April 27, 2009 – Reston, Virginia –The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present several awards at a 6:30 p.m. awards reception and banquet on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at the Museum of Flight, Seattle, Wash. The banquet is part of the 20th AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technology Conference, 18th AIAA Lighter-Than-Air Systems Technology Conference, and AIAA Balloons Systems Conference, 4-7 May at the Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle, Wash.
Charles H. Lowry, consultant, Parachute Landing Systems, Garden Grove, Calif., will receive the AIAA Theodor W. Knacke Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Award for his nearly five decades of significant contributions to the understanding and application of aerodynamic decelerators, more commonly known as parachutes, while working with and mentoring several parachute industry leaders. The Knacke Award recognizes significant contributions towards the effectiveness and/or safety of aeronautical or aerospace systems through development or application of the art and science of aerodynamic decelerator technology.
Loren Seely, Sulpher Springs Balloon Plant Manager at Aerostar International, Sulpher Springs, Texas will receive the AIAA Otto C. Winzen Lifetime Achievement Award for his development of SSA-10 tape, SSA-20 tape and Stratofilm 372, all of which have been essential in increasing the reliability of scientific balloons. The Winzen award, presented for outstanding contributions and achievements in the advancement of free flight balloon systems or related technologies, honors Otto C. Winzen, an innovator and visionary, best known for introducing new balloon materials and construction methods.
Dean Jorgensen, director of business development at Vertigo, Inc., Andover, Conn., will receive an AIAA Sustained Service Award in recognition of a quarter century of exceptional service to AIAA notably through stewardship of AIAA's Aerodynamic Decelerator Technical Committee.
For more information about the AIAA Honors and Awards program, please contact Carol Stewart at carols@aiaa.org or at 703/264-7623.
AIAA advances the state of aerospace science, engineering, and technological leadership. Headquartered in suburban Washington, D.C., the Institute serves over 35,000 members in 65 regional sections and 79 countries. AIAA membership is drawn from all levels of industry, academia, private research organizations, and government. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 500
Reston, VA 20191-4344
Phone: 703/264-7532 Fax: 703/264-7551 www.aiaa.org