of space exploration, and working to educate political leaders. National Space Society of Australia A strong contingent of chapters is located in Australia. Prior to the NSI-L5 merger, the L5 Society had been developing chapters around the world, and in Australia, three chapters had been established. The 'Southern Cross L5 Society' was formed in 1979, with groups in Sydney, Adelaide (in 1984) and Brisbane (in 1986). It was decided in late 1989 to create the National Space Society of Australia (NSSA) which could act as an umbrella organization Similar efforts have taken hold in Brazil, Canada, and Mexico, as well as European countries that have a strong aerospace presence. including France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Awards The society administers a number of awards. These are typically presented during the annual International Space Development Conference that NSS hosts. These awards are in recognition of individual volunteer effort, awards for NSS chapter work, the "Space Pioneer" award, and two significant awards which are presented in alternate years. Robert A. Heinlein Memorial Award The Robert A. Heinlein Memorial Award, is given in even-numbered years (2004, 2006, etc.) to "honor those individuals who have made significant, lifetime contributions to the creation of a free spacefaring civilization. Heinlein Award Winners: 2018 - Dr. Freeman Dyson 2016 - Dr. Jerry Pournelle 2014 - Elon Musk 2012 - Dr. Stephen Hawking 2010 - Dr. Peter Diamandis 2008 - Burt Rutan 2006 - Brigadier General Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager 2004 - Capt. James Lovell 2002 - Robert Zubrin 2000 - Neil Armstrong 1998 - Dr. Carl Sagan 1996 - Dr. Buzz Aldrin 1994 - Dr. Robert H. Goddard 1992 - Gene Roddenberry 1990 - Dr. Wernher von Braun 1988 - Sir Arthur C. Clarke 1986 - Dr. Gerard K. O'Neill NSS Von Braun Award The NSS Von Braun Award is given in odd-numbered years (1993, 1995, etc.) "to recognize excellence in management of and leadership for a space-related project where the project is significant and successful and the manager has the loyalty of a strong team that he or she has created." Awardees include: Von Braun Award Winners: 2019 - Tory Bruno 2017 - Prof. Johann-Dietrich Wörner 2015 - Mars Curiosity Rover project Team 2013 - Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam 2011 - JAXA Hayabusa Team 2009 - Elon Musk 2007 - Steven W. Squyres 2005 - Burt Rutan 2001 - Donna Shirley 1999 - Robert C. Seamans, Jr.