American Astronautical Society
Encyclopedia
Formed in 1954, the American Astronautical Society (AAS) is an independent scientific and technical group in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 dedicated to the advancement of space science
Space science
The term space science may mean:* The study of issues specifically related to space travel and space exploration, including space medicine.* Science performed in outer space ....

 and exploration
Space exploration
Space exploration is the use of space technology to explore outer space. Physical exploration of space is conducted both by human spaceflights and by robotic spacecraft....

. AAS supports NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...

's Vision for Space Exploration
Vision for Space Exploration
The Vision for Space Exploration is the United States space policy which was announced on January 14, 2004 by President George W. Bush. It is seen as a response to the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, the state of human spaceflight at NASA, and a way to regain public enthusiasm for space...

 and is a member of the Coalition for Space Exploration
Coalition for Space Exploration
The Coalition for Space Exploration is an advocacy organization for space industry businesses and non-profit groups supporting continued government investment in space exploration.-Members of the Public Affairs Team:*Aerojet...

 and the Space Exploration Alliance
Space Exploration Alliance
On June 3, 2004, thirteen of the United States' premier space advocacy groups, industry associations and space policy organizations teamed up to form an umbrella organization known as the Space Exploration Alliance...

. The AAS also focuses on strengthening the global space program through cooperation with international space organizations.

AAS members include: engineers, scientists, administrators, institutions and corporations working in support of the nation
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

's space activities, as well as military space specialists, physicians, lawyers, educators, historians, journalists, artists and other professionals.

The AAS has long been recognized for the excellence of its national meetings, symposia and publications as well as for the impact these have had on shaping the U.S. space program. Members have opportunities to meet with leaders in their field and in related disciplines, exchange information and ideas, discuss career aspirations and expand their horizons.

The AAS has materially aided our nation in addressing future challenges by sponsoring professional, scientific and engineering meetings and by maintaining an effective publications program. The strong and active participation of corporate members, together with the support of major elements of the space industry, have enabled the Society to remain at the forefront of advancing the astronautical sciences.

AAS awards

The American Astronautical Society established the AAS awards to recognize outstanding contributions in space flight and space exploration; flight testing; space science and technology; commercial utilization of space technology; space flight safety; space flight mechanics and astrodynamics
Astrodynamics
Orbital mechanics or astrodynamics is the application of ballistics and celestial mechanics to the practical problems concerning the motion of rockets and other spacecraft. The motion of these objects is usually calculated from Newton's laws of motion and Newton's law of universal gravitation. It...

; extravehicular protection in space; public leadership in promoting the Nation's space programs and policies; development of space systems for National defense
Defense (military)
Defense has several uses in the sphere of military application.Personal defense implies measures taken by individual soldiers in protecting themselves whether by use of protective materials such as armor, or field construction of trenches or a bunker, or by using weapons that prevent the enemy...

; and to recognize books that further public understanding of the impact of astronautics upon society.

The awards are listed in the order in which they were established by the Society:
  • Space Flight Award
  • Melbourne W. Boynton Award
  • Flight Achievement Award
  • Victor A. Prather Award
    Victor A. Prather Award
    The Victor A. Prather Award is an award established by the American Astronautical Society "to promote understanding of high altitude environment on humans." It is awarded to to "researchers, engineers and flight crew members in the field of extravehicular protection or activity in space."The award...

  • William Randolph Lovelace II Award
  • Lloyd V. Berkner Award
  • Dirk Brouwer Award
    Dirk Brouwer Award (American Astronautical Society)
    The Dirk Brouwer Award was established by the American Astronautical Society to honor significant technical contributions to space flight mechanics and astrodynamics and to recognize Dirk Brouwer's outstanding role in celestial mechanics and his widespread influence on workers in space flight and...

  • John F. Kennedy Astronautics Award
  • Eugene M. Emme Astronautical Literature Award
  • Military Astronautics Award
  • Industrial Leadership Award
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Carl Sagan Memorial Award
    Carl Sagan Memorial Award
    The Carl Sagan Memorial Award is an award presented jointly by the American Astronautical Society and The Planetary Society to an individual or group "who has demonstrated leadership in research or policies advancing exploration of the Cosmos." The annual award, first presented in 1997, was created...

  • Advancement of International Cooperation Award

The AAS was awarded the Space Foundation
Space Foundation
The Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the global space industry through information and education programs. It is a resource for the entire space community - industry, national security organizations, civil space agencies, private space companies and the military around the...

's Space Achievement Award in 1996.
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