A US non-profit organization established in 1957 to stimulate the exchange of ideas and information concerned with rocketry and astronautics, and to promote recognition of US achievements in space. Its members are recruited from the space industry, educational institutions, the government, and the general public. The NSC presents several annual awards, including those to professionals who have made outstanding contributions to planetary exploration, and to those who have developed innovative uses of Earth-observation satellites. The NSC also maintains a Hall of Fame in recognition of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional efforts in the field of space exploration.