NASA Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement

NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal
NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal
Awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Country	United States
Type	Medal
Eligibility	Government employees and non-government personnel
Status	Active
Statistics
Established	September 15, 1961
Precedence
Next (higher)	Exceptional Achievement Medal Exceptional Service Medal Outstanding Service Medal (obsolete)
Equivalent	Exceptional Engineering Achievement Medal Exceptional Technology Achievement Medal Exceptional Administrative Achievement Medal Equal Employment Opportunity Medal
Next (lower)	Exceptional Bravery Medal
NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Ribbon

The NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal (abbreviated ESAM) was established by NASA on September 15, 1961 when the original ESM was divided into three separate awards. Under the current guidelines, the ESAM is awarded for unusually significant scientific contribution toward achievement of aeronautical or space exploration goals. This award may be given for individual efforts that have resulted in a contribution of fundamental importance in this field, or have significantly enhanced understanding of this field.