Space Foundation Announces 2026 John L. “Jack” Swigert Jr. Award for Space Exploration and Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Recipients

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Jan. 29, 2026 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to advance the global space community, today announced it has selected NASA’s Voyager Team as the recipient of the 2026 John L. “Jack” Swigert Jr. Award for Space Exploration and the Estes Model Rocket Company as the 2026 Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award recipient.

“We are proud to celebrate the spirit of exploration, innovation and education demonstrated in both the Voyager missions and the Estes Model Rocket Company,” said Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle. “Voyager has expanded our understanding of the universe for decades, while Estes inspires curiosity and creativity in students worldwide. Together, they show how dedication can guide future generations to reach higher and dream bigger.”

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.

Nearly 50 years after their launch, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 remain among humanity’s greatest achievements in space exploration. Originally designed for a four-year mission, the twin probes became the only spacecraft to visit all four giant outer planets — Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — reshaping our understanding of the solar system. Voyager discoveries include active volcanoes on Jupiter’s moon Io, detailed structures within Saturn’s rings, new moons, and magnetic fields around Uranus and Neptune, providing insights that continue to influence planetary science. In 2012, Voyager 1 became the first human-made object to enter interstellar space, followed by Voyager 2 in 2018, delivering the first direct measurements of the space between stars.

The Voyager team’s recent successes in sustaining and restoring communication with the aging spacecraft further strengthen its historic legacy. Operating across vast distances, the team continues to provide critical scientific data from interstellar space, demonstrating ingenuity, perseverance, and technical expertise. Their ability to generate new discoveries from a mission now in its fifth decade underscores the enduring impact of Voyager and the remarkable talent behind one of the longest-running space missions in history.

Space Foundation also selected the Estes Model Rocket Company for the 2026 Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award for its decades-long commitment to immersive STEM learning and education. Founded in 1958, the company has grown into the world’s leading model rocketry manufacturer and a trusted partner for teachers and youth organizations nationwide, providing accessible tools and resources that help students explore science, technology, engineering and math in hands‑on ways.

Through model rockets, classroom kits, curriculum resources, and national education partnerships, Estes nurtures curiosity and builds scientific understanding from early learning through high school. Its lesson plans and hands-on activities turn abstract concepts into practical experiences that develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. From a student’s first rocket launch to collaborative projects and national competitions, Estes invites learners of all ages to explore science and engineering and experience the excitement of discovery.

The awards will be presented at Space Foundation’s 41st annual Space Symposium, April 13-16, 2026, 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 10,000 space professionals, business leaders, and decision-makers. Attendees from more than 40 countries gather annually 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. Learn more 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 receives 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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Media Contacts:

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

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

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