The Space Foundation is an American nonprofit organization, that advocates for the global space industry through space awareness activities, educational programs, and major industry events. Founded in 1983, it is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with additional offices in Washington, D.C..
Activities The Space Foundation delivers K-12 student programs in laboratory, classroom and after-school settings. It hosts the annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, featuring presentations and panels that provide insight into space developments and the latest on critical industry issues. The symposium includes an annual fundraiser called "Yuri's Night", named in honour of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. In 2022, the foundation renamed the fundraiser as "A Celebration of Space: Discover What's Next" due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Awards
General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award The General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Space Foundation, presented annually. The award recognizes outstanding individuals who have distinguished themselves through lifetime contributions to the welfare or betterment of humankind through the exploration, development and use of space, or the use of space technology, information, themes or resources in academic, cultural, industrial or other pursuits of broad benefit to humanity. Recipients of the award include:
Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award The Space Foundation, in conjunction with the Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), annually presents the Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award to recognize outstanding contributions to creative and innovative use of technology in education by K-12 educators or district-level education personnel. Winners of the Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award include:
Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award The Space Foundation annually presents the Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award in memory of Douglas S. Morrow, Academy Award-winning writer and producer, space advocate and former Space Foundation Board Member, to an individual or organization who has made significant contributions to the public awareness and understanding of space programs. Winners of the Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award include:
Space Achievement Award The Space Foundation's Space Achievement Award recognizes individuals or organizations for space achievement, a breakthrough space technology or program or other achievements representing critical milestones in the evolution of space exploration and development. Winners of the Space Achievement Award include:
John L. Jack, Swigert Jr., Award for Space Exploration The John L. "Jack" Swigert Jr., Award for Space Exploration recognizes extraordinary accomplishments by a company, space agency or consortium of organizations in the realm of space exploration and discovery. The award is in memory of astronaut John L. 'Jack' Swigert Jr., one of the inspirations for creating the Space Foundation. Winners of the John L. Jack Swigert Jr., Award for Space Exploration include:
Space Technology Hall of Fame The Space Technology Hall of Fame was created in 1988 by the Space Foundation with cooperation from NASA and is administered by the Space Foundation. The foundation annually honors groups and individuals that, according to the organization, "transform technology originally developed for space exploration into products that help improve the quality of life here on Earth".
References
External links Space Foundation - Home page