Sonja Alexander
Headquarters, Washington, DC                         March 30, 2001
(Phone:  202-358-1600)

RELEASE: 01-61

NASA ADMINISTRATOR RECEIVES PREMIER SPACE HONOR

     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.

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