John M. Horack, vice president of research for the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge at The Ohio State University, received the 2026 Distinguished Service Award from the International Astronautical Federation for decades of leadership in the international space research community.
The Distinguished Service Award was established to acknowledge active IAF volunteers for their immense contributions to the progress of astronautics and the Federation. Horack received the award at the IAF Spring Meeting earlier today.
“This recognition is a reflection on the the many dedicated colleagues, mentors, and students who have advanced the global space community,” said Horack. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute toan organization that continues to inspire innovation, foster international cooperation, and expand humanity’s reach beyond Earth.”
Founded during the Cold War, the federation promotes international dialogue and cooperation in space science and technology. The organization brings together space agencies, companies, universities and research institutions from around the world.
“The federation was established to try to open new dialogue globally about the peaceful uses of outer space and sharing of technology,” Horack said.
Horack has participated in the International Astronautical Federation for nearly 25 years. During that time, he has served on technical committees, chaired committees and completed a term as vice president on the organization’s board. His dedicated work strengthens Ohio State’s connections within the global aerospace research community while expanding opportunities for collaboration and student engagement.
“It really brings the opportunity for us to understand what’s going on globally in the world of spaceflight, space research, astronautics and earth science,” Horack said. “It also provides a venue for people to recognize Ohio State’s research community’s leadership in the roles we play in the peaceful uses of outer space.”
Through that work, Horack created opportunities for Ohio State students to present research and connect with professionals across the global space sector. Students regularly present technical papers at international conferences and build professional networks that help launch careers in aerospace, research and technology.
“I’ve probably taken over 100 students to IAF meetings where they’ve presented papers, built their network and received jobs,” Horack said. “I take great satisfaction in having played a small part in leveraging the federation and its environment to fortify our students.”
The IAF Spring Meetings are happening from March 24 – 26 in Paris. In addition to the awarding of the Distinguished Service Award, the IAF Administrative and Technical Committees are meeting and the International Program Committee will select the abstracts to be presented during the year’s International Astronautical Congress.