In a remarkable recognition of exceptional service within the federal government, two esteemed NASA employees have been celebrated as part of the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals, commonly referred to as the Sammies. These prestigious awards honor federal employees who have made significant contributions to addressing some of the nation’s most pressing challenges.
Rich Burns, associated with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center located in Greenbelt, Maryland, and John Blevins from the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, were chosen among 350 nominees. They are part of a distinguished group comprising 23 individuals and teams acknowledged for their exemplary achievements as federal employees. These honorees will be celebrated in a ceremony in Washington on Tuesday, June 17th, which will also be accessible via live stream on the Sammies website. During the event, the accomplishments of these individuals will be highlighted through videos and speeches, culminating in the presentation of medals to honor their contributions.
The Service to America Medals, named after the founder of the Partnership for Public Service, are designed to spotlight federal employees who have delivered vital public services and made outstanding impacts on the nation’s health, safety, and security.
Janet Petro, the acting NASA Administrator, expressed her pride in the accomplishments of Burns and Blevins, stating, “Rich and John exemplify the spirit of exploration and service that defines NASA and our nation’s civil servants. Their leadership, ingenuity, and dedication have not only advanced America’s space program but also inspired the next generation of innovators. We are proud to see their achievements recognized among the very best of federal service.”
Rich Burns held the pivotal role of project manager for the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security – Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission. This mission was aimed at collecting samples from an asteroid, a crucial endeavor in understanding the origins of our solar system. Burns oversaw the mission from its developmental stage through to the successful retrieval of the spacecraft’s Sample Return Capsule.
The OSIRIS-REx mission launched on September 18, 2016, embarking on a journey that spanned nearly four years. On October 20, 2020, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully obtained a sample from the asteroid Bennu. The sample returned to Earth on September 24, 2023, offering scientists 120 grams of pristine material for study. This is the largest sample ever collected from an asteroid. To ensure the success of OSIRIS-REx, Burns forged numerous partnerships and maintained consistent communication with scientists, businesses, and various NASA centers. This collaborative approach ensured the mission’s objectives were met at every stage.
The mission faced numerous challenges, requiring Burns to adapt and innovate continuously. For instance, he led efforts to enhance the flight software to help the spacecraft navigate Bennu’s treacherous surface. Additionally, when a large stone inadvertently kept the collection canister open, Burns collaborated with NASA leaders to devise a solution to protect the collected sample. As the sample’s return to Earth approached, Burns worked closely with NASA and military partners to prepare for the landing, prioritizing both public safety and the integrity of the sample to guarantee the mission’s final success.
Thanks to Burns’ leadership, OSIRIS-REx not only met but exceeded its objectives, all while remaining within its original budget. This financial efficiency allowed NASA to distribute portions of the sample to over 80 research projects, paving the way for new insights into the potential origins of life on Earth. The spacecraft, now renamed as the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security – Apophis Explorer, is slated to rendezvous with the asteroid Apophis in 2029.
Reflecting on the honor, Burns stated, “It’s humbling to accept an award based on the achievements of the amazingly talented, dedicated, and innovative OSIRIS-REx team. I consider myself privileged to be counted among a team of true explorers who let no obstacle stand in the way of discovery.”
John Blevins, the chief engineer for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, played a crucial role in the technical decisions necessary to ensure the success of each mission. His duties encompassed a wide range of tasks, including calculating structural needs, conducting thermal analyses, and studying vibrations, acoustics, and propulsion integration.
Blevins’ expertise was instrumental during Artemis I, the first test flight of the SLS rocket, which successfully launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on November 16, 2022. Leading up to and during the launch, Blevins spearheaded the team responsible for integrating the mission’s hardware. His team faced and overcame unexpected challenges, such as significant lightning storms and two hurricanes that threatened Kennedy Space Center.
Blevins’ ability to build a cohesive coalition of engineering teams across NASA was pivotal in ensuring the successful launch of Artemis I. His efforts have not only achieved immediate success but have also laid the groundwork for future missions. Blevins continues to lead the engineering team behind the SLS as they prepare for Artemis II, the second flight of the SLS and the first crewed lunar mission of the 21st century.
Sharing his thoughts on receiving the award, Blevins commented, “This is a reflection on the hard work and dedication of the entire Artemis Team. I am working with an incredibly competent, dedicated team agencywide that goes above and beyond to promote the space exploration goals of our nation. I am honored to accept the award on their behalf.”
These recognitions of Burns and Blevins underscore the remarkable achievements being made within NASA and highlight the critical role federal employees play in advancing national interests. Their steadfast dedication and innovative approaches not only propel the United States further into space exploration but also inspire a new generation of pioneers eager to explore the unknown.
For more information on the Service to America Medals and to view the live stream of the awards ceremony, please visit the Sammies website.
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