Jim Voss, '72 aerospace engineering, honored with AIAA award

Jim Voss

Auburn astronaut Jim Voss, '72 aerospace engineering, received the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Haley Space Flight Award for his performance in space flight, space station assembly, leadership in spacecraft design and dedication to space education. Its highest honor, the award was presented at the AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum.

“I am thankful to Auburn's Department of Aerospace Engineering for nominating me and am truly honored to have been selected for this prestigious award," Voss said. "I believe that this recognition reflects very favorably on the quality of aerospace engineering education I received at Auburn.”

A native of Opelika, Alabama, Voss also earned a master's degree in 1974 from the University of Colorado, which later granted him an honorary doctorate. Voss joined NASA in 1987 and flew on five space missions, including a five-and-a-half month assignment on board the International Space Station. Before his career as an astronaut, he served in the U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of colonel. He is married to Suzan Curry Voss, ’71 mathematics, and together they have one daughter. 

Upon retirement from NASA, Voss became the associate dean of engineering at Auburn where he also taught human spacecraft design classes. He then worked in private industry leading development of human spacecraft for NASA. 

Voss retired from the industry in 2013, but continues to pursue his passion for education and space by teaching human spaceflight classes at the University of Colorado. He remains involved with the nation’s space program by serving as a member of the NASA Advisory Council. 

Past recipients of the AIAA Haley Space Flight Award include Theodore von Kármán, Wernher von Braun and Neil Armstrong.

-Written by Emily Esleck