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 25, 2026 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to advance the global space community, today announced thatSpecialist 4 Logan E. Pinder, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the recipient of the Admiral James O. Ellis Jr. New Generation National Security Scholarship.

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. Specialist Pinder will receive full access to events at Space Foundation’s Space Symposium, being held April 13–16 in Colorado Springs, including participation in the New Generation Space Leaders program and a seat at the Space Classified session.

“We’re proud to present this award to Specialist 4 Logan E. Pinder, a trailblazer in operational intelligence,” said Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle. “Specialist Pinder embodies innovation, technical mastery, and dedication. He transformed how the Space Force uses intelligence and helped establish the Space Force’s only time-dominant, multi-disciplined intelligence squadron. He continues to make an impact through his mentorship, inspiring and preparing the next generation of space leaders.”

Specialist Pinder has dedicated his career to advancing space intelligence and supporting mission success. Since joining the United States Space Force in March 2023, he has led the 76th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron’s fusion and serialized reporting efforts. His work provides time-sensitive intelligence to the Space Force, Special Operations Forces, and Intelligence Community partners. He played a pivotal role in standing up the squadron’s first fusion cell. There, he created standardized reporting processes that improved threat communication and decision-making for both operational and strategic missions.

He also developed a multi-intelligence training framework that integrates multiple disciplines into consistent analytic methods. He designed an automated data conversion tool that dramatically sped up processing of high-volume sensor data and restored operational utility to an advanced on-orbit capability. A former geospatial intelligence analyst, Specialist Pinder continues to expand his expertise in space, cyber and intelligence through advanced training and cybersecurity studies. His efforts strengthen integrated intelligence support across the joint force.

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 11,000 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. 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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