The $10,000 award recognizes the aerospace engineering student's research, innovation, and leadership.
The student-operated CubeSat will test next-generation propulsion technology during a nine-month mission.
The master’s student received a National Space Security Association scholarship for his work on space-based defensive satellites.
As part of the honor, Smith will present a technical talk on rotorcraft's growing role in space exploration.
The honor highlights their research leadership and impact on aerospace engineering.
This marks the 12th year at No. 2 or higher.
Regents Professor Dimitri Mavris has received the Award for Distinguished Service from the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS).
Six students have simulated a Mars mission, while dozens more operated a mission control center in Atlanta.
Beckett Zhou will lead Georgia Tech's role in a NASA University Leadership Initiative developing advanced tools to help predict and reduce noise from urban air mobility vehicles in city environments.