The director of GT's Center for Space Technology and Research (C-STAR), Braun formally received the honor during the AAS conference, "Astronauts & Robots: Partners in Space Science and Exploration," which was held in Pasadena California May 12.

The award was established last year to recognize outstanding achievement in space technology.

In bestowing the 2014 award on Braun, the AAS lauded him for "for extraordinary contributions in technology to enable the landing of vehicles on other planets, and for creating NASA technology development programs designed to build our nation’s future space capabilities and solve grand societal challenges on Earth.”

Prior to joining the GT-AE faculty in 2003 as the David and Andrew Lewis Associate Professor of Space Technology, Braun served for many years as a member of the technical staff of the NASA Langley Research Center. He returned to NASA in 2010-11 to serve as the first chief technologist in more than a decade.

Braun was humbled by the AAS honor.

"Receiving the inaugural honor will always be special to me," he said.

Over the past year,  Braun was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and selected as the editor-in-chief for the Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. He is currently finishing up a semester-long fellowship at Caltech, where he has served as the Moore Distinguished Scholar since January.

Founded in 1954, the AAS is the premier organization of professionals dedicated to advancing space activities. The organization has long been recognized for the excellence of its national meetings, technical meetings, symposia, and publications. Members have opportunities to meet with leaders in their field and in related disciplines, to exchange information and ideas, to discuss career aspirations and to expand their knowledge and expertise.