A Rockford aerospace employee was recognized for his contributions to the space shuttle program with NASA's Silver Snoopy Award.
The Rockford Register-Star reports Bill Keenan, a manager at UTC Aerospace Systems (formerly known as Hamilton-Sundstrand) oversaw the design of countless electrical systems and parts for over 120 space shuttle missions during his 35 year career at the company.
Colonel Michael S. Hopkins, an astronaut who spent 166 days on the International Space Station, presented the award to Keenan Thursday. The award recognizes contributions to successful human spaceflight, and fewer than 1% of the nation's aerospace workers receive the award annually.
WNIJ's Chase Cavanaugh contributed to this report.