IAF Honors Space Technology Hall of Fame Inductee

 United States Air Force Space Command and Lockheed Martin Space Systems were recognized last month by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) for contributions to the Global Positioning System (GPS) program. IAF presented the two organizations with a special, one-time IAF 60th Anniversary Award during the International Astronautical Congress in Cape Town, South Africa.

GPS was inducted into the Space Foundation Space Technology Hall of Fame in 1998 and is recognized as one of the major space technologies that improve the quality of life on Earth. Responses to a recent Space Foundation online survey revealed that 24 percent of participants said that GPS is the most influential space technology in our modern society; 29 percent said that they couldn't live without GPS.

Created by the Space Foundation in 1988, the Space Technology Hall of Fame recognizes the life-changing technologies emerging from the world's space programs; honors the scientists, engineers and innovators responsible; and communicates to the public the importance of these technologies as a return on investment in space exploration.

In addition to affording innovators much deserved recognition, the program encourages further innovation. Inducted technologies improve the daily quality of life for millions.

AFSPC Commander Gen William L. Shelton, USAF, who accepted the IAF award, is also slated to be a speaker at the Space Foundation's upcoming 28th National Space Symposium, April 16-19, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Space Foundation has begun work on a permanent physical Space Technology Hall of Fame exhibit at its new headquarters in Colorado Springs. To learn more about the Space Technology Hall of Fame program and inducted technologies or to make a contribution of funds or materials to the physical exhibit effort, visit www.spacetechhalloffame.org. To submit a nomination of one of the many technologies deserving recognition, click here.

Lockheed Martin is a Space Foundation Platinum Member.

 

 

This article is part of Space Watch: November 2011 (Volume: 10, Issue: 11).