NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin will be honored tonight
with one of this country’s most prestigious space awards. The
National Space Club will present Administrator Goldin with the Dr.
Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy at the organization’s annual
dinner in Washington, DC.

The award is the centerpiece of the 44th Annual Goddard Memorial
Dinner, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST at the Washington Hilton Hotel.
Each year, executives from the aerospace industries, government
leaders and space educators gather to mark the past year’s space
achievements.

“Dr. Goddard is considered to be the father of practical modern
rocketry and space flight. He was a true pioneer and innovator,”
said Goldin. “I am both honored and humbled by this award which
validates and supports NASA’s continuing mission to pioneer the
frontiers of space and knowledge in order to achieve a safer, more
secure and more fulfilling life here on Earth.”

Established in 1958, the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy is
given to an individual or group who have demonstrated great
achievement in advancing space flight programs contributing to the
American leadership in astronautics. Past winners include astronaut
and former U.S. Senator John Glenn, rocket pioneer Wernher Von
Braun and President Ronald Reagan.

Founded in 1957, the National Space Club is a non-profit
corporation created to stimulate the exchange of ideas and
information about rocketry and astronautics and to promote
recognition of the nation’s achievements in space. The recipient
of this award is selected annually by the Board of Governors of
the National Space Club.