Air Force Space Command - SpaceMissilePioneers

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Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers

In conjunction with the Air Force's 50th anniversary and Air Force Space Command's 15th anniversary in 1997, the award was formalized into an official Air Force award. Since then a select few have been honored with the award each year.

Space Missile Pioneers Program

In May 1989 the United States Air Force and the National Space Club initiated unofficially the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Award. Ten honorees received the award at that time. In 1997, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Air Force and the 15th anniversary of the Air Force Space Command, the award was formalized into an official Air Force award. Since then a select few have been honored with the award each year.

The purpose of the award is to:

Recognize individuals who played a significant role in the history of Air Force space and missile programs.

Educate Air Force Space Command personnel, Air Force personnel, other DoD members, and the general public about the contributions of significant figures in Air Force space and missile history.

Generate interest in the study of Air Force space and missile history.

Encourage Air Force Space Command and other Air Force personnel to appreciate and understand their space and missile heritage.

The award is presented annually and consists of:

A trophy inscribed with the name of the honored individual and the year presented. A photo or likeness of the individual accompanied by a short description of the honoree's accomplishments which will be mounted with other winners in the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame.

To be eligible for the award, a nominee:

Must be an individual (living or deceased), not a corporation or organization; may be an Air Force member, an Air Force civilian, an Air Force contractor, retired Air Force member, retired Air Force civilian, or other individual connected to the Air Force presently or in the past.

Must have made significant pioneering contributions to Air Force space and missile history in the applicable time frame.

Must have made the contribution to the history of Air Force space and missile programs for the period 1965 and earlier. Thereafter, the period considered will be advanced one year on an annual basis (i.e., 1966 and earlier, etc.).