National Aeronautics and Space Administrion

Since its inception in 1958, NASA has accomplished many great scientific and technological feats in air and space. NASA technology also has been adapted for many nonaerospace uses by the private sector. NASA remains a leading force in scientific research and in stimulating public interest in aerospace exploration, as well as science and technology in general. Perhaps more importantly, our exploration of space has taught us to view Earth, ourselves, and the universe in a new way. While the tremendous technical and scientific accomplishments of NASA demonstrate vividly that humans can achieve previously inconceivable feats, we also are humbled by the realization that Earth is just a tiny "blue marble" in the cosmos. Check out our "Thinking About NASA History" folder online as an introduction to how history can help you.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Carl Sagan (November 9, 1934-December 20, 1996)



He was a professor of Astronomy and Space Sciences at Cornell University. He was also the director of planetary science there. He had played a leading role in the American Space program since it was created. He advised and consulted with NASA since the 1950s. He received NASA medals for Exceptional Achievement twice as well as NASA Apollo achievement awards.

An asteroid is named after him. He also received “The John F. Kennedy Astronautics Award of the American Astronautical Society,” “The Explorers Club 75th Annual Award,” “Konstantin Tsiolkovsky Medal of the Soviet Cosmonauts Federation,” and “The Masursky Award of the American Astronomical Society.” He was trained both in astronomy and biology. He received the highest of the National Academy of Science, “The Public Welfare Medal.”

He has been was elected Chairman of the Division of Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society, President of the Planetology Section of the American Geophysical Union, and Chairman of the Astronomy Section of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

He was the editor-in-chief of Icarus, the leading professional journal devoted to planetary research for twelve years. A Pulitzer Prize winner for many books, like Contact, he is one of the most legendary


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