11/21/2022
Shared from National Air and Space Museum's press release dated 17 November: The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum awards its Michael Collins Trophy annually for Lifetime and Current Achievements in aerospace science and technology. The 2023 recipients are Bill Anders for Lifetime Achievement and the James Webb Space Telescope Team for Current Achievement; they will receive their awards at a ceremony March 23 at the museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.
Established in 1985, the award recognizes outstanding achievements in the fields of aerospace science and technology and their history. Trophy winners receive a miniature version of “The Web of Space,” a sculpture by artist John Safer. The award (previously known as the National Air and Space Museum Trophy) was renamed in 2020 to recognize Collins’ contributions to aerospace and his service to the museum as director from 1971-1978, a critical time in its evolution.
“The 2023 Collins Trophy recipients have helped humans understand their place on this Earth,” said Chris Browne, John and Adrienne Mars Director of the museum. “Bill Anders not only dedicated his life to aerospace but also took the iconic Earthrise photograph that changed our understanding of this planet forever. The James Web Telescope has likewise given us new perspectives on the universe. We’re so pleased to present this prestigious award to two most deserving recipients.”
