Space Foundation Press Releases

Polaris Dawn Mission Selected to Receive 2025 John L. ‘Jack’ Swigert Jr. Award for Space Exploration

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Jan. 28, 2025 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 as a gateway to unite the global space community, today announced that it has selected the Polaris Dawn Mission Team as the recipient of the 2025 John L. “Jack” Swigert Jr. Award for Space Exploration.

Polaris Dawn, the first commercial crewed space exploration mission achieved a number of major technical milestones including: reaching the highest Earth orbit ever flown with a peak apogee of 1,408.1 kilometers above Earth.; completing the first-ever commercial extravehicular activity (EVA) with SpaceX-designed extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuits, conducting scientific research designed to advance both human health on Earth and our understanding of human health during future long-duration spaceflights, and testing laser-based communications in space with Starlink. These accomplishments mark a significant step forward in the evolution of commercial spaceflight and private sector exploration.

“Polaris Dawn exemplifies the groundbreaking achievements that continue to shape our journey beyond Earth,” said Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle. “This mission not only advances technology and science but also fuels global inspiration, demonstrating the power of human ingenuity and the limitless possibilities of space exploration.”

“Receiving the John L. ‘Jack’ Swigert Jr. Award is an incredible honor for the Polaris Dawn team,” said Todd Ericson, Polaris Dawn mission director. “This mission, from achieving the highest Earth orbit to performing the first commercial spacewalk, reflects our commitment to advancing space exploration and inspiring the next generation of explorers while simultaneously ensuring that we improved life back here on Earth through Polaris’ support of St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

The John L. “Jack” Swigert Jr. Award for Space Exploration honors exceptional achievements in space exploration and discovery by a company, agency or consortium. Named for astronaut Jack Swigert, a Colorado native and Apollo 13 crew member, the award reflects the mission’s historic perseverance and ingenuity, and it celebrates the spirit of overcoming challenges in the pursuit of discovery.

The award will be presented at 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, Space Symposium, space industry event, space economy, space technology, space innovation, space exploration, space research, John L. Jack Swigert Jr. Award for Space Exploration, Jack Swigert, Polaris Dawn, commercial space flight

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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