Pam Melroy Takes Center Stage with the 2025 National Space Award Victory

The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation has chosen NASA’s Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy as the recipient of the 2025 National Space Trophy.

Assuming her role as NASA’s deputy administrator on June 21, 2021, Melroy collaborates with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on significant agency choices, shapes the organization’s strategic vision, and represents NASA to essential governmental and international partners.

Melroy began her career at NASA as an astronaut in 1994. She is one of just two women to have commanded a space shuttle. Over three space shuttle missions, Melroy accumulated more than 38 days in space, all of which were instrumental in the construction of the International Space Station. She piloted STS-92 in 2000 and STS-112 in 2002 and commanded STS-120 in 2007.

Following more than twenty years in the US Air Force and as a NASA astronaut, Melroy moved into leadership positions at Lockheed Martin, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and Nova Systems Pty in Australia. Furthermore, she served as an advisor to the Australian Space Agency and was a member of the National Space Council’s Users Advisory Group.

“This accolade is not solely a reflection of my path but also a recognition of the remarkable teams and innovators I’ve had the honor to collaborate with,” stated Melroy. “Receiving the National Space Trophy serves as a humbling reminder of our progress and the potential for future achievements.”

In April, Melroy will be honored with the award in Houston.