Cochran receives top award for aeronautics and astronautics

John Cochran receives the Hermann Oberth award at the 65th awards ceremony sponsored by the Greater Huntsville Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. From left, Joe Majdalani, Cochran and Brandon Stiltner. 

John E. Cochran Jr., professor emeritus of aerospace engineering, was honored with the 2017 Hermann Oberth award from the Greater Huntsville Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. This award is given in recognition of outstanding individual scientific achievements in the fields of astronautics and space sciences and the promotion and advancement of the aeronautical sciences.

Cochran was nominated by Winfred A. (Butch) Foster, Jr. for leading Auburn’s aerospace engineering department for two decades, and for contributions to the areas of dynamics, guidance and control of spacecraft and aircraft. The award was presented to Cochran by Joseph Majdalani, the section's honors and awards director, and Brandon Stiltner, section chair. The award ceremony took place at the Jackson Center in Huntsville. Among the attendees were many dignitaries and aerospace representatives, including keynote speaker Sandra H. Magnus, AIAA executive director.