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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