Space Foundation Announces Recipient of Admiral James O. Ellis Jr. New Generation National Security Scholarship

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — March 18, 2025 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to advance the global space community, today announced that Master Sgt. Craig J. Evans, Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, is the recipient of the Admiral James O. Ellis Jr. New Generation National Security Scholarship.

This award provides the recipient full participation in events at Space Foundation’s Space Symposium, being held April 7–10 in Colorado Springs, including the New Generation program and a seat at the Space Classified session. The scholarship was established to encourage the participation of new generation professionals at Space Symposium, acknowledge an exceptional young professional, and provide that individual an opportunity to advance their professional growth and development.

“We’re proud to celebrate Master Sgt. Craig J. Evans, a Colorado native whose leadership, technical expertise, and innovative vision have earned him the 2025 Admiral James O. Ellis Jr. New Generation National Security Scholarship,” said Steve Eisenhart, Space Foundation senior vice president of strategic and international affairs. “Evans exemplifies the Space Force’s mission by merging military discipline with cutting-edge cyber skills. His work safeguarding space security and advancing national defense innovation sets a powerful example for the next generation of space leaders, and this recognition underscores his vital contributions to shaping a secure future in space.”

Evans has dedicated his career to cybersecurity and space operations, protecting critical national assets in an increasingly contested domain. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, honing technical skills in cyber systems, before transferring to the Space Force in 2019 upon its inception. Rising to Master Sergeant, he has led teams at Schriever — a hub for space and cyber missions — safeguarding satellite networks and supporting joint operations. His expertise includes defending against cyberthreats to space infrastructure, ensuring mission readiness for the 664th Cyber Squadron. Before his current role, Evans served in various Air Force cyber units, mastering network security and operational protocols.

About Admiral James O. Ellis, Jr., USN (Ret.)

Ellis, a retired four-star admiral and former Commander of United States Strategic Command, is the former chairperson of the National Space Council Users’ Advisory Group and an Annenberg Distinguished Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Previously, he was president and chief executive officer at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. Ellis was elected to Space Foundation’s board of directors in January 2010 and served as chairperson from January 2016 through November 2017.

About Space Symposium

Space Symposium, created in 1984 by Space Foundation, is the premier assembly of the global space community, bringing together more than 10,000 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  advance the global space community. Space Foundation uniquely educates, collaborates and informs the entire space workforce from early education through post-secondary (college, non-college, vocational), to the start of their careers as new professionals, and ultimately as leaders at the highest levels of government and commercial industry. As a charitable organization, Space Foundation raises support from corporate members, sponsors, individual giving, 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, Admiral James O. Ellis Jr., New Generation National Security Scholarship, Master Sgt. Craig J. Evans, space industry event, new generation space leaders, mentoring, networking, professional development, scholarship, space ecosystem, space innovation, space exploration, space security, cybersecurity, Space Force

Media Contacts:

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

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