Relay Satellite Team Receives Gold Medal From NRO

CHANTILLY, Va. (7/18/99) -- Employees of The Aerospace Corporation were among the members of a government-industry team receiving a Gold Medal award from the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in ceremonies June 22.

The award was presented by NRO Director Keith Hall to members of the Relay Satellite Program team at NRO headquarters in Chantilly, Va.

Al Bartels, general manager of the Planning and Communications Division, National Systems Group, accepted the award for The Aerospace Corporation on behalf of Rod Lochmann, systems director of the Communications Systems office, his program office staff, and the 109 engineers and scientists of the Engineering and Technology Group who support the program.

The occasion marked the first presentation of a Gold Medal award to a team. All previous Gold Medals have gone to individuals.

The award citation reads in part, "The Relay Satellite Program Team of government, military, and contractor personnel successfully planned and executed a major relay satellite development that met or exceeded every program requirement, while delivering the first relay satellite on schedule and under budget... The distinctive accomplishments of the Relay Satellite Team have brought great credit to the United States of America and the National Reconnaissance Office."