Louis Friedman to Receive Space Education Inspiration Award

The Federation of Galaxy Explorers (FOGE) will present their 2007 Space Education Inspiration Award to Louis Friedman, Executive Director of The Planetary Society, on June 2 at the Galaxy Ball in Washington, DC.

FOGE was founded in 2002 to inspire and educate children in space related science and engineering through after-school activities, field trips, special events and summer camps. FOGE has established programs in California, Colorado, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, and Washington DC. Over the past five years, the organization has served 20,000 children, helping to prepare them for a future that advances a space-faring civilization.

"The Federation of Galaxy Explorers does a terrific job inspiring and reaching young people," said Friedman. "To be honored by them is an honor indeed. I'm very grateful."

Friedman's Space Education Inspiration Award recognizes his nearly three decades at the helm of The Planetary Society, the world's largest space interest organization, which he co-founded with Carl Sagan and Bruce Murray. The Society has a long-standing commitment to programs for young people around the world, from college scholarships to hands-on work within the space community via its Student Astronaut and Student Scientist programs.

FOGE will present two other awards on June 2: the 2007 Space Leadership Award to William H. Gerstenmaier, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations, and the 2007 Space Achievement Award to Gil Klinger, Assistant Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Technical Collection/Means.

The annual Galaxy Ball, which supports FOGE's educational activities, will be held at the Westin Hotel, 1400 M Street NW, Washington DC on June 2, 2007.