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03-23-2010, 12:03 PM

Speedmaster Pro Snoopy Special Edition

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Production of this limited-edition model (Reference 3578.51.00) is restricted to 5,441 individually numbered pieces.

The Snoopy Award design is etched and painted on the sapphire crystal case back. OMEGA received this award, the highest distinction from NASA astronauts, on 5 October 1970 in recognition of its vital role in the safe return to Earth of the Apollo XIII mission.

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The History and the Meaning of the Snoopy Award

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Upon the completion of the Mercury and Gemini programs, NASA took steps to renew and invigorate consciousness of flight safety and quality performance in the space program. The associate administrator for Manned Space Flight asked NASA centers to expand their assistance to government and contractors in the area of employee motivation.

The Apollo program director had previously suggested that NASA develop a program to heighten awareness of the need for superior performance and quality in flight systems. At that time, studies revealed that a substantial number of problems encountered during the Mercury and Gemini programs was caused by errors and lack of attention on the part of individual workers. Because of the complexity of the Apollo/Saturn effort, which involved hundreds of thousands of workers in plants across the country, the associate director of the Apollo program ordered direct motivational action by what was then called the Office of Manned Space Flight (OMSF).

Until then, OMSF motivational activities had been confined mainly to efforts at the Marshall Space Flight Center: e.g., a poster series, a traveling exhibit van, special films and briefings at contractor plants, and a trip for outstanding employees to see a space launch at Kennedy Space Center.

In response to the request for additional effort, NASA initiated a review of existing industry motivational programs and ongoing government efforts. Although all these programs contained many excellent features, there was no direct reference to the Apollo/ Saturn program, the astronauts, flight safety, or the importance of the national space program. Greater awareness of flight safety and a means for workers to identify with flight crews and their missions were needed.

In reviewing government programs, NASA found Smokey the Bear of the U.S. Forest Service of particular interest. A 1968 study revealed that Smokey was the best-known symbol in the United States: 9 out of every 10 Americans were familiar with him and his message. NASA had to find such a symbol --one that was already accepted by the public, particularly the people working on systems for human space flight. The symbol had to emphasize flight safety and mission success, to act as a watchdog for manned flight.

Snoopy, the precocious puppy from the popular Peanuts comic strip, appeared to be eminently qualified. He was a dog, he had previous flight experience (from the top of his doghouse), and he had national acceptance. People like to read what Snoopy has to say.

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NASA's chief of Manned Flight Awareness decided to approach Charles Schulz, the creator of Snoopy, and ask if the astronauts might be permitted to adopt Snoopy as their personal safety symbol. An avid supporter of the U.S. space program, Mr. Schulz enthusiastically welcomed the idea. Both Charles Schulz and United Features agreed to let NASA use "Snoopy the Astronaut" at no cost. However, in the interests of preserving the comic strip character's integrity, certain and very reasonable guidelines were established.

First, because no two artists draw Snoopy alike, and multiple artistic renditions of the floppy-eared celebrity would only compromise Snoopy's identity, Charles Schulz himself would draw the figure of Snoopy on all NASA-related motivational items (decals, bumper stickers, posters, cards, pins, etc.).

Second, all Snoopy productions would carry the United Features copyright (a small "c" in a circle followed by "United Features Syndicate" and date of publication). The Silver Snoopy pins used in NASA's motivation programs have a stamped copyright.

In time, the Snoopy Award was enthusiastically endorsed by the press, congressional leaders, and the astronaut corps. Today, the NASA astronauts, along with the Manned Flight Awareness program (renamed Space Flight Awareness in 1995), have exclusive use of Snoopy for motivational programs. The Peanuts pooch, clad in his space helmet and space suit, remains a symbol of excellence for the Space Shuttle Program. Like Smokey the Bear, he continues to battle lack of attention and strives to develop in each worker a continuing concern for the lives and safety of others. As the watchdog for flight safety, Snoopy promotes excellence in every phase of space flight to help ensure mission success.

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Employees at NASA, other government agencies, and industry who distinguish themselves in their work are eligible to receive a Silver Snoopy. Nominations are submitted by employee peers or management and selected in compliance with published criteria, which ensure that the number of recipients normally represents less than 1 percent of the space program workforce. Individuals selected for the award receive a flown Silver Snoopy pin, a letter of commendation, and a certificate presented by a member of the astronaut corps.

The Silver Snoopy is the astronauts' personal award to members of the workforce for outstanding and exemplary work. Above all, the Snoopy emblem reflects NASA and industry's sense of responsibility and continuing concern for astronaut flight safety. It is a meaningful link between the astronaut corps and members of the NASA/industry work team.

The Snoopy Award program continues throughout NASA and the aerospace industry as a highly visible effort to foster an environment of quality and flight safety consciousness in which employees know that excellence is always expected. As a symbol of this message, Snoopy is an effective motivational tool that also inspires and encourages new ideas to facilitate and improve space program operations.

The Silver Snoopy and Launch Honoree awards, as well as other human space flight program motivational activities, are managed by the NASA/industry Space Flight Awareness Panel under the cognizance of the associate administrator, Office of Space Flight, NASA Headquarters, in Washington, D.C.