Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company has announced that the National Aeronautic Association has presented the 2009 Robert J. Collier trophy to NASA and to the International Space Station team. This is an annual award for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America. Improvements in performance, efficiency and safety of space vehicles that are demonstrated by actual use are included for this award.

Robert J. Collier was a publisher and Colliers Weekly was started by his family. He was also a sportsman, aviator and a humanitarian. The trophy was commissioned in 1910 to encourage the aviation community in America to excel in the area of aeronautic development. He was the first customer for an airplane of Wright brothers for personal use. He was of the opinion that “the flying machine should be unselfishly and rapidly developed to its ultimate potential for economic advancement in America.”

NASA, the International Space Station Team of the Boeing Company, Draper laboratory, Honeywell (News - Alert) Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, United Space Alliance and United Technologies Corporation are the joint recipients of the trophy for 2009 “for the design, development and assembly in space of the world’s largest spacecraft, an orbiting laboratory, promising new discoveries for mankind and setting new standards in international cooperation in space.”

Lockheed Martin (News - Alert) Space Systems Company had constructed the four pairs of solar array wings that are used for powering the space station. They are the most powerful electricity generating arrays put into orbit. Boeing (News - Alert) is the prime contractor to NASA and is given the responsibility for design, development, construction and integration of International Space Station. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company had designed and built two Solar Alpha Rotary Joints and a pair of Thermal Radiator Joints earlier in addition to the solar arrays.

“It is humbling to be a part of the International Space Station Team upon which this exceptional award was conferred and that now takes its place alongside so many of the pioneers of aeronautics and astronautics who preceded us in receiving this distinguished honor,” said Jim Crocker, vice president and general manager of Sensing and Exploration Systems at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC). “The International Space Station program is a prime example of how exceedingly difficult endeavors can be accomplished through teamwork, determination and a commitment to excellence, and we are enormously proud to be a member of the team.”