Collier Trophy
The Robert J. Collier Trophy is the premier annual award in American aeronautics and astronautics, presented for the greatest achievement in the field that demonstrably improves the performance, efficiency, or safety of air or space vehicles through actual use during the preceding year.[1] Established in 1911 by Robert J. Collier, a publisher and president of the Aero Club of America (the predecessor to the National Aeronautic Association), the trophy honors pioneering advancements that have profoundly shaped aviation and space exploration.[1][2] Administered by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) since its inception, the award's selection process involves public nominations submitted between December 1 and January 31, followed by rigorous evaluation of abstracts, supporting documentation, and finalist presentations, culminating in a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C.[1] The trophy itself is a striking bronze sculpture depicting a globe from which two male figures and one female figure rise, symbolizing human aspiration in flight; it rests on two walnut bases engraved with brass plaques listing all recipients, measures approximately 2.16 meters in height, and weighs about 400 pounds.[2] Over more than a century, the Collier Trophy has recognized transformative innovations, beginning with Glenn H. Curtiss in 1911 for developing the hydro-aeroplane, Glenn H. Curtiss in 1912 for developing the flying boat, and Orville Wright in 1913 for developing the automatic stabilizer.[1][2] Subsequent honorees include landmark teams such as the Apollo 11 astronauts in 1969 for the first Moon landing and, most recently, NASA's Parker Solar Probe team in 2024 for achieving record-breaking close approaches to the Sun, advancing solar physics and spacecraft engineering.[2][3] This enduring recognition underscores the trophy's role as a benchmark for excellence, often shared among collaborative efforts from industry, government, and academia that propel humanity's reach into the skies and beyond.[1]History
Establishment
The Collier Trophy was established in 1911 by Robert J. Collier, a publisher and aviation enthusiast who served as president of the Aero Club of America, the predecessor organization to the National Aeronautic Association (NAA).[1][2] In 1910, Collier commissioned the creation of the award to stimulate interest and progress in American aeronautics by recognizing the most significant annual advancements in the field.[1][4] The Aero Club, which administered early awards, aimed to foster innovation during the nascent stages of powered flight, when aviation was still experimental and largely limited to land-based operations.[1] The inaugural Collier Trophy was awarded in 1911 to aviation pioneer Glenn H. Curtiss for his development of the hydro-aeroplane, a seaplane adaptation that enabled aircraft to take off from and land on water.[1][5] On January 26, 1911, Curtiss achieved the first successful hydro-aeroplane flight at San Diego Bay, California, using a modified landplane equipped with floats, which demonstrated practical water-based aviation and opened new possibilities for exploration, transport, and military applications in an era when runways were scarce.[6][7] This breakthrough built on Curtiss's prior successes in aircraft design and helped establish seaplanes as a viable technology, influencing global aviation development shortly after the Wright brothers' initial flights.[6] The physical trophy is a 525-pound bronze sculpture crafted by Baltimore artist Ernest Wise Keyser in 1910, standing over 7 feet tall on a walnut base and depicting a globe from which two male figures and one female figure emerge, symbolizing humanity's progress from balloons to powered flight.[8] Originally named the Aero Club of America Trophy, it was first presented to Curtiss in a ceremony recognizing his hydro-aeroplane innovation, with the NAA later assuming ongoing administration.[1][4]Evolution and Administration
The Collier Trophy, initially focused on individual achievements in early aviation, expanded in the 1920s to recognize contributions from organizations and teams, exemplified by the 1929 award to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) for developing the low-drag engine cowling, which significantly improved aircraft efficiency.[9] This shift broadened the trophy's scope beyond pioneering flights to include engineering innovations that advanced aeronautical performance collectively. Following the onset of the Space Race in the 1950s, the trophy's criteria were updated to encompass astronautics, reflecting the growing integration of space exploration with aeronautical progress; the first space-related award was presented in 1963 to the Mercury 7 astronauts for their pioneering manned space flights in 1962. This evolution aligned the award with broader advancements in air and space vehicles, emphasizing improvements in performance, efficiency, and safety.[1] The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has administered the trophy since its inception, evolving from the Aero Club of America, which was founded in 1905 to promote aviation interests and later renamed the NAA in 1922.[10] Under NAA management, the award became an annual tradition starting in 1911, with formal presentations typically held in Washington, D.C., to honor the preceding year's most significant U.S. achievement.[1] Key administrative milestones include the trophy's permanent display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum since the institution's opening in 1976, where it resides in a dedicated case to symbolize its enduring legacy.[2] In 1978, the trophy's bronze globe top was briefly stolen from a Washington hotel during an awards event but recovered undamaged after 26 hours, abandoned in Fort Foote Park near Oxon Hill, Maryland.[11][12]Award Mechanics
Criteria and Eligibility
The Robert J. Collier Trophy is awarded annually for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, specifically those that improve the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles. This core criterion emphasizes advancements that demonstrate substantial practical benefits, such as enhanced operational capabilities or risk reduction in real-world applications.[1][13] A key requirement is that the achievement's value must be thoroughly demonstrated through actual use during the preceding calendar year, ensuring that only innovations proven in operational contexts—such as the entry into service of new vehicles or systems—are considered. This focus on tangible, in-service impact underscores the award's commitment to contributions that have immediate and verifiable effects on the field, rather than theoretical or experimental developments alone.[1][9] Eligibility extends to individuals, teams, organizations, or companies based in the United States, including foreign subsidiaries that develop and manufacture aerospace products within the U.S. Nominations must identify specific recipients by name, highlighting collaborative efforts where applicable, and the achievements must originate from U.S.-based endeavors.[1] The criteria have remained consistent since the trophy's establishment in 1911, originally focused on aeronautics, with minor updates to incorporate astronautics as the field expanded into space exploration during the mid-20th century. This evolution reflects the award's adaptability to technological progress while maintaining its emphasis on U.S.-driven innovations with proven utility.[1][2]Nomination and Selection Process
The nomination process for the Robert J. Collier Trophy opens annually on December 1 and closes on January 31, with the deadline extended to the next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday.[1] Any individual or group may submit a nomination for achievements in aeronautics or astronautics that occurred primarily in the United States during the preceding calendar year.[1] Required materials include the official Collier Abstract Form, a justification narrative limited to three pages explaining how the achievement meets the award's standards, and up to five supporting letters from credible endorsers; an optional fourth page may propose a citation of 30 words or fewer.[1] All submissions must be compiled as PDFs and emailed to [email protected] (with a copy to [email protected]), using the subject line "Collier Nomination"; nominators receive confirmation within 24 hours, and there is no fee associated with the process.[1] Upon receipt, the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) President, assisted by subject matter experts, reviews all nominations for completeness and alignment with eligibility criteria during an initial screening phase.[1] A shortlist of finalists—typically 3 to 5, though occasionally more—is then selected to advance.[14][15] Finalists are notified and invited to present their accomplishments in person in Washington, D.C., on March 20, with each team delivering a 10-minute oral presentation followed by a 20-minute question-and-answer session before the NAA Selection Committee; up to four representatives per team may participate.[1] Following the presentations, the Selection Committee—a diverse panel of aviation and aerospace leaders—deliberates to determine the winner based on the demonstrated impact and innovation of the nominated achievements.[16] The selected recipient is notified immediately, and the NAA issues an official announcement via press release shortly thereafter, often in late March or early April.[1] The formal award presentation occurs at the annual Collier Dinner, a gala event held in Washington, D.C., typically in spring or summer, where the trophy is bestowed amid recognition of the year's contributions to the field.[1] This structured timeline and procedure have remained consistent since the trophy's early years, providing a rigorous and transparent evaluation framework.[1]Recipients
Early Recipients (1911–1940)
The Collier Trophy's inaugural decades, from 1911 to 1940, honored foundational advancements in aeronautics amid aviation's rapid evolution from fragile experiments to practical transport. Awards were intermittent, with no presentations from 1917 to 1920 due to World War I's demands on resources and innovation, reflecting the era's challenges in sustaining peacetime recognition. Overall, 26 recipients were selected, emphasizing individual inventors and early institutions that improved flight safety through stabilization and navigation tools, efficiency via engine and propeller designs, and performance by enabling longer ranges and diverse operations. These contributions marked aviation's shift from spectacle to utility, fostering public confidence and commercial viability.[17][1] The following table summarizes the early recipients and their achievements:| Year | Recipient(s) | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1911 | Glenn H. Curtiss | Successful development of the hydro-aeroplane, which allowed aircraft to operate from water, broadening accessibility and reducing reliance on land-based infrastructure.[17] |
| 1912 | Glenn H. Curtiss | Invention of the single-pontoon seaplane and development of the flying boat, enhancing stability and versatility for marine environments and early naval applications.[17] |
| 1913 | Orville Wright | Development of the automatic stabilizer, a precursor to autopilots that improved control and reduced pilot fatigue, advancing safer sustained flight.[17] |
| 1914 | Elmer A. Sperry and Lawrence B. Sperry | Development of the gyroscopic control system, enabling automatic stabilization and safer navigation in turbulent conditions.[17] |
| 1915 | W. Starling Burgess | Development of Burgess-Dunne hydro-aeroplanes, featuring tailless designs for inherent stability, which improved handling and reduced crash risks in early seaplanes.[17] |
| 1916 | Elmer A. Sperry | Development of the Sperry drift indicator, a navigation instrument that corrected for wind effects, enhancing accuracy in cross-country flights.[17] |
| 1917–1920 | None | No awards presented due to World War I.[17] |
| 1921 | Grover C. Loening | Development of the Aerial Yacht, a luxury flying boat that demonstrated reliable private air travel, promoting aviation's recreational and executive potential.[17] |
| 1922 | Personnel of the U.S. Air Mail Service | Completing a year of national operation without a fatal accident, showcasing operational safety protocols that built trust in scheduled air services.[17] |
| 1923 | Pilots and personnel of the U.S. Air Mail Service | Implementation of night flight operations, extending service hours and improving delivery efficiency through lighted airways and reliable beacons.[17] |
| 1924 | U.S. Army Air Service | First successful around-the-world flight by Army aircraft, proving long-endurance capabilities and global reach for military aviation.[17] |
| 1925 | Dr. Sylvanus A. Reed | Development of the metal propeller, offering greater durability and efficiency over wooden versions, which supported higher speeds and heavier loads.[17] |
| 1926 | Maj. E. L. Hoffman, U.S. Army Air Corps | Development of a practical parachute, providing emergency escape options that significantly enhanced pilot survivability and flight boldness.[17] |
| 1927 | Charles L. Lawrance | Development of radial air-cooled aircraft engines, delivering reliable power for extended flights, as exemplified in transatlantic attempts.[17][18] |
| 1928 | Aeronautics Branch, U.S. Department of Commerce | Development of airways and air navigation facilities, including radio beacons and weather reporting, that standardized routes and reduced navigation errors.[17] |
| 1929 | National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) | Development of the NACA cowling for radial air-cooled engines, reducing drag by up to 50% and boosting speed and fuel efficiency.[17][9] |
| 1930 | Harold F. Pitcairn and associates | Development and application of the autogyro, demonstrating safe vertical takeoff and landing capabilities for short-field operations.[17] |
| 1931 | Packard Motor Car Company | Development of the Diesel engine for aircraft, offering superior fuel economy and range for long-haul missions.[17] |
| 1932 | Glenn L. Martin | Development of the B-10 bomber, an all-metal multi-engine aircraft that set speed records and influenced modern bomber design.[17] |
| 1933 | Hamilton Standard Propeller Company (with credit to Frank W. Caldwell) | Development of the controllable-pitch propeller, allowing adjustable blade angles for optimized takeoff, cruise, and climb performance.[17] |
| 1934 | Capt. Albert F. Hegenberger, U.S. Army Air Corps | Development and demonstration of a successful blind landing system using radio beams, enabling safe landings in poor visibility.[17] |
| 1935 | Donald W. Douglas and Douglas Aircraft Company | Development of the DC-2 twin-engine commercial transport, achieving high speeds and reliability that revolutionized passenger air travel.[17] |
| 1936 | Pan American Airways | Establishment of a transpacific airline with successful overwater navigation, proving intercontinental commercial viability through advanced radio and celestial methods.[17] |
| 1937 | U.S. Army Air Corps | Design and equipment of a substratosphere airplane (Boeing B-17), capable of high-altitude flights that evaded defenses and extended operational range.[17] |
| 1938 | Howard Hughes and associates | Successful global flight circumnavigating the world in record time, demonstrating non-stop long-range efficiency with modern navigation.[17] |
| 1939 | U.S. Airlines | Record of safety in air travel, with millions of passenger miles flown without fatalities, underscoring advancements in maintenance and operations.[17] |
| 1940 | Dr. Sanford A. Moss and the U.S. Army Air Corps | Development of the supercharger, increasing engine power at altitude for superior high-performance aircraft.[17] |
Mid-Century Recipients (1941–1980)
The mid-century era of the Collier Trophy, spanning 1941 to 1980, highlighted transformative advancements in aviation and astronautics amid World War II, the jet age, and the space race, with awards increasingly honoring collaborative efforts by military, industry, and research teams that enhanced aircraft performance, safety, and exploratory capabilities.[1] This period marked a pivot from pre-war individual innovations to large-scale projects addressing supersonic flight, missile technology, and human spaceflight, culminating in NASA's dominance in space-related achievements after its 1958 establishment.[9] The following table summarizes the recipients and their achievements during this timeframe, drawn from aviation historical records.[17]| Year | Recipient(s) | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1941 | Air Forces and U.S. airlines | Worldwide operations of the Air Transport Command, enabling critical wartime logistics and global air mobility.[1] |
| 1942 | Gen. Henry H. Arnold | Organization and leadership of the U.S. Army Air Forces, advancing strategic air power in World War II.[17] |
| 1943 | Capt. Luis de Florez, USNR | Development of synthetic training devices for pilots, improving flight simulation and training efficiency.[17] |
| 1944 | Gen. Carl Spaatz, USAAF | Demonstration of air power concepts through American aviation in the war against Germany, influencing postwar military doctrine.[17] |
| 1945 | Dr. Luis W. Alvarez | Development of the Ground Control Approach system for safe aircraft landings in poor visibility.[17] |
| 1946 | Luis A. Rodert, NACA | Pioneering research on a thermal ice-prevention system for aircraft wings, enhancing safety in adverse weather.[9] |
| 1947 | John Stack, Lawrence D. Bell, Capt. Charles E. Yeager | Successful research and flight leading to the first supersonic speed in the Bell X-1.[9] |
| 1948 | Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics | Development of an Air Traffic Control system, standardizing procedures for safer airspace management.[17] |
| 1949 | William P. Lear | Development of the Lear F-5 Automatic Pilot and Approach Control systems, automating flight controls for precision.[17] |
| 1950 | The Helicopter Industry, Military Services, and USCG | Development and operational use of rotary-wing aircraft for air rescue missions, saving countless lives.[17] |
| 1951 | John Stack, NACA | Development of the transonic wind tunnel with a ventilated throat, enabling accurate high-speed aerodynamic testing.[9] |
| 1952 | Leonard S. Hobbs | Design and production of the Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engine, powering early jet bombers and fighters.[17] |
| 1953 | James H. Kindleberger, Ed Heinemann | Development of the F-100 Super Sabre and F4D Skyray, advancing supersonic fighter aircraft.[17] |
| 1954 | Richard T. Whitcomb, NACA | Discovery and application of the area rule for transonic and supersonic aircraft design, reducing drag for higher speeds.[9] |
| 1955 | William M. Allen, Boeing Co., Gen. Nathan F. Twining | Development and initial operation of the B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber.[17] |
| 1956 | Charles I. McCarthy, Vice Adm. James S. Russell | Design and development of the F8U Crusader supersonic fighter.[17] |
| 1957 | Edward P. Curtis | Aviation Facilities Planning report, guiding infrastructure for growing commercial and military aviation.[17] |
| 1958 | USAF and industry team | Development of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, a high-speed interceptor.[17] |
| 1959 | USAF, Convair, Space Technology Labs | Development of the Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile.[17] |
| 1960 | Vice Adm. William F. Raborn | Direction of the Polaris fleet ballistic missile program, enhancing naval deterrence.[17] |
| 1961 | Maj. Robert M. White, Joseph A. Walker, A. Scott Crossfield, Cdr. Forrest Peterson | Technological contributions and test piloting for the X-15 hypersonic research aircraft.[9] |
| 1962 | M. Scott Carpenter, L. Gordon Cooper, John H. Glenn Jr., Virgil I. Grissom, Walter M. Schirra Jr., Alan B. Shepard Jr., Donald K. Slayton | Pioneering manned orbital spaceflights under Project Mercury.[19] |
| 1963 | Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson | Design of the Lockheed A-11 (SR-71 precursor) Mach-3 reconnaissance aircraft.[17] |
| 1964 | Gen. Curtis E. LeMay | Strategic achievements in air vehicles and national defense aviation.[17] |
| 1965 | James E. Webb, Hugh L. Dryden, NASA | Management and execution of the Gemini Program, advancing rendezvous and spacewalking techniques.[9] |
| 1966 | James S. McDonnell | Leadership in developing the F-4 Phantom and Gemini spacecraft.[17] |
| 1967 | Lawrence A. Hyland, NASA Surveyor Program team | Successful unmanned lunar landings and surface photography via Surveyor.[9] |
| 1968 | Col. Frank Borman, Capt. James A. Lovell Jr., Lt. Col. William A. Anders | Apollo 8 mission, first human lunar orbit.[9] |
| 1969 | Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., Michael Collins | Apollo 11 mission, first manned lunar landing.[20] |
| 1970 | Boeing Co., Pratt & Whitney, Pan American Airways | Introduction of the Boeing 747 jumbo jet into commercial service, revolutionizing air travel capacity.[17] |
| 1971 | Col. David R. Scott, Col. James B. Irwin, Lt. Col. Alfred M. Worden, Dr. Robert T. Gilruth, NASA | Apollo 15 mission, including lunar rover deployment and extended surface exploration.[9] |
| 1972 | Adm. Thomas H. Moorer | Direction of Operation Linebacker II, strategic bombing campaign using B-52s.[17] |
| 1973 | NASA Skylab program team | Design, launch, and operations of America's first space station, yielding data on long-duration spaceflight.[9] |
| 1974 | Dr. John F. Clark, Dr. Daniel J. Fink, NASA/industry team | Development of the LANDSAT Earth observation satellite system for resource management.[9] |
| 1975 | David S. Lewis, USAF F-16 team | Design and development of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, improving fighter maneuverability and cost-effectiveness.[17] |
| 1976 | USAF, B-1 Industry Team, Rockwell International | Design and initial development of the B-1 Lancer supersonic bomber.[17] |
| 1977 | Gen. Robert J. Dixon | Creation of the Red Flag realistic combat training program for USAF pilots.[17] |
| 1978 | Sam B. Williams, Williams Research Corp. | Development of the F107 small high-efficiency turbofan engine for cruise missiles.[1] |
| 1979 | Dr. Paul B. MacCready, Bryan Allen | Design, construction, and flight of the human-powered Gossamer Albatross across the English Channel.[17] |
| 1980 | NASA Voyager Mission team | Planetary flybys of Jupiter and Saturn, expanding knowledge of the outer solar system.[9] |
Modern Recipients (1981–present)
The modern era of the Collier Trophy, beginning in 1981, reflects the evolution of aeronautics and astronautics toward integrated digital systems, reusable technologies, unmanned operations, and deep-space exploration. Awards in this period increasingly recognize collaborative efforts involving government agencies like NASA, defense contractors, and commercial innovators, highlighting achievements that push the boundaries of safety, efficiency, and human presence beyond Earth.[2] The following table lists all recipients from 1981 to 2024, including the year, primary recipient(s), and key achievement as recognized by the National Aeronautic Association. Achievements are phrased to capture the core innovation demonstrated in the prior year or operational phase.| Year | Recipient(s) | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | NASA, Rockwell International Corp., Martin Marietta Corp., Thiokol Corp., and Government/Industry Team | Successful operational flights of the Space Shuttle, demonstrating reusable spacecraft for orbital missions.[2] |
| 1982 | T. A. Wilson, Boeing Company, FAA, Industry, and Airlines | Development and certification of the Boeing 757 and 767, advancing fuel-efficient twin-engine wide-body airliners.[2] |
| 1983 | U.S. Army, Hughes Helicopters, Inc., and Industry Team | Introduction of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, featuring advanced night vision and anti-armor capabilities.[2] |
| 1984 | NASA, Martin Marietta Corp., Bruce McCandless, Charles E. Whitsett Jr., Walter W. Bollendonk | First untethered extravehicular activity using the Manned Maneuvering Unit on Space Shuttle Challenger.[2] |
| 1985 | Russell W. Meyer, Cessna Aircraft Company | Outstanding safety record of Cessna's line of Citation aircraft, advancing business aviation reliability.[2] |
| 1986 | Jeana Yeager, Dick Rutan, Burt Rutan, and Voyager Team | First nonstop, nonrefueled circumnavigation of Earth aboard Voyager aircraft.[2] |
| 1987 | NASA Lewis Research Center and NASA/Industry Advanced Turboprop Team | Development of high-speed propeller technology for fuel-efficient regional aircraft.[2] |
| 1988 | Rear Adm. Richard H. Truly, USN (NASA Administrator) | Leadership in resuming Space Shuttle operations post-Challenger disaster.[2] |
| 1989 | Ben Rich, Lockheed/Air Force Team | Production and deployment of the F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter.[2] |
| 1990 | Bell Boeing Team | Demonstration of V-22 Osprey tiltrotor for vertical takeoff and high-speed cruise.[2] |
| 1991 | Northrop Corp., Industry Team, U.S. Air Force | Development of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber for strategic penetration missions.[2] |
| 1992 | Global Positioning System Joint Program Office Team | Full operational capability of GPS for global navigation and timing.[2] |
| 1993 | NASA Hubble Space Telescope Repair Team | First servicing mission restoring Hubble's optical performance.[2] |
| 1994 | McDonnell Douglas, U.S. Air Force, Industry Team | Certification of C-17 Globemaster III for strategic airlift.[2] |
| 1995 | Boeing Commercial Aircraft Company and Boeing 777 Team | Introduction of the Boeing 777, the first fully digital fly-by-wire commercial airliner.[2] |
| 1996 | Cessna Aircraft Company Citation X Design Team | Entry into service of Citation X, achieving Mach 0.92 speeds.[2] |
| 1997 | Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. | Certification of Gulfstream V ultra-long-range business jet.[2] |
| 1998 | Lockheed Martin Corp., GE Corp., NASA, USAF, and others | Upgrade and operation of U-2S/ER-2 for high-altitude reconnaissance.[2] |
| 1999 | Boeing, GE, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, U.S. Navy | Initial operational capability of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet multirole fighter.[2] |
| 2000 | Northrop Grumman, Rolls-Royce, and others | First flight and demonstration of RQ-4 Global Hawk high-altitude UAV.[2] |
| 2001 | Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and Joint Strike Fighter Team | Selection and early development of F-35 Lightning II engine concepts.[2] |
| 2002 | Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. | Certification of S-92 medium-lift helicopter for offshore operations.[2] |
| 2003 | Gulfstream Aerospace G550 Team | Entry into service of G550 with enhanced range and avionics.[2] |
| 2004 | Paul Allen, Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites, and Mojave Aerospace Ventures | First private suborbital spaceflight with SpaceShipOne.[2] |
| 2005 | Eclipse Aviation Corp. | Certification of Eclipse 500 very light jet for single-pilot operations.[2] |
| 2006 | Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, BAE Systems, and U.S. DoD | System development and demonstration of the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter.[2] |
| 2007 | FAA, NASA, Industry ADS-B Team | Implementation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast for enhanced air traffic surveillance.[2] |
| 2008 | Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST) | Reduction of fatal accident rates in U.S. commercial aviation through data-driven safety initiatives.[2] |
| 2009 | NASA and International Space Station Partners | Assembly completion and continuous human habitation of the ISS.[2] |
| 2010 | Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. | Demonstration of X2 coaxial compound helicopter achieving 250 knots.[2] |
| 2011 | Boeing Company 787 Team | Certification and first flight of 787 Dreamliner composite airliner.[2] |
| 2012 | NASA/JPL Mars Science Laboratory/Curiosity Team | Successful landing and operation of Curiosity rover on Mars.[2] |
| 2013 | Northrop Grumman, U.S. Navy X-47B Team | Autonomous carrier takeoff and landing of X-47B unmanned combat air system.[2] |
| 2014 | Gulfstream Aerospace G650 Team | Certification of G650 with 7,000 nautical mile range at Mach 0.85.[2] |
| 2015 | NASA/JPL Dawn Mission Team | Ion propulsion-enabled orbit of dwarf planets Vesta and Ceres.[2] |
| 2016 | Blue Origin New Shepard Team | First reuse of orbital-class booster rocket.[2] |
| 2017 | Cirrus Aircraft Vision Jet Team | Certification of single-engine SF50 Vision Jet with whole-plane parachute.[2] |
| 2018 | Lockheed Martin, USAF, NASA AUTO GCAS Team | Deployment of Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System saving over 40 aircraft.[2] |
| 2019 | U.S. Air Force, Boeing X-37B Team | Extended orbital operations of X-37B spaceplane exceeding 780 days.[2] |
| 2020 | Garmin Ltd. Autoland Team | Certification of emergency autoland system for general aviation aircraft.[2] |
| 2021 | NASA/JPL Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Team | First powered, controlled flight of Ingenuity on Mars surface.[2] |
| 2022 | NASA, Northrop Grumman James Webb Space Telescope Team | Deployment and first images from JWST at L2 point.[2] |
| 2023 | NASA, Lockheed Martin, University of Arizona, KinetX OSIRIS-REx Team | Successful return of asteroid Bennu sample to Earth.[2] |
| 2024 | NASA, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and Parker Solar Probe Team | Closest approach to the Sun at 3.83 million miles, achieving speeds of 430,000 mph during 2024 perihelion.[22][23] |