The International Space Statino has won the Collier Trophy for the year of 2009. This award is pretty much like the Nobel Prize for space and aviation in aviation given to the "greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America." Given by the National Aeronautic Association, the International Space Station bas been announced as the 2009 winner and the ISS team will be formally presented the award May 13. The station is now nearing completion, which will allow truly unparalleled research and advancement in science. Already, it has made great advancements in areas such as biology, human physiology, and materials science.
NASA, one of the international agencies working on the project along with the European Space Agency, Russian Federal Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, plays an important part in the construction of the most complicated spacecraft ever built. "We are honored to receive this prestigious award," said Bill Gerstenmaier, the associate administrator of Space Operations Mission Directorate. The International Space Stationg will reach completion later this year, and will mark the 10th anniversary of continuous human presence in space. Boasting past awardees such as the F-22, Boeing 747, F-117 Nighthawk, and Spaceship One, the Collier Trophy truly represents the pinnacle of human achievement in aeronautics and space, fit for a space station that has marked the continuous progress of international human presence and advancement in space.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition22/iss_award_feature.html
http://www.naa.aero/html/awards/index.cfm?cmsid=62
