We’re proud to celebrate Gerard Szymczak – Test Verification Engineer on our JSC Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) contract – who was awarded the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award on September 9, presented by astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli.

The Silver Snoopy is one of NASA’s most meaningful honors. Awarded by the astronaut corps, it recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to flight safety and mission success. Fewer than 1% of eligible employees ever receive it, making this achievement especially significant.

Gerard earned the recognition for his 16 years of dedication to sustaining and maintaining the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) aboard the International Space Station. ARED is essential for astronaut health, allowing crews to counteract the effects of living and working in microgravity. Gerard’s efforts have ensured that the system remains safe, fully functional, and ready for use at all times.

“I received my Silver Snoopy for my years of sustaining and maintaining the ARED system – fixing issues and solving problems to keep it safe and fully functional,” Gerard explained. “This award is very special to me because it is presented by the astronaut corps, who are the actual end-users of the system. The fact that they chose to recognize me shows how much they value the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that I, as well as my entire team, have put forth in sustaining ARED for the past 16 years.”

Please join us in congratulating Gerard on this incredible honor. His commitment, problem-solving, and expertise have made a lasting impact on NASA’s human spaceflight missions and the astronauts who depend on the ARED system every day.