Space Foundation Opens Nomination Period for General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award, Presented at 2026 Space Symposium

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Sept. 11, 2025 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to advance the global space community, is now accepting nominations for its most prestigious honor, the General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award.

Named in memory of Gen. James E. Hill, USAF (Ret.), longtime chairperson of Space Foundation, this award celebrates individuals whose exceptional contributions over 20 years have significantly benefited humanity through space exploration and technology development, such as the application of space assets in areas like academia, culture and industry.

Nominations will be accepted from Sept. 11 to Nov. 30, 2025. Anyone can nominate a candidate, but self-nominations are not permitted. Nominees must demonstrate outstanding achievements recognized on a national or international scale by Space Foundation’s board of directors. The award will be presented at the 41st Space Symposium, April 13–16, 2026, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

Recent recipients include:

• 2025: Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, first American woman to walk in space, former NOAA administrator
• 2024: Martin “Marty” C. Faga, former assistant secretary of the Air Force and NRO director
• 2023: Daniel S. Goldin, NASA’s longest-serving administrator
• 2022: Joanne Maguire, first female executive vice president at Lockheed Martin
• 2021: Patti Grace Smith, FAA official and private space travel advocate
• 2020: Eugene F. “Gene” Kranz, former NASA flight director

A full roster of Hill awardees can be found at www.spacefoundation.org/what-we-do/awards/

Candidates must meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Advancement of space technology
• Advancement of human understanding of space
• Contribution to public support for space endeavors
• Shaping of governmental policy toward space
• Artistic interpretation of space’s significance
• Design of enduring space systems
• Use of space technology to benefit humanity

Nominees must also align with Space Foundation’s mission by meeting at least three of the following:

• Published work related to space exploration
• Promotion of space exploration through various media
• Knowledge transfer to non-space-related groups
• Community or public service
• Significant contribution to Space Foundation’s mission

To nominate a candidate, submit a letter (not more than two pages) by standard mail or email to:

Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications
Space Foundation Washington, D.C., Office
1700 North Moore St., Ste. 1105
Arlington, VA 22209

Email: rcooper@spacefoundation.org

Upon approval by Space Foundation’s board of directors, the honoree will be notified promptly in writing. For inquiries, contact Rich Cooper at the email above.

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 advances the global space community through education, collaboration and information. Founded in 1983, the nonprofit brings together space professionals, educators and leaders from around the world to highlight how space benefits life on Earth and beyond. As a charitable organization, Space Foundation is supported by members, sponsors, individuals and grants. Learn more at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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Media Contacts:

Kelli Kedis Ogborn
Vice President, Global Space Programs
Space Foundation
(714) 269-6599
kkedisogborn@spacefoundation.org

Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
rcooper@spacefoundation.org

Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
SpaceFoundation@techmarket.com

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