Space Foundation honors Dr. Simon Ramo with General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 14, 2006) — The Space Foundation announced today that Dr. Simon Ramo is the 2007 recipient of its highest award – the General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award. Ramo will be honored at a special luncheon on Wednesday, April 11 in Colorado Springs during the 23rd National Space Symposium. The Boeing Company is the co-sponsor of the luncheon. The National Space Symposium is the premier annual space industry conference and is scheduled April 9-12, 2007, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. “It is especially gratifying to honor Dr. Ramo as our 2007 honoree,” said Space Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Elliot G. Pulham. “Dr. Ramo long has been dedicated to advancing the exploration and development of space and ensuring the United States remains a leader in science and technology.” The Space Foundation annually presents the Hill award in honor of its late, long-time chairman, retired U.S. Air Force General James E. Hill. The award recognizes outstanding individuals who have distinguished themselves through lifetime contributions to the welfare or betterment of humankind through the exploration, development and use of space, or the use of space technology, information, themes or resources in academic, cultural, industrial or other pursuits of broad benefit to humanity. Nominations are solicited from throughout the space industry worldwide, and the board of directors of the Space Foundation selects the honoree. Ramo was selected as the recipient of the Hill Award for his accomplishments in the beginning of our nation’s space programs and enduring commitment to our nation’s engineering capability and its civil, commercial, and national security space programs. Ramo has been characterized as “the architect of the Thor, Atlas, and Titan rockets” and provided the scientific foundation and forged the essential cooperation between the Air Force and defense industry necessary for the nation’s national security space program. Ramo earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at the University of Utah and a doctorate in electrical engineering and physics from the California Institute of Technology. Before the age of 30, he had 25 patents, was made a fellow of the American Physical Society, and had attained worldwide recognition as a pioneer in microwave technology as a scientist at General Electric (GE), where he developed GE’s electron microscope. Ramo helped the United States become the world leader in space technology and applications. He was the leading civilian in the Air Force’s ballistic missile program, which provided the space launch vehicles for NASA manned and robotic missions from the 1960s onward. Serving on many national advisory committees, Ramo has remained active in ensuring the nation’s leadership in science and technology. He was chairman of the President’s Commission on Science and Technology under President Ford and was co-chairman of the Transition Task Force on Science and Technology under President Reagan. Additionally, he was a consultant for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Ramo also served on the Space Foundation’s board of directors from 1988 to 1991. Ramo co-founded TRW and Bunker-Ramo, both Fortune 500 companies. He is a founding member of the National Academy of Engineering and has authored dozens of books. This year marks the sixth annual presentation of the General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award. Previous award recipients are Dr. Buzz Aldrin, Jr., Colonel, USAF (Retired), Edward C. “Pete” Aldridge, Jr., Gen Bernard A. Schriever, USAF (Retired), CAPT James Lovell, Jr., USN (Retired), and Norman R. Augustine. More than 7,000 registrants, guests, speakers, exhibitors, and media are expected to attend the 23rd National Space Symposium. The most senior executive leadership from NASA and other space and government agencies, the commercial space and satellite broadcasting industry, research universities and academia, space tourism concerns, the Department of Defense, military space commands and the global space industry come to Colorado Springs for the four day conference that addresses civil, commercial, and national security space issues. Confirmed featured speakers at the conference are Under Secretary of the Air Force The Honorable Dr. Ronald M. Sega, NASA Administrator The Honorable Dr. Michael D. Griffin, Director of the National Reconnaissance Office Dr. Donald M. Kerr, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen T. Michael Moseley, Commander of Air Force Space Command Gen Kevin P. Chilton, and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lockheed Martin Corporation Mr. Robert J. Stevens. Highlights of the 23rd National Space Symposium also will include an extensive exhibit center showcasing more than 135 companies and organizations, co-sponsored by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.; a spectacular opening ceremony, co-sponsored by Northrop Grumman, opening reception, co-sponsored by the Colorado Space Coalition, and opening night fireworks and dessert reception, co-sponsored by United Space Alliance; the Corporate Partnership reception, co-sponsored by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Partnership dinner, co-sponsored by Raytheon Company; and the Space Technology Hall of Fame dinner, co-sponsored by Lockheed Martin. Additional sponsors of the symposium are Analytical Graphics, Inc., ATK, Aviation Week, Cisco, General Dynamics, Infinite Links, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Space News, and ITT. Visit www.NationalSpaceSymposium.org for secure online registration, ongoing updates to the agenda, a full list of confirmed and invited featured speakers, and recognition of the corporate sponsors and media partners who contribute greatly to the success of the conference. About the Space Foundation Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that vigorously advances civil, commercial, and national security space endeavors and inspires, enables, and propels tomorrow’s explorers. The Space Foundation also has an office in Washington, D.C., and Field Representatives in New York, Houston and Cape Canaveral, Fla. Along with partnering organizations, the Space Foundation also conducts Strategic Space and Defense, Oct. 9-11, 2007, in Omaha, Neb. For more information, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org.