The NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal is an award which acknowledges individuals who have provided an exceptional scientific contribution toward achieving NASA's mission.

NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal 1984

Hartmut H. Aumann - for outstanding contributions to the IRAS mission and the interpretation of the infrared excess of the star Alpha Lyrae (also known as Vega, it may be surrounded by another solar system).

Fred C. Gillett - for outstanding contributions to IRAS, specifically for leadership in telescope development, scientific analysis and other areas.

James R. Houck - for outstanding contributions to IRAS, including efforts in the rebuilding of the telescope focal plane assembly and continuing scientific analysis.

Gerry Neugebauer - for outstanding contributions to IRAS, and in particular, leadership of the scientific aspects of the mission.

B. Thomas Soifer - for outstanding contributions to IRAS, especially in the areas of data processing and analysis.