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HOUSTON, TEXAS. On October 13, 2002 Professor Gerhard Haerendel, Dean of Engineering and Science, received the prestigious Theodore Von Karman Award given by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).
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The award is the premier award of the Academy. It is given annually to recognize outstanding lifetime achievements in any branch of science without limit of nationality or sex. The award honors the memory of the Academy's founder and first President, a scientist of the highest international reputation.
Professor Haerendel joined IUB as Vice President and Dean of Engineering and Science in September 2000 after almost 40 years of experience in space research. He received his doctorate degree in physics from the University of Munich in 1963. From 1972 to 2000 he was Director at the Max Planck Institute for extraterrestrial Physics. He is Co-Director of the Skinakas Observatory (Crete), President of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and Chairman of the European Space Science Committee (ESSC). He is Adjunct Professor at the Technical University of Braunschweig and has been Visiting Professor at the University of Iowa and the University of California, Berkeley.
The Theodore Van Karman Award was created in 1983. Professor Haerendel is the third German scientist to be honored with this award. Amongst the laureates is also Professor Reimar Lüst, Chairman of the Board of Governors at IUB, who was given the award in 1985.
The international astronautical movement had its beginnings shortly after World War II. It was based upon the realisation that wartime developments in rocket technology could make possible the ancient dream of flight in space. Commencing in 1950, International Astronautical Congresses were held with a common purpose: consideration of how artificial earth satellites and manned space flight might transpire within lifetime.
The year 1955 was pivotal. In July, during the Sixth International Astronautical Congress (at Copenhagen), the United States and the Soviet Union announced national programs to launch satellites for scientific purposes in conjunction with the International Geophysical Year (1957-1958). Suddenly, space flight became professionally respectable and -for a variety of national interests- worthy of much deeper study. Hundreds, and soon thousands, of scientists and engineers in academia and industry were put to work on finding the solution of problems to be solved for the accomplishment of national space flight programmes.
Two years later, just as delegates were arriving in Barcelona, the news broke of the launch of Sputnik 1. The Space Age had arrived; and the first serious discussion was held concerning the formation of an "Academy of Astronautics." The International Academy of Astronautics was founded on August 16, 1960, during the 11th International Astronautical Congress in Stockholm, Sweden.
IAA membership consists of individuals who have distinguished themselves in one of the fields of astronautics or one of the branches of science of fundamental importance for the exploration of space. Election to the Academy is a recognition of an individual's record of service and achievement, and members are leaders in space and aeronautical activities in their own countries. Membership brings with it the commitment to work with fellow members for the betterment of mankind through the application of the art and science of astronautics. People in almost every profession contribute to the development of astronautics; therefore, the IAA is arranged in four sections to reflect the major disciplines: Basic Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Life Sciences and Social Sciences.
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Professor Dr. Gerhard Haerendel |
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Professor Haerendel joined IUB as Vice President and Dean of Engineering and Science in September 2000 after almost 40 years of experience in space research. He received his doctorate degree in physics from the University of Munich in 1963. From 1972 to 2000 he was Director at the Max Planck Institute for extraterrestrial Physics. He is Co-Director of the Skinakas Observatory (Crete), President of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and Chairman of the European Space Science Committee (ESSC). He is Adjunct Professor at the Technical University of Braunschweig and has been Visiting Professor at the University of Iowa and the University of California, Berkeley.
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International Academy of Astronautics |
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The International Academy of Astronautics was founded on August 16, 1960, during the 11th International Astronautical Congress in Stockholm, Sweden. IAA membership consists of individuals who have distinguished themselves in one of the fields of astronautics or one of the branches of science of fundamental importance for the exploration of space.
more info »
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