Space Foundation Press Releases

Dr. Kathryn Sullivan Honored With 2025 General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Jan. 14, 2025 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 as a gateway to unite the global space community, today announced that Dr. Kathryn Sullivan has been selected as the 2025 recipient of its highest honor, the General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award.

Named in honor of Space Foundation’s late, longtime chairman, Gen. James E. Hill, USAF (Ret.), the award recognizes outstanding individuals who have distinguished themselves through lifetime contributions of 20 years or more 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.

“Dr. Sullivan’s trailblazing journey and historic achievements are second to none,” said Heather Pringle, Space Foundation CEO. “She embodies exceptional courage, competence, and a pioneering spirit that drives exploration of the unknown in sea and space, advances scientific understanding, and inspires others to break barriers, too.”

Dr. Sullivan was one of the first six women to join NASA’s astronaut corps in 1978 and holds the distinction of being the first American woman to walk in space. In June 2020, she made history again by completing a submersible dive to the Challenger Deep, becoming the first person to both orbit the planet and reach its deepest point. Her remarkable accomplishments have earned her three Guinness World Records, cementing her legacy as one of the most pioneering figures in human exploration.

After leaving NASA, Dr. Sullivan held several senior executive and advisory positions, including presidential appointments as undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere, administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). Currently, she serves on the boards of International Paper, Accenture Federal Services, Terra Alpha Investments, and the National Audubon Society. She is also a senior fellow at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and ambassador-at-large for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum.

Dr. Sullivan earned a Bachelor of Science in earth sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Ph.D. in geology from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. She is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Public Administration. Her numerous accolades include induction into the Astronaut Hall of Fame, National Aviation Hall of Fame, and several others, along with recognitions by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2014 and one of 46 Distinguished First Women in 2017.

“Throughout my career, I have been inspired by the limitless potential of space exploration to drive innovation and deepen our understanding of the universe,” commented Dr. Sullivan. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the incredible teams and mentors who have inspired and supported me throughout my journey.”

The award will be presented at the opening ceremonies of Space Foundation’s 40th annual Space Symposium, to be held April 7-10, 2025, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

About Space Symposium

Space Symposium, created in 1985 by Space Foundation, is the premier assembly of the global space community, bringing together more than 12,000 space professionals, business leaders, and decision-makers. Attendees from more than 40 countries gather in Colorado Springs to form partnerships and explore the latest in space technology. Representing all sectors of the space ecosystem, participants include space agencies, commercial businesses, military organizations, government agencies, R&D facilities, educational institutions, and entrepreneurs. The event also extends its global reach with virtual access through livestream and on-demand programming. Visit Space Symposium at www.spacesymposium.org.

About Space Foundation 

Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 as a gateway to unite the global space community and accelerate its growth and success. Space Foundation uniquely educates, collaborates, and informs the entire space workforce from early education to college, to the start of their careers as new professionals, and to leaders at the highest levels in government and commercial industry. Driven by partnerships, Space Foundation raises support from corporate members, sponsors, fundraising and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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Tags: Space Foundation, General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, Space Symposium, space exploration, women in STEM, science and technology leadership

Media Contacts:

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

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


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