CTSD Award

Vista Photonics, Inc. Receives Award from NASA Johnson Space Center

Las Cruces, NM, October 30, 2025: We are excited to announce the awarding of the Crew And Thermal Systems Division (CTSD) Challenge Coin to Dr. Jeff Pilgrim. Dr. Pilgrim has always been a fan of space flight and dreamed of contributing in some way to the NASA space program. For over twenty years, he has been building his company to be a leading prime contractor of optic based sensors. Recognition like this is due to the talent and skill of the Vista Photonics team.

"JSC NASA has been fortunate to have a long working relationship with Vista Photonics on various flight hardware projects going back over twelve years. In September 2025, the Anomaly Gas Analyzer (AGA) project reached significant milestones with the on orbit delivery of seven units to ISS as well as multi-program approval of System Acceptance Review (SAR) to certify the design for ISS and Orion. ISS will soon deploy the AGAs that flew on NG-21, SpX-33 and NG-23 for Ammonia and Fire Response in 2025/2026, while Orion is planned to fly AGAs around the moon on Artemis II in 2026.

EC3 would like to recognize the efforts of Jeff Pilgrim, president of Vista Photonics, for his significant contributions to the space industry. He has continued to press the envelope of laser-based trace sensing techniques to create best-in-industry sensors for critical applications, while building a team of flight hardware experts from a small business of less than ten individuals. The CTSD Challenge Coin is the most prestigious award in the EC Division at JSC, and is intended for those that exemplify heroic efforts in the support of the JSC Engineering Directorate. EC3 is fortunate to have the support and dedication of the team at Vista Photonics, congratulations for this significant achievement." -NASA Johnson Space Center

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Media Contact

Melissa Pilgrim, Chief Administrative Officer

Vista Photonics, Inc.

(505) 216-2287, cao@vistaphotonics.com