- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 15 September 1961
- Country: United States
The NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal is a prestigious NASA medal established on September 15, 1961 when the original ESM was divided into three separate awards. The medal is awarded to both Government and non-Government individuals.
The award is given for individual efforts that have resulted in a key scientific discovery or resulted in contribution(s) of fundamental importance in this field or significantly enhanced understanding of the field.
Scientific contributions typically result from reasoned investigations or studies of phenomena using collected data and observations, current scientific theories and formulae, and the scientific method and/or other formal techniques, to attain enduring principles. Contributions that were overlooked at the time they occurred are also considered.
The NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal Design
The medal is circular, struck in bronze gilt, and measures 38.5 mm by 44.5 mm.
The reverse bears the inscription “EXCEPTIONAL SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENT“.
The ribbon is blue with thinner lighter blue stripes towards the edges and white in the center.
