Space Foundation Press Releases
Space Foundation Names Emily Calandrelli Recipient of 2025 Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award
Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Feb. 4, 2025 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 as a gateway to unite the global space community, today announced it has selected Emily Calandrelli, MIT aerospace engineer, New York Times Bestselling author, and Emmy-nominated television host, as the recipient of this year’s Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award.
Space Foundation presents the award in memory of the late Douglas S. Morrow, renowned 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 of space programs.
“Emily has made it her mission to guide the next generation, and few could match her remarkable ability to connect with young minds virtually – whether it’s Netflix, YouTube, social media, or even launch pads. Her tireless efforts are opening doors, fueling curiosity, and empowering youth to contribute to the space industry and leave their own lasting impact on the world,” said Heather Pringle, CEO of Space Foundation.
Emily earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from West Virginia University in 2010. While at WVU, she was awarded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for research and Harry S. Truman Scholarship for policy work. Subsequently, she attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where she obtained a Master of Science degree in aeronautics and astronautics as well as in technology and policy in 2013. As a college student, Emily interned at NASA, where she designed a simulation for the Phoenix Mars Lander’s soil testing experiment, researched laser technology to reduce harmful emissions from jet engines, and developed chemical detection sensors.
After college, Emily began her science communication career as an executive producer and host of FOX’s “Xploration Outer Space.” She later became the host and co-executive producer of “Emily’s Wonder Lab” on Netflix and appeared as a correspondent on “Bill Nye Saves the World.” Known as “The Space Gal” on social media, she is also a professional speaker who has presented at venues such as Google, Pixar, MIT, Texas Instruments, CERN, and dozens of K-12 schools and universities across the country. Her talks focus on science communication, space exploration, and women in STEM.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Morrow Award and to join the esteemed ranks of past winners who have set such a high standard in science and space communication. Their work has inspired and shaped the way we engage with the wonders of the universe, and I am grateful to contribute to this ongoing mission of discovery and education. This recognition fuels my passion to continue making science accessible, engaging, and inspiring for all,” said Emily Calandrelli.
In addition to her speaking engagements, Emily is an author with nine published titles including picture book “Reach for the Stars,” the science experiment book series “Stay Curious and Keep Exploring,” and the science chapter book series, “Ada Lace Adventures.” The third book in the series was launched to the International Space Station through the Story Time From Space program. Most recently Emily released a sequel to her experiment book, “Stay Curious and Keep Exploring: Next Level” and debuted at #1 on the New York times Bestseller List.
Emily achieved a remarkable milestone on Nov. 22, 2024, when she became one of six people to launch into space as part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard flight. She became the 100th woman in space and the 10th woman to fly on a suborbital spaceflight above the Kármán line.
The award will be presented on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, during our Space Technology Hall of Fame and Awards Luncheon at the 40th Space Symposium, to be held at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.
About Space Symposium
Space Symposium, created in 1984 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, Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award, space industry event, space technology, space innovation, space ecosystem, space-inspired industries, space exploration, space derived, space advocate, Emily Calandrelli, STEM education
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]