Aerospace CEO Wins AIAA Von Braun Award

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., September 1, 2010 - The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has awarded Dr. Wanda Austin, president and CEO of The Aerospace Corporation, the 2010 AIAA von Braun Award for Excellence in Space Program Management.

Austin, an AIAA Fellow, received the award at a noon awards luncheon Sept. 1 held in conjunction with the AIAA SPACE 2010 Conference and Exhibition in Anaheim, Calif. The award was presented by former AIAA President George Muellner.

The Aerospace CEO was honored for her "significant contributions in satellite acquisition, systems engineering and system simulation, and for leadership in ensuring not only technical excellence but space mission success."

Austin joined The Aerospace Corporation in 1979, and became president and CEO in 2008.

She is a current member of the Defense Science Board and the International Academy of Astronautics, and also served on President Obama's Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee, more commonly known as the Augustine Commission.

The AIAA von Braun Award gives national recognition for outstanding achievements in the architecture, analysis, design and implementation of space systems. The award honors Dr. Wernher von Braun, one of the world's first and foremost rocket engineers, and a leading authority on space travel.

Contact Pam Keeton, 703-812-0648 or Pamela.V.Keeton@aero.org.