One of the Smithsonian Institution's most distinguished honors the- National Air and Space Museum's Trophy- was awarded to the team responsible for the Chandra X-ray Observatory, and to famed aviator and engineer Scott Crossfield. There are two Trophy categories: Current Achievement and Lifetime Achievement. Established in 1985, the award recognizes outstanding achievement in scientific or technological endeavors relating to air and space. This year's winners were named at a ceremony held at the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 9.
Chandra X-Ray Observatory
The Chandra team, recipient of the Trophy for Current Achievement, was recognized for its efforts in building, placing in orbit, and operating the most sophisticated astronomical observatory ever built. First proposed to NASA in 1976, the project was called the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility. It was later renamed in memory of the late Nobel laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.
In July 1999 the crew of the space shuttle Columbia placed the Chandra Observatory in orbit -- it is the most recent deployment in NASA's Great Observatories program. Though early in its operational lifetime, the complex system, housing the most sensitive astronomical X-ray telescope and detectors ever built, has accomplished several feats. By producing images 25 times sharper than previous X-ray telescopes, Chandra has refined knowledge of the nature of active galactic nuclei and confirmed that supermassive black holes reside at the centers of galaxies such as Andromeda and the Milky Way. In addition, the observatory has successfully captured images of an active starburst galaxy, analyzed the compositions of supernovae, and examined X-ray stars in the Orion Nebula.
Over time, the project will provide highly detailed studies of black holes, supernovas, and dark matter that will enhance human understanding of the origin, evolution and destiny of the universe.
Several organizations partner with NASA on the Chandra project. Flight operations, mission planning, data processing and user support are carried out at the Chandra X-ray Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Mass. Other partners include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the project's prime contractor, TRW.
Scott Crossfield
Scott Crossfield, who received the Trophy for Lifetime Achievement, is an engineer and career aviator who achieved fame piloting aircraft at record speeds. Realizing a childhood dream (he began flying lessons at age 12) Crossfield earned his pilot's license in 1941, and Naval Aviator's wings in 1942. During World War II he served as a fighter and gunnery instructor in the F6F and SNJ.
In the 1950s, with both bachelor's and master's degrees in aeronautical engineering, Crossfield began his career as a research pilot for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. It was at NACA that Crossfield, flying the rocket-powered Douglas D-558-2, became the first pilot to exceed Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound).
In 1955, Crossfield joined North American Aviation, where he worked on all aspects of the X-15 program, including specification and design, cockpit and control systems, engine systems and structures. There, he helped develop the X-15's propulsion system, engineered its escape system, and contributed to its handling quality requirements. He also developed the ground control test methodology that would later become standard on the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs.
In 1967, Crossfield joined Eastern Airlines as division vice president. From 1975 until his retirement in 1993, he served as a technical advise to the U.S. House Sub-Committee for Transportation, Aviation and Weather, as well as the Committee on Science and Technology.
As in past years, Trophy winners received a miniature version of "The Web of Space" a sculpture by artist John Safer. The Trophy awards ceremony was sponsored by the Lockheed Martin Corp.