Space Foundation Selects Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 Team and the Petit Family Foundation for 2026 Space Symposium Awards

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Feb. 18, 2026 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 1983 to advance the global space community, has named Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 team for the 2026 Space Achievement Award and the Petit Family Foundation for the 2026 Athena Education Award.

“The extraordinary contributions of these two organizations are shaping the future of space, from the classroom to the Moon,” said Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle. “A bold vision and technical excellence were key to the Blue Ghost Mission 1 team’s impressive lunar landing and mission execution, while the inspirational and high-quality STEM experiences sponsored by the Petit Family Foundation sparked long-term interest in science and space for thousands of families. It’s a privilege to recognize these truly exceptional organizations.”

Established in 1995 and presented annually at Space Symposium, Space Foundation’s Space Achievement Award honors individuals or organizations whose work represents critical milestones in space exploration, technology advancement, or program success.

Firefly Aerospace exemplifies the award’s intent through its groundbreaking Blue Ghost Mission 1, which achieved the first fully successful commercial landing on the Moon. Launched in January 2025 and landing in Mare Crisium on March 2, the mission operated for more than two weeks and completed all objectives. The lander carried 10 NASA instruments, returned more than 119 gigabytes of data, captured rare lunar imagery, and demonstrated new capabilities such as GPS signal tracking on the Moon — advancing the future of commercial lunar exploration.

The Athena Education Award, established in 2021, recognizes a steadfast partner whose leadership and commitment support Space Foundation’s global education mission. The award honors organizations that expand access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and help prepare the next generation to participate in the growing global space economy.

Space Foundation’s partnership with the Petit Family Foundation began in 2018 with a shared goal of educating young people in STEM. Since then, the Petit Family Foundation has funded multiple Space in the Community programs, allowing school districts across Connecticut to expand STEM learning through unique and engaging opportunities. Space in the Community is a high-energy, multiday experience that brings the wonder of space and the power of STEM directly into communities. Designed to spark curiosity and imagination in students, support teachers, and engage families and communities, the program opens doors — and eyes — to what’s possible. By investing in people and possibility, the Petit Family Foundation has empowered over 10,000 students, educators and families to reach for the stars. This impact inspires curiosity today while helping prepare the next generation of the space workforce.

The awards will be presented at Space Foundation’s 41st annual Space Symposium, April 13-16, 2026, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

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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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