Celebrates Greatest Achievement in Aeronautics for 2023 

The Robert J. Collier Trophy has been awarded by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) since 1911 for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year. This year's award will go to the OSIRIS-REx Team at the Robert J. Collier Dinner on June 13, 2024 in Washington, D.C. In September 2023, the OSIRIS-REx Mission stunned the world when it became the first U.S. mission to collect a sample from an asteroid and return it to Earth. The material is the most significant carbon-rich asteroid sample ever delivered to Earth. Scientists are working diligently to characterize the samples and conduct the analysis needed to meet the mission's significant goals.

Suni Williams Named The Crew Capsule Calypso In 2019

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will be the first to fly aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station, and the name of the spacecraft ferrying them to the orbiting laboratory holds a special place in Williams’ heart. Williams named the crew capsule Calypso in 2019 to pay tribute to the explorer Jacques Cousteau, who sailed across the world on his own ship named bearing the same name. Cousteau’s goal was to learn about the ocean and teach others about the wonders of the sea.

Readying To Collect Imagery Of The Most Rapidly Changing Areas On Earth As Frequently As Every 20 To 30 Minutes

Maxar Intelligence has confirmed that the first two WorldView Legion satellites are performing well after being launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket last week from Vandenberg SFB, California. Shortly after launch, the satellites deployed their solar arrays and began receiving and sending signals. These satellites will undergo commissioning, and Maxar Intelligence expects first images from the spacecraft later this spring.