On August 13, NAA announced that the United States Department of the Air Force - Boeing X-37B Team was named as the recipient of the 2019 Robert J. Collier Trophy for "... developing and employing the world's only reusable, autonomous space plane, which logged more than 2,865 days in orbit across five missions, changing access to space and serving as the nation's workhorse in space experimentation and technology."
The Collier Trophy is awarded annually for the greatest achievement in aeronautics and astronautics in America, with respect to improving performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been throughly demonstrated by actual use during the proceeding year.
"The X-37B team win of the 2019 National Aeronautic Association Robert J. Collier Trophy exemplifies the kind of lean, agile and innovative technological development our nation needs to secure its interests," said U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. John "Jay" Raymond. "The ability to test new systems in space and return them to Earth is unique to the X-37B and enables the U.S. to more efficiently and effectively develop spacepower to maintain superiority in the space domain."
The 2019 Collier Trophy will be presented on a date to be determined. To learn more about X-37B and the Collier Trophy, please
view the press release.
NAA and the National Aviation Hall of Fame will continue our webinar series on September 10 at 2:00 p.m. ET with
Sustainability and Innovation: Ensuring the Future of Aviation. Join expert panelists Ed Bolen, President & CEO, NBAA; George Bye, Founder & CEO, Bye Aerospace; Roei Ganzarski, CEO, magniX; and Nancy Young, Vice President of Environmental Affairs, Airlines for America, as they discuss the future of aviation. Society expects aircraft that are environmentally compliant, and customers need aircraft that are efficient, economical, and able to perform years from purchase. How is this going to happen and who is going to meet these challenges? Find out on September 10!
Earlier this week, the
National Aviation Hall of Fame shared a clip from their documentary that will be available on United Airlines in-flight programing beginning this fall. The documentary was written and directed by Emmy Award winning filmmakers Adam and Kara White of Hemlock Films. Director Kara White shared, "This project is truly special because it unites the legacy of the NAHF Enshrinees with the progress of aviation, and the raw talent of Noa while she is honoring Bessie Coleman."
NAHF Chairman Michael Quiello said, "Our documentary follows Noa as she visits the historically significant aviation sites in our hometown of Dayton, Ohio." Quiello added, "This short video specifically features how we came to know Noa and why she is our star. It is also why the NAHF mission, to "honor the past to inspire future generations" is so important and why we do what we do."
Identifying and honoring our leaders in aerospace with some of America's most important aviation awards is vital to NAA's mission. This process depends heavily on having an excellent group of nominations for the selection committee to review and consider. Any individual can put forth a qualified nominee for NAA awards and we hope that you will consider submitting a nomination for the following:
For questions regarding NAA awards, please contact Stephanie Griffith, Director of Awards, Events, and Membership at
sgriffith@naa.aero. We look forward to receiving your nominations for our industry leaders!
