[SatNews] Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presented The Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service to The Aerospace Corporation today in recognition of 50 years of service. Aerospace President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Wanda Austin accepted the award during a ceremony at the company’s headquarters.

“You (Aerospace) have certainly played a valuable role in the defense of our nation for 50 years, touching almost every aspect of military operations,” Donley said. “Throughout this history, you’ve sustained a strong base of technical talent that we will need going forward.”

The Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service is the second-highest award given by the secretary of defense to private citizens, organizations, political appointees, or foreign nationals. It is given for contributions and support to Department of Defense functions. “I am proud to accept this award on behalf of the thousands of Aerospace employees who contributed to our success,” said Austin. Our greatest asset has always been our people, who for 50 years have dedicated themselves to assuring the mission.” The Aerospace Corporation, based in El Segundo, Calif., is a nonprofit company with almost 4,000 employees and operates a federally funded research and development center that provides technical guidance and advice on all aspects of space missions to military, civil, and commercial customers to assure space mission success. This year the corporation is celebrating its 50th anniversary.