Aurelia Institute awarded a NASA Space Tech Catalyst Prize
Prize recognizes engagement and collaboration practices with diverse researchers, technologists, and entrepreneurs
Annika Rollock accepts the NASA Space Tech Catalyst Prize on behalf of Aurelia Institute. Photo credit: NASA Goddard
Aurelia Institute is among the recipients of NASA’s inaugural Space Tech Catalyst Prize, an award designed to recognize and support efforts to create more inclusive space technology ecosystems.
Director of Engineering Annika Rollock accepted the award on Aurelia’s behalf at a celebration event at NASA Goddard on April 17. During the award announcement Aurelia received the following recognition:
“As part of their outreach efforts, Aurelia Institute engages broad audiences in direct spaceflight and zero-g flight opportunities, educational courses to broaden insider knowledge, and trains the next generation in community building to grow a global professional membership network.”
Via NASA:
NASA selected the first winners of the agency’s Space Tech Catalyst prize to expand engagement with underrepresented and diverse individuals in the space technology sector as part of the agency’s broader commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. The winners are receiving $25,000 each to create more inclusive space technology ecosystems.
“As NASA continues to explore the unknown, making the impossible possible, we are committed to engaging talents from all backgrounds to advance exploration,” said Shahra Lambert, NASA senior advisor for engagement. “By providing funding to this space technology community, NASA is ensuring the Artemis Generation will have the necessary tools to expand humanity’s reach.”
Winning individuals and organizations demonstrate the best collaboration practices with diverse researchers, technologists, and entrepreneurs. The champions also bring effective strategies that contribute to NASA’s ongoing efforts to develop a representative space technology landscape, while enhancing its ability to find creative solutions to technical challenges.