The History of Science Society Fellowship in the History of Space Science
If you are seeking information on the 2011 Fellowship in the History of Space Science, please click here.
The History of Science Society Fellowship in the History of Space Science, supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) History Division, funds a nine-month research project that is related to any aspect of the history of space science, from the earliest human interest in space to the present. The program is broadly conceived and includes the social, cultural, institutional and personal context of space-science history. Proposals of advanced research in history related to all aspects of the history of space science are eligible. Sciences of space and sciences affected by data and concepts developed in connection with space exploration include astronomy, Earth science, optics, meteorology, oceanography, and physiology. The fellowship is open to applicants who hold a doctoral degree in history or a closely related field, or students who have completed all requirements for the Ph.D., except the dissertation, in history of science or a related field.
What is Space Science?
The history of space science predates the founding of NASA. For example, the organizers of the International Geophysical Year (1957-1958) realized the important contributions spacecraft data could make to science, and the launch of Explorer I in 1958 demonstrated that feasibility with its discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts. In addition, scientific questions that motivated spaces sciences and scientific principles from which it evolved have even earlier roots.
Sciences of space and sciences affected by data and concepts developed in connection with space exploration include astronomy, Earth science, optics, meteorology, oceanography, and physiology. Space science has implications for our understanding of the moon and planets, fields and particles in space, celestial bodies beyond the solar system such as stars and galaxies, the Earth itself, and the life sciences, especially exobiology. Some works on space science are listed at the NASA History Office Web site: http://history.nasa.gov/.
Read about Arturo Russo, 2007 Fellowship winner, and Janet Vertesi, 2008 Fellowship winner.
The 2009 Fellowship winner is Matthew Hersch. You can read more about Matthew and his project in the July 2009 newsletter.
The 2010 Fellowship winner is Michael Johnson.
Eligibility and Application
Applicants must possess a doctorate degree in history of science or in a closely related field, or be enrolled as a student in a doctoral degree-granting program and have completed all requirements for the Ph.D., except the dissertation, in history of science or a related field. Eligibility is not limited to U.S. citizens or residents. To get more information about applying for the 2011 Fellowship, please click here.
NASA Fellowship Committee
- Bruce J. Hunt, chair
- Craig McConnell
- Matthew Stanley