The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) honored this month Robert Braun, Georgia Tech professor of aerospace engineering, with the Von Karman Lectureship in Astronautics.

The annual award, named for astronautics pioneer Theodore Von Karman, is given to someone who has performed notably and distinguished themselves technically in the field of astronautics.

Braun was recognized for advancing the understanding of the challenge of Mars entry, descent and landing, and for the development of systems concepts and technologies enabling Martian exploration programs.

He delivered his lecture, “Mars Entry, Descent and Landing Technology Advancements,” during the 49th annual AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting in Orlando, FL held this month.

“I am honored to be recognized by the AIAA and to speak at this year’s conference about the challenging work done by the scientists and engineers in NASA’s entry, descent and landing technical community,” Braun said.  “My hope is that engineering students around the country will share in the excitement of planetary exploration, developing new technologies and advancing our nation’s forays in space.”

Braun is the David and Andrew Lewis Professor in Space Technology in the School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech's College of Engineering.  He was named NASA’s first chief technologists for a two-year term on Feb 3, 2010, serving as principal advisor and advocate on matters concerning agency-wide technology policy and programs.