The Space Pioneer Awards for 2010 went to:

• Mass Media: Presented to Author Ray D. Bradbury for his lifetime body of work in fantasy writing, including a significant amount of science fiction, such as The Martian Chronicles. Through his vivid writing style and great imagination, many readers have been introduced to concepts such as human settlement on Mars. This has inspired great interest in that topic, stirring the imaginations of many NSS members, and has certainly contributed to the start of many careers in the sciences and the aerospace field in particular. His writing has helped us better come to understand both what it is to be human, and also the pressing need for us to be ever mindful stewards of the future we wish to see. NSS Director John Spencer presented the award to Mr. Bradbury at his home in Los Angeles on May 13, 2010.
• Service to the Space Community: Presented to George T. Whitesides for his five years of service as Executive Director of the National Space Society (2004-2008), as the co-creator of Yuri’s Night (along with Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides and Trish Garner) in 2001, and as a senior advisor to Virgin Galactic, where he also served as a zero gravity flight coach. He was named CEO of Virgin Galactic in May 2010. In addition, he has served as NASA chief of staff from 2009 to 2010. He has served on multiple space-related boards and advisory committees and has effectively used his creative and interpersonal skills to advance the cause of access to space and many of the space community’s other common goals. His vitality and leadership moves the space community towards the goal of a vibrant space-faring world.
• Science and Engineering: Presented to the NASA-Ames LCROSS Mission Team, for their very effective design, management, and successful operation of a high-risk, low-cost, on-time space mission, and in recognition of the numerous and very significant scientific observations that LCROSS returned, especially the discovery of water ice and other volatile elements. LCROSS proves that “Smaller-Faster-Cheaper” can be a valid program concept if properly managed. The ability to tolerate risk is also a critical factor in any new, faster-paced space program. John Marmie, deputy project manager, accepted the award in the LCROSS team’s name.

The 2010 Chris Pancratz Space Activist of the Year Award was presented to to the NSS Membership Committee, to recognize them for their hard work. That committee has accumulated more teleconference hours than any other. David Stuart is chair of the committee and also NSS vice president for membership.

NSS Star Crystal Award: The NSS Grand Prize — the Star Crystal Award — for the 2009 NSS / NASA-Ames Space Settlement Design Contest was presented by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden to the Durango Aerospace Design Team from Durango High School in Colorado. The team is led by teacher Daniel Garner.