Space Foundation Press Releases


Nominations Now Open for Space Technology Hall of Fame 2024 Induction Class

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

  • Celebrates space technologies that bring positive impact to life on Earth
  • Nominations open through Aug. 31, 2023
  • Inductees to be honored at Space Symposium April 8-11, 2024

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — June 6, 2023 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem, today announced nominations are now open for 2024 induction into the distinguished Space Technology Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place during Space Symposium, on April 8-11, 2024, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

“Space technologies change life for the better everywhere they are used,” said Tom Zelibor, CEO of Space Foundation. “Being able to acknowledge the life-changing technologies and the people and organizations that pioneer their breakthrough applications is one of the highest honors bestowed by Space Foundation. Every one of our Space Technology Hall of Fame inductees proves there is space for all.”

Founded in 1988, the Space Technology Hall of Fame recognizes the life-changing technologies emerging from global space programs; honors the scientists, engineers and innovators responsible for their creation; and communicates to the public the importance of these technologies as a return on investment in space exploration.

Anyone may nominate technologies developed anywhere in the world for use in space and then modified or adapted for use on Earth. Selected nominees will be officially inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame during a special awards ceremony to be held during Space Symposium. Nominations must be completed online by Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.

Individuals and organizations may nominate up to three technologies, including previously nominated technologies that have not been inducted. Supporting materials such as technical papers and product literature submitted for review will be assessed for completeness. Candidate technologies will then be submitted to an esteemed panel of judges and ranked according to Space Technology Hall of Fame selection criteria.

To nominate a technology, visit www.spacefoundation.org/nominate-a-technology.

Selection Criteria for Space Technology Hall of Fame

Public Response: The public response elicited by the technology. Can the spin-off application be easily grasped and understood by the general public? Does it have a promotional value in highlighting the benefits of space exploration? Does it stimulate interest and pursuit of careers and/or grow the workforce pipeline in the space ecosystem?

Societal Benefit: The technology’s positive impact on health, safety, efficiency, conservation or education and other societal advantages. Does the technology have important benefits for a significant segment of humanity or society as a whole? Does the technology promote further technological advancement and/or better lives on Earth?

Economic Benefit: The economic activity resulting from the technology. Has the technology been the basis of, or a significant contributor to, a successfully selling product(s) and/or generated a new growing company(s)? Has it helped cultivate a vibrant and economically strong space ecosystem?

Leadership Investment: The significance of the development efforts. Was the initial development effort an example of an inclusive, innovative and sustainable workforce, and/or did the development effort provide entrepreneurial opportunities?

Longevity: The technology’s commercial life. How long has the technology and/or its application been successfully in use? Has it effectively evolved over time and become more refined and distributed in its use and applications?

Each nomination is reviewed for completeness, ranked by a panel of annually appointed judges who rate according to selection criteria, and then assessed by technical experts.

Inductees to Space Technology Hall of Fame

2023 Space Technology Hall of Fame inductees include:

  • Nature’s Fynd
  • NASGRO®
  • Syncom

Other inducted technologies have included energy-saving devices, health improvement tools, satellite and telecommunication technologies, and practical commercial items. All inducted technologies may be viewed at www.spacefoundation.org/inducted-technologies/.

For more information or questions regarding the nomination process, please contact [email protected].

About Space Technology Hall of Fame

Space Technology Hall of Fame honors individuals, organizations and companies that adapt technologies originally developed for space to improve the quality of life on Earth. Launched in 1988 by Space Foundation and operating under the Symposium 365 division, the awards program also inspires future space innovators. Honorees are nominated by the space community and global space agency technology transfer offices, reviewed by a space and technology expert panel, and inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame in a special reception at Space Symposium. For more information or to nominate a technology, please visit www.spacetechhalloffame.org.

About Space Foundation

Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem. Driven by partnerships, Space Foundation unites the entire spectrum of stakeholders — business, government, education and local communities — through support from corporate members, sponsors, fundraising and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and a.

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Tags: Space Foundation, Space Technology Hall of Fame, Space Symposium, space industry event, space innovation, space technology, space ecosystem, space exploration, space-to-Earth industries

Media Contacts:

Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
[email protected]

Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
[email protected]


Posted in Space Foundation Press Releases