NASA medical, psychological and engineering experts who leaped to the aide of 33 trapped Chilean miners in 2010 were recognized this week for their contributions to a successful rescue effort with the National Security and International Affairs Medal, an annual award presented by the Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit group.
Those honored included Dr. Michael Duncan, the former deputy chief of medical operations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, who led NASA’s response to the Chilean call for assistance. Those honored along with him included Dr. J. D. Polk, chief of the space medicine division at Johnson; Albert Holland, senior operational psychologist at Johnson; and Clinton Cragg, principal engineer at the NASA Safety and Engineering Center.
NASA's Clinton Cragg, J. D. Polk and Mike Duncan, receive public service medal. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, right, joins in presentation. Photo Credit/NASA photo.
The four NASA employees spent three days in Copiago,Chile, offering advice on medical care, nutrition, psychological support and communication with the trapped miners and their families as well as the design of a novel device for raising the trapped workers from deep underground.
The aging San Jose copper and gold mine collapsed on Aug. 5. It was 17 days before authorities realized there were survivors trapped in a cavern 2,300 feet below the surface.
The men were rescued through tunnels drilled into the mine on Oct. 13, 69 days after the cave in. The rescue was watched closely by people from around the world.
“We are very proud of the NASA team for its contribution that earned this prestigious award,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden.
“The help provided to the Chilean government is a testament to the research and technology development we do at NASA,” Bolden added. “This was a practical example of how science and engineering for the space program has direct benefits to people on Earth.”
Duncan has since transferred to the Office of International and Interagency Relations at NASA Headquarters in Washington