NASA's Exceptional Public Service Medal is a United States government award awarded to any non-Government individual or to an individual who was not a Government employee during the period in which the service was performed for sustained performance that embodies multiple contributions on NASA projects, programs, or initiatives.
The criteria must include all of the following: Sustained performance has made a significant improvement to NASA deliverables, operations, or image; Employee's record of achievements sets a benchmark for other non-Government contributors to follow; substantial improvement to a NASA program that yielded high quality results or improvements; Impact and importance of the employee's services have made a lasting impact on the success of the Agency
See also NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal NASA Public Service Group Award List of NASA awards
EPSM Awardees
2024 Ames Research Center Source:https://www.nasa.gov/general/nasa-ames-astrogram-may-june-2024/#hds-sidebar-nav-10 NASA Ames Astrogram – May/June 2024 John J. Freitas (OCOMM Nomination) Michael J. Hirschberg
Glenn Research Center Jacob Chung, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, for exceptional, sustained, and multi-faceted contributions advancing NASA's in-space cryogenic fluid management science and technologies over multiple programs and 30 years.https://eu.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2024/07/01/uf-professor-awarded-nasa-exceptional-public-service-medal/74271310007/, Gainesville Sun, 2024/07/01/
Goddard Space Flight Center Aaron Lepsch, For excellence in building a multimedia IT systems supporting NASA storytellers and leading the way forward on the Agency's creative infrastructure. John O'Meara
Johnson Space Center Source:https://nasacolumbiamuseum.com/2025/03/18/nasa-awards-service-medals-to-two-remembering-columbia-museum-board-members/ NASA awards service medals to two ‘Remembering Columbia’ Museum board members, Remembering Columbia' Museum, March 18, 2025 Belinda Gay (Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum 'Remembering Columbia'), For outstanding dedication and contributions to the NASA community for Space Shuttle Columbia recovery efforts and the commemoration of Columbia’s historical significance. Marsha Cooper (Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum 'Remembering Columbia'), For exceptional public service as a member of the first search team of communication efforts coordinator during the recovery operation for the Space Shuttle Columbia accident. Dr. Estella Hernández Gillette (NASA Alumni League – JSC Chapter). For embodying with exceptional grace and timeless devotion, unwavering dedication, selflessness, and commitment to public service.
2023 Ames Research Center Mike Hirschberg, Director of Strategy of Vertical Flight Society, For exceptional international leadership and advocacy of vertical lift technologies and aggressive support of advanced air mobility development and workplace diversity.
Glenn Research Center Matthew Pitsch
Johnson Space Center Daniel Connor, research engineering manager for the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Engineering’s Engineering and Innovative Technology Development group.
Marshall Research Center Source: https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/new2023agencycenterwcovercor.pdf?emrc=9de632 Marshall Space Flight Center 2023 Agency/Center Honor Awards, August 15, 2024 William C. Butler (Exploration Project & Integration Office, ESSCA) Robin C. Ferebee (Propulsion Structures & Design Branch, ESSCA) Robert L. Goodwin (Avionics Integration Branch, ESSCA) Bruce T. LaVerde (Structural Dynamics and Integration Branch, ESSCA) Randy Lycans (Technical Performance & Integration Office, ESSCA) Phat T. Nguyen (MAF Integrations & Operations, SYNCOM SPACE SERVICES) Tamra A. Ozbolt (Stages Office, Consolidated Program Support Services) Andrew P. Tygielski (Systems Integration Branch, ESSCA) Michael Ward (Alabama Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce) Terry L. White (Program Operations & Strategic Communications, Media Fusion) David L. Wineland (Engines Office, Aerojet Rocketdyne)
Goddard Space Flight Center Jose Vanderlei Martins Scott Friedman Libby Larson
Stennis Space Center Rodney W. King, SACOM, For his professionalism, work ethic, can-do spirit, and for outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence demonstrated throughout his career.https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/nasa-stennis-honor-awards-booklet.pdf?emrc=adb460 Stennis Space Center 2023 Agency Honor Awards Ceremony Program, May 15, 2024
2022 Heidi Hammel,https://www.aura-astronomy.org/blog/2023/05/01/heidi-hammel-awarded-nasa-medals/ Heidi Hammel Awarded NASA Medal, May 1 2023 AURA Vice President for Science, Interdisciplinary Scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope, and Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Planetary Society, for an exemplary career in service to NASA and to the planetary science community. Glenn Research Center Ronald C. Moomaw DO Jennifer A. Baumeister Alexandra M. Bowersox Jacob R. Bramley Larry F. Hambley Michael L. Harper Lyle Lilie
Marshall Space Flight Center Source:https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2022_agency_honor_awards_program_080723_508.pdf MSFC 2022 Agency Honor Awards Program, May 3, 2023. Mary K. Cutting, Earth Science Branch, Jacobs Space Exploration Group/ESSCA Christian N. Garcia, Control Systems Design and Analysis Branch, Jacobs Space Exploration Group/ESSCA Sandra K. George, Communication Services Office, AEGIS William S. Paciesas, Universities Space Research Association Blake W. Parker, Payload and Crew Operations Branch, MOSSI2 Jennifer R. Robinson, Structural Design, Development and Analysis Branch, Jacobs Space Exploration Group/ESSCA Carol M. Sivley, Technical Performance and Integration Office, MIPPS CMDM Dale R. Taglilatelo, TVC Systems Integration and Components, Jacobs Space Exploration Group/ESSCA David D. Waller, Transportation and Logistics Engineering Office, MLSS
2021 David Spergel, Emeritus Professor of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University for outstanding leadership of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’s teams during its initial mission concept and formulation program.https://web.astro.princeton.edu/news/faculty-award-spergel-receives-nasa-exceptional-public-service-medal, FACULTY AWARD: Spergel receives NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal, March 7, 2022
Rob Ferl, distinguished professor in the UF/IFAS horticultural sciences department and assistant vice president for UF research.https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2022/04/27/rob-ferl-receives-nasa-exceptional-public-service-medal/ Rob Ferl receives NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal, April 27, 2022
Glenn Research Center Deborah L. Demaline Christopher J. Detardo Paul V. Ferkul Paul W. Giel Robert L. Norman Phillip A. Oberhaus Marvin G. Smith
Langley Research Center Vinay Goyal, Principal Director at The Aerospace Corporation, Deputy Technical Fellow at NASA, Adjunct Professor of Practice at University of California Los Angeles and University of Southern California: For outstanding engineering support to safety of flight assessments, methodology development, and engineering analyses of critical interest to NASA and its missions.
Marshall Space Flight Center Source:https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2020_agency_awards_program.pdf 2020 Agency Annual Honor Awards Ceremony Program, March 4, 2021. Steven L. Hough, For superior and sustained technical leadership of flight control design, development, and evaluation for all Space Launch System upper stages. Barbara A. Maples, For outstanding leadership, technical expertise, and communication skills while serving as a subject matter expert for the POIC to MCC-H Interfaces. William H. Muddle, For exemplary leadership in execution of SSME post-flight operations and adaptation and integration of RS-25 engine operations and logistics requirements into the SLS Program. Douglas A. Swartz, For unceasing support of critical NASA X-ray missions, including the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Lynx X-ray Observatory concept, and the mentoring of future scientists. Richard L. Webb, For superior performance in the field of launch vehicle economic analysis and exceptional support to the Space Launch System Program.
2020 Justin Cassidy Curtis Fatif Tilak Hewagama Dennis Hewitt Clifton Jackson Donald Penney Francis Reddy Erin Robinson Michelle Smith James Storey Clemens Tillier Terry Traina
Glenn Research Center Margarita Aponte Paul A. Catalano Gregory P. Frederick Richard J. Kearney Arnold Kuchenmeist
Marshall Space Flight Center Michael S. Briggs, For outstanding, critical, prior and ongoing contributions to the unilateral success of the Fermi Mission and the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor Project. Murel T. Chapman, For exceptional service and personal dedication in support of NASA’s SLS and Lunar Lander Programs by providing extraordinary institutional services to MSFC. James T. Garner, For sustained exceptional service in the performance of systems engineering and integrations for the Space Launch System Stages element. Brian K. Hastings, For continuous exceptional service, mentoring, and leadership of the Mechanical Test Team in support of NASA missions and goals.
2019 Goddard Space Flight Center Carolus J. Schrijver, for demonstrating scientific excellence through outstanding leadership and dedication in support of NASA Heliophysics missions and the impact to the community. Richard W. Eastes, for successfully implementing NASA’s first hosted payload mission and for significant and lasting scientific contributions to atmospheric and space physics. David J. Krause, In recognition of decades of excellence and service in engineering, process development, and capability enhancement on the NASA Sounding Rocket Program. Roy L. Fox, Jr., for sustained, significant contributions to parachute systems design and test for human and interplanetary spacecraft delivering hardware to Earth, Mars, and Jupiter. .
Glenn Research Center Michael D. Cuy John M. Dearmon Jeanine P. Hanzel Dana C. Mulder Kathleen A. Wargo
2018 Glenn Research Center Dean A. Szabo, for outstanding service to the air-breathing propulsion community and in mentoring the next generation of test and data engineers at Glenn Research Center (GRC). Benjamin P. Saldua, for exceptional service by improving structural design of the Deep Space Network antennas, enabling operation at higher frequencies and efficiencies and NASA mission success at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
2017 David Spergel, Professor of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University, for his service as chair of the Space Studies Board and a member of the NASA Advisory Council.https://web.astro.princeton.edu/news/faculty-award-spergel-receives-nasa-exceptional-public-service-medal, FACULTY AWARD: Spergel receives NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal, March 7, 2022 Glenn Research Center Paul R. Butterfield Carlos M. Grodsinsky Stephen J. Guzik Lesha P. Zvosec
Goddard Space Flight Center Kevin Novo-Gradac
2016 Glenn Research Center Victor A. Canacci, for exceptional management of repair, maintenance, and upgrade projects in the test facilities at the NASA Glenn Research Center. James J. Kubera, for exceptional service to the design and deployment of innovative financial management processes resulting in efficiencies on multiple NASA contracts. Jet Propulsion Laboratory Daniel Tran, For exceptional service in technology development and deployment, advancing NASA's autonomy capabilities for space missions and the Deep Space Network.https://ai.jpl.nasa.gov/public/awards/ Artificial Intelligence Group, Awards
2015 Glenn Research Center