The William T. Pecora Award is presented annually to individuals and teams using satellite or aerial remote sensing that make outstanding contributions toward understanding the Earth’s surface, educating the next generation of scientists, informing decision makers or
supporting natural or human-induced disaster response. The award is presented for national and international work.
An individual award recognizes achievements in the scientific and technical remote sensing community, as well as contributions leading to successful practical applications of remote sensing. Consideration will be given to sustained career achievements or singular
contributions of major importance to the field of remote sensing.
A group award recognizes a team, a group of individuals, or part of an organization that has made major breakthroughs in remote sensing science or technology or developed an innovative application that has a significant impact on the user community or
national and international policies.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) jointly sponsor the award. It was established in 1974 to honor
the memory of Dr. William T. Pecora, former Director of the U.S. Geological Survey and Under Secretary, Department of the Interior.
Dr. Pecora was a motivating force behind the establishment of a program for civil remote sensing of the Earth from space. His early vision and support helped establish what we know today as the Landsat Satellite Program.
Pecora Award Eligibility
Any individual or group working in the field of remote sensing of the Earth is eligible to
receive the William T. Pecora Award. We accept nominations for public and private sector individuals, teams, organizations, and professional societies. National and international nominations are welcome. Previous nominees not selected as recipients may be re-nominated for future awards.
** Nominations Due May 29, 2026 **
Instructions for preparing a nomination and other information about the award can
be found by scanning the QR code to the right or by visiting the Pecora Award
webpages: William T. Pecora Awards | U.S. Geological Survey