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The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) has elected Hungarian astronomer and space scientist Iván Almár, Honorary President of the Hungarian Astronautical Society (MANT), as a member of the IAF Hall of Fame, MANT announced on Tuesday.
Founded in 1951, the IAF is the world’s largest international space research organization. The IAF Hall of Fame was created to recognize the activities of those who have made significant contributions to the development of space science and technology. Past recipients include for instance, Elon Musk, former head of NASA Charles Bolden, and the Apollo 11 astronauts.
Iván Almár is the first Hungarian to be elected to the Hall of Fame by the international organization,
which has more than 500 members from 77 countries. Being one of the pioneers of Hungarian space exploration during his career, he was the founding director of the Satellite Geodetic Observatory and President of the Hungarian Space Research Council. He previously served as Vice President of the IAF. Almár is also an Honorary Member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and Honorary President of the Hungarian Astronautical Society (MANT).
During his career, he has published about 150 scientific papers and written or edited 10 books in Hungarian on space exploration and the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI). His outstanding scientific outreach has made his name well known to generations of Hungarian television viewers and newspaper readers. He has been a commentator on all major space events since the 1969 Moon landing.
I consider it the greatest honor of my life that the IAF has deemed me worthy of this recognition,”
MANT quotes Almár, who celebrated his 92nd birthday on April 21.
Via MTI, Featured image: Facebook/Magyar Asztronautikai Társaság – MANT