- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 1991
- Country: United States
The NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal is a NASA award established in 1991 and awarded to both civilian members of NASA and military astronauts.
The medal can be awarded to a NASA employee if they make substantial contributions characterized by a substantial and significant improvement in operations, efficiency, service, financial savings, science, or technology which directly contribute to the mission of NASA. For civilians, the decoration is typically bestowed to mid-level and senior NASA administrators who have supervised at least four to five successful NASA missions. Astronauts may be awarded the decoration after two to three space flights.
The medal is authorized as a military decoration for display on active duty military uniforms upon application from the service member to the various branch of the military in which they serve.
The NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal Design
The medal is circular and struck in bronze gilt.
The reverse is plain except for the inscription “EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT“.
The ribbon has stripes in dark blue, blue, red and turquoise, with a central dark blue line.