contributions, resulting in extraordinary and sustained benefits to the US space program

2001

  • Dr Franklin R Chang-Diaz
    Ad Astra Rocket Company
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For pioneering contributions toward the development of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket, a new and visionary propulsion technology that could dramatically shorten human transit time between planets

1998

  • Prof Herman Krier
    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions in analytical and experimental studies of solid propellant combustion mechanisms and advancing the understanding of combustion stability of solid rocket motors

1997

  • Dr Leonard H Caveny
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For conduct and leadership of programs in solid and electric propulsion that significantly advanced U.S. space propulsion capabilities and competitiveness

1996

  • Prof Richard H Sforzini
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions to expansion, improvement, and dissemination of solid propulsion technology and for fostering its application within academia and throughout the industry

1995

  • Prof John R Osborn
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions in analytical and experimental studies of liquid and solid rocket propulsion combustion phenomena which contributed to the successful development of rocket propulsion systems including the Space Shuttle Main Engine and the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Motor

1994

  • Dr Richard R Weiss
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For leadership in developing propulsion technology for air-launched and ballistic missiles and launch vehicles

1993

  • Allan J McDonald
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For sustained professionalism, leadership, and integrity displayed throughout his career, especially during the events surrounding the loss of the Challenger and the recovery of safe shuttle operation

1992

  • Robert L Sackheim
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For transforming innovative concepts into practical reliable systems which became the backbone of liquid propulsion technology

1991

  • Mr Thomas Davidson
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions that led to the emergence of solid rockets as a major factor in the ballistic missiles and launch vehicles, and leadership that is paving the way for similar successes in the future

1990

  • Dr J Michael Murphy
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For contributions to the field of liquid and solid propulsion technology and his notable achievement in leading the successful Shuttle Return-to-Flight “Propulsion Failure Modes and Effects/Critical Item Evaluation” program

1989

  • James R Sides
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions to the solid propulsion community both as a scientist and manager and for an innovative leadership style which promotes high quality standard and rigid cost controls in the high volume production environment

1988

  • David C Byers
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding and sustained achievement in the development of electric propulsion components and systems

1987

  • A G Casey
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions and leadership in developing the propulsion technology that has been extremely successful in the Minuteman and Peacekeeper ballistic missile programs

1986

  • Dominick Sanchini
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For the successful design, development and operation of the Space Shuttle Main Engine which is one of the greatest engineering accomplishments in aerospace.

1985

  • Dr Rolf S Bruenner
    Awarded-CoRecipients
    AIAA Citation: For jointly inventing solid propellant bonding agent technology, allowing the construction of large motors to proceed with confidence and which increased the useful life of all composite propellant rocket motors
  • Adolph Oberth
    Awarded-CoRecipients
    AIAA Citation: For jointly inventing solid propellant bonding agent technology, allowing the construction of large motors to proceed with confidence and which increased the useful life of all composite propellant rocket motors

1984

  • Mr. Rudi Beichel
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding technical contributions to liquid rocket propulsion throughout a distinguished career, and in particular for his pioneering work in high chamber pressure-staged combustion, dual expander, and dual-fuel engine cycles

1983

  • Gerry R Makepeace
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding leadership, dedication, and support of this nations programs in missile and space vehicle propulsion technology.

1982

  • Lloyd F Kohrs
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding accomplishment in technical leadership during design and development of the Orbit Maneuvering and Aft Reaction Control propulsion systems for the Space Shuttle Orbiter

1981

  • John Kincaid
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For innovative and timely contributions to the solid propulsion community as an inventor, scientist and manager of your continued outstanding technical leadership in the development of propulsion systems for tactical and strategic missiles

1980

  • Howard W Douglass
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For continued and significant contributions to the basic research and technology of rocket propulsion systems

1979

  • Derald A Stuart
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding achievement in the development or application of rocket propulsion systems.

1978

  • William C Rice
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions to the development of solid propellant rocket motors and superior leadership of aerospace technology programs.

1977

  • Martin Summerfield
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For pioneering combustion research and rocketry

1976

  • Howard Seifert
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For leadership in the field of rocket propulsion over the past 3 decades, and for extensive contributions to the technical literature in propulsion and space systems

1975

  • James Lazar
    Awarded-CoRecipients
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding leadership of this nation's advanced propulsion programs in the separate fields of nuclear and electric rocket propulsion.
  • Roderick Spence
    Awarded-CoRecipients
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding leadership of this nation's advanced propulsion programs in the separate fields of nuclear and electric rocket propulsion.

1974

  • Clarence W Schnare
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions to the field of rocket propulsion over the last 27 years.

1973

  • G. W Elverum
    Awarded-CoRecipients
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding leadership and technical contribution to the dep throttling rocket engine for the Apollo lunar mission.
  • Norman C Reuel
    Awarded-CoRecipients
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding leadership and technical contribution to the dep throttling rocket engine for the Apollo lunar mission.

1972

  • Dr Karl Klager
    Awarded

1971

  • Luigi M Crocco
    Awarded

1970

  • Hans G Paul
    Awarded-CoRecipients
  • Mr. Joseph G Thibodaux
    Awarded-CoRecipients

1969

  • Dr Harold Kaufman
    Awarded

1968

  • Harold B Finger
    Awarded

1967

  • Adelbert O Tischler
    Awarded

1966

  • Maurice J Zuckrow
    Awarded

1965

  • Dr Werner R Kirchner
    Kirchner Industries, Inc
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions to solidrocketry, including his development of the thrust-vector control and thrust reverser that made possible the use of large, solid-propellant rocket motors in ballistic missiles such as the Polaris.

1963

  • Dr David Altman
    Awarded
  • Maj Gen Joseph S Bleymaier
    Awarded

1962

  • Mr. S. K Hoffman
    Awarded
  • VADM William F Raborn
    Awarded

1961

  • Harrison A Storms
    Awarded

1960

  • Mr. Robert L Johnson
    Awarded
  • Dr Ernst Stuhlinger
    Awarded

1959

  • K J Bossard
    Awarded
  • Ernest Roberts
    Awarded

1958

  • Barnet R Adelman
    Awarded
  • Holger N Toftoy
    Awarded

1957

  • Dr William H Pickering
    Lignetics Inc
    Awarded
  • Levering Smith
    Awarded

1956

  • Louis G Dunn
    Awarded
  • Bruce H Sage
    Awarded

1955

  • D. S Miller
    Awarded
  • Dr John P Stapp
    Awarded

1954

  • Dr Harold W Ritchey
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions to the field of solid propellant rocketry and specifically for the developments which removed the size limitations of solid-propellant rockets.
  • Mr. Milton W Rosen
    Awarded

1953

  • Charles E Bartley
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: for outstanding contributions.

1952

  • A L Antonio
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For aggressive leadership in building an outstanding research and development organization in the field of solid propellant rockets; and for the development of advanced types of solid propellant rockets for specific guided missile and assist take-off applications.

1951

  • Dr William H Avery
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: for outstanding work in solid propellant rockets

1950

  • COL Leslie Skinner
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: for outstanding work in solid propellant rockets

1949

  • James A Van Allen
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: for outstanding work in solid propellant rockets

1948

  • Frank Malina
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: for outstanding work in solid propellant rockets