March 7, 1997

Debra J. Rahn
Headquarters, Washington, DC
(Phone: 202/358-1639)

Eileen Hawley
Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
(Phone: 281/483-5111)

Release: N97-14

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Astronaut Shannon Lucid to Receive National Aviation Club's Achievement Award

The National Aviation Club has selected astronaut Shannon Lucid to receive its first annual Achievement Award at a luncheon at noon EST on Wednesday, March 12, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA.

Dr. Lucid was selected "for her technical expertise, dedicated service, and pioneering spirit as a Space Shuttle astronaut, who set the record for the longest duration in space by a U.S. astronaut and longest space flight by a woman in the world. This was done while performing numerous life science experiments that promise dramatic advancements for improved human health."

Dr. Lucid is the first to receive the yet-to-be-named trophy that was to have been presented to Amelia Earhart upon the completion of her around-the-world flight. The trophy has been given to the National Aviation Club to be used to honor annually one woman who has made a noteworthy achievement or significant contributions in the field of aviation, aerospace or aeronautics. The trophy will be placed on permanent display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Dr. Lucid was selected as an astronaut in 1978, the first astronaut class to include women to train for Space Shuttle missions. Lucid has flown on five Shuttle missions including her record-setting mission to the Russian space station Mir last year. Dr. Lucid holds pilot ratings in commercial, instrument and multi-engine aircraft.

text-only version of this release