Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, the only Romanian to have flown into space, was presented with the Theodore von Karman Award at the annual gala of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), held in Antalya, Turkey, on Sunday, ahead of the International Astronautical Congress.

The Theodore von Karman Award, the IAA's highest distinction, 'recognises outstanding achievements throughout an entire career and is named after the Academy's founder and first president, Theodore von Karman, a leading figure in global aerospace science and engineering', according to a press release issued by Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu.

The award represents 'one of the highest forms of professional recognition within the international astronautics community', the press release says.

In the citation on the diploma presented to Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, the IAA highlights a life dedicated to international astronautics, from his 1981 space flight as Romania's first space explorer to decades of involvement in the governance of space activities and planetary defence. It also highlights his contributions as president of the Romanian Space Agency, his promotion of multilateral cooperation through his work within the United Nations (UN), the Association of Space Explorers and other international organisations, as well as his commitment to the peaceful, responsible and cooperative use of outer space.

'I accept this distinction with gratitude, as recognition of a lifetime of work: a journey through engineering, spaceflight, leadership of national space activities, diplomacy, education and international cooperation. Throughout these different responsibilities, I have been guided by one conviction: space activities can contribute to the advancement of human knowledge while also bringing nations and people closer together,' Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu said.

In his speech, the Romanian cosmonaut highlighted the important role the IAA has played in his own career: a community of scientific excellence, a meeting place for disciplines and cultures, and a framework for exchanging experience and developing ideas through dialogue. He also emphasised the growing need for independent expertise and international cooperation at a time of rapidly expanding space activities.

Forty-five years after his space flight, Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu reaffirmed his 'commitment to protecting the planet, the sustainable use of space, the responsible conduct of lunar activities and bringing younger generations closer to science and exploration', the press release says. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Dana Purgaru; EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia)