The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that the James Webb Space Telescope Team has earned the 2022 Robert J. Collier Award.
“The James Webb Space Telescope is one of the greatest achievements in aerospace history. In a matter of months, Webb has changed our understanding of the universe, and many more discoveries lie ahead,” said Kathy Warden, Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President at Northrop Grumman. “We dedicate the Collier Trophy to the Northrop Grumman employees and our industry partners who delivered humanity an extraordinary observatory to explore the universe and inspire future generations.”
The Robert J. Collier Trophy has been awarded annually 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.
“The James Webb Space Telescope is nothing short of a scientific feat and is a shining example of what NASA can accomplish when we push the boundaries of space exploration,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “From discovering some of the earliest galaxies ever observed to delivering a more detailed view of exoplanet atmospheres than ever before, it’s all due to the hard work and dedication of the exceptional Webb team.
The list of Collier recipients represents a timeline of the most groundbreaking aviation achievements that created today’s aerospace industry. Previous recipients include momentous people and achievements such as Orville Wright (1913), Chuck Yeager (1947), and NASA/JPL Ingenuity Team (2021). The James Webb Space Telescope is appropriately placed among these history makers for its unprecedented discovery mission to explore, identify and photograph what lies beyond what is currently known and to seek what is unknown.
“The James Webb Space Telescope integrates multiple advanced technologies into a system with unprecedented capabilities,” stated NAA Chairman, Jim Albaugh. “Its use will accelerate humankind’s understanding of the world we live in and help unlock the mysteries of the universe. The team is truly deserving of this great honor.”
On July 11, 2022, President Biden shared the first images delivered by the James Webb Telescope at a public event at the White House. “These images are going to remind the world that America can do big things and remind the American people – especially our children – that there’s nothing beyond our capacity,” said President Biden in remarks during the event. “We can see possibilities no one has ever seen before. We can go places no one has ever gone before.”
The James Webb Team will be celebrated at the Collier Award Dinner on June 15th, 2023. The event will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, Washington, D.C. While sponsorships will be available, they will be limited as a sell-out is anticipated in honor of this remarkable achievement. To learn more, please contact Tina Wu.
The Collier Selection Committee is composed of a diverse group of experts representing every facet of American aviation.
