This gold medal was part of the Howard N. Potts Medal award given to Dr. Charles Stark Draper by The Franklin Institute in October 1960. The award, first given in 1924, is presented "for distinguished work in science or the arts, important development of previous basic discoveries, or inventions of products of superior excellence or utilizing important principles." Dr. Draper received the award for his development of inertial navigation systems and the resulting improvements in navigation accuracy in ships, rockets, missiles, and spacecraft. Dr. Draper donated a collection of his awards, including this medal, to the National Collection in 1974.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
AWARDS-Medals & Ribbons
Manufacturer
The Franklin Institute
Dimensions
3-D: 8.6 × 8.6 × 1.9cm (3 3/8 × 3 3/8 × 3/4 in.)
Storage: 14 × 14 × 9.5cm (5 1/2 × 5 1/2 × 3 3/4 in.)
Materials
Plastic
Synthetic Fabric
AdhesivePaper
Copper Alloy
Paint
Inventory Number
A19800507001
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Charles S. Draper
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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