Anita Sengupta Recognized for Decades of Work in Advancing Aviation

Hydroplane Founder Anita Sengupta was chosen as the recipient of the National Aeronautic Association's 2022 Katherine and Marjorie Stinson Trophy.

The award has been given since 1997 in the memory of pioneering aviation sisters Katherine and Marjorie Stinson, recognizing those who make "an outstanding and enduring contribution to the role of women in the field of aviation, aeronautics, space, or related sciences."

Before starting Hydroplane Limited, Sengupta cut her teeth for 20 years as an aerospace engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where she worked on the Mars Curiosity Rover and Orion Crew Return Vehicle. Her PhD research was later used for the ion propulsion system for the Dawn Mission, too. Now, as CEO of Hydroplane, she functions as Principal Investigator on two USAF research and development contracts, developing H2 fuel cells for vertical lift aircraft and Agility Prime's cargo drones.

“I am immensely honored to follow in the footsteps of such enterprising aviation trailblazers and educators as Katherine and Marjorie Stinson and to share this award with many distinguished recipients including Wally Funk, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, and Dr. Shannon Lucid,” said Sengupta. “I am passionate about elevating women in aerospace and aviation technology as I believe they bring some of the brightest minds and most innovative ideas to the table.”

“Dr. Anita Sengupta is one of those people who often fly under the radar, but who create and inspire each and every day,” said NAA President & CEO Greg Principato. “I am absolutely certain the Stinson sisters would be in awe of all Dr. Sengupta has done, and is doing, and would be so honored that an award named for them is being presented to her. Our awards recognize the best in aviation, and we do so again today.”

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