Chancellor’s Professor and Robert M. Condra Professor Emeritus Lawrence Townsend was recently inducted into the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), joining 1,200 active members in 88 countries.
He is the first person from UT to gain acceptance into the prestigious organization, which encourages international scientific cooperation in the areas of space sciences, space life sciences, space technology and system development, space systems operations and utilization, space policy, law and economy, space and society, and culture and education.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be invited to join the IAA,” said Townsend. “The membership includes world-class researchers who have contributed greatly to the space sciences and I’m humbled and honored to join them.”
The IAA, which was founded in 1960, aims to foster the development of astronautics for peaceful purposes; recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in space science or technology; provide a program through which members may contribute to international endeavors; and promote international cooperation in the advancement of aerospace science. The organization publishes the journal IAA ACTA ASTRONAUTICA, which is ranked No. 1 in the world in its field.