Johannes Kepler Award


Sponsored by:  Satellite Division of ION

Purpose:  To honor an individual during their lifetime for sustained and significant contributions to the development of satellite navigation.

Eligibility:  A recipient must be a current member of the ION. Membership must have been established at least two years prior to nomination. Companies, Agencies, Educational Institutions, Associations, Groups of Individuals and previous Kepler Award recipients are not eligible for consideration. The Award shall be given, at most, once each year. It shall be given only in those years in which an outstanding contribution is considered worthy of such recognition.

Nominations:  Nominations for the award may be submitted by anyone, but all nominations must conform to the nomination guidelines by submitting (1) a completed nomination form located on the ION’s web site which requests a one page biographical sketch (500 words or less) for the nominee, a summary of the nominee’s sustained and significant contributions to the development of satellite navigation and a proposed citation in 25 words of less that describe his or her specific documented contribution(s); (2) a full Curriculum Vitae including education, employment history, leadership positions within technical societies and associations, publications, awards, and patents; and (3) three signed letters of reference (one letter may be provided by the Nominator). Nominations must be received by June 30th. Submissions received after the closing date will not be considered.

Selection: The award recipient shall be selected by secret ballot of the Satellite Division Awards Committee after careful evaluation of the submitted nomination packages. The Awards Guidelines, which accompany these regulations, will be used for the voting process. The committee shall look for sustained and significant contributions to the development of satellite navigation over a period of years. The selection shall be communicated to the ION National Office at least one month prior to the Satellite Division’s Annual Meeting.

Complete the online nomination form or provide a supporting letter by June 30 to: Satellite Division Awards Selections Committee, The Institute of Navigation, 3975 University Drive, Suite 390, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, Fax: 703-383-9689.

Formal presentation of the Award will take place at the ION Satellite Division Annual Meeting (ION GNSS) in September.

Nomination Form

Previous Winners:


2009 Dr. Penina Axelrad
2008 Phillip W. Ward
2007 Dr. Richard B. Langley
2006 Patrick Fenton
2005 Dr. Christopher Hegarty
2004 Dr. Charles R. Cahn
2003 Thomas Stansell
2002 Dr. Günter W. Hein
2001 Dr. M. Elizabeth Cannon
2000 Dr. Per Enge
1999 Dr. James J. Spilker, Jr.
1998 Dr. Peter Daly
1997 Dr. Gerard Lachapelle
1996 Dr. Frank van Graas
1995 Dr. Richard J. Anderle
1994 Ron Hatch
1993 Dr. A.J. Van Dierendonck
1992 Dr. Rudy Kalafus
1991 Dr. Bradford Parkinson

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