The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation has selected NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy to receive the 2025 National Space Trophy.
Sworn in as NASA’s deputy administrator on June 21, 2021, Melroy assists NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on key agency decisions, defines the agency’s strategic vision, and represents NASA to key government and international partners.
Melroy first joined NASA as an astronaut in 1994. She is one of only two women to command a space shuttle. Melroy spent more than 38 days in space across three space shuttle missions, all contributing to the assembly of the International Space Station. She served as pilot for STS-92 in 2000 and STS-112 in 2002, and commanded STS-120 in 2007.
After serving more than two decades in the US Air Force and as a NASA astronaut, Melroy transitioned to leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and Nova Systems Pty, Australia. Additionally, she was an advisor to the Australian Space Agency and a member of the National Space Council’s Users Advisory Group.
“This honour is not just a reflection of my journey but a testament to the incredible teams and visionaries I’ve been privileged to work alongside,” said Melroy. “Being selected for the National Space Trophy is a humbling reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go.”
Melroy will receive the award in Houston in April.
