Space Foundation Announces Winners of National Space Day Competition and Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — May 12, 2026 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to advance the global space community, announced the winners of the 2026 National Space Sustainability Competition and the recipient of the Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award during the premiere of its National Space Day educational video on Friday, May 1.

Hosted by science communicator Ambre Trujillo, the video connects students in grades 3–12 to real-world challenges shaping the future of space exploration, including space sustainability and supporting life beyond Earth. The program is part of Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), powered by Space Foundation, and reflects the organization’s commitment to building a strong, inclusive pipeline for the future space workforce.

“The ideas and passion demonstrated by these students are a reminder that the future workforce is already thinking critically about the challenges facing space exploration,” said Heidi Vasiloff, senior director of Space Foundation Discovery Center and interim head of SWFT. “National Space Day creates opportunities for students to connect STEM learning to real-world challenges while showing them there is a place for them in the future of space.”

Held in celebration of National Space Day, the competition invited students in grades 6 through 8 from across the country to develop innovative solutions to address pressing issues related to long-term space sustainability beyond Earth. Entries were evaluated by a panel of industry professionals based on creativity, feasibility, technical merit, and business plan.

2026 National Space Sustainability Competition Winners

First Place: Team PVNet 6
Location: Rolling Hills Estates, California

Second Place: Team SpaceLeaf
Location: Tracy, California

Third Place: Team MSI Innovators
Location: Brooklyn, New York

Voyager Technologies sponsored the competition, and winning students will receive scholarships to further their education.

2026 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award Recipient

The National Space Day video also recognized Aymette Medina Jorge as the recipient of the 2026 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award from the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The award honors educators who demonstrate excellence in technology education and inspire students through innovative approaches to STEM learning. Medina Jorge was presented the award during the National Space Day Community Event held May 2 at Space Foundation Discovery Center in Colorado Springs.

A STEM teacher in Galveston, Medina Jorge has led more than 60 space experiments and Zero-G projects while championing Hispanic representation and inclusion in STEM fields. She also recently flew as an astronaut on the Blue Origin NS-32. Her work reflects the spirit of the award by connecting education, innovation, and discovery in ways that inspire the next generation of explorers and problem solvers.

The National Space Day video was created in partnership with The Aerospace Corporation, Axiom Space and Voyager Technologies.

Watch the full National Space Day video and explore the winning student projects here: youtube.com/watch?v=a_Y9kTmGews.

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.

About Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT)

SWFT, powered by Space Foundation, bridges the STEM talent gap by cultivating individuals from their first spark of interest in space through every stage of career development. From hands-on K–12 programs to internships, advanced training, and strategic partnerships, SWFT equips both future and current space professionals with the skills, experiences, and networks needed for success. In doing so, SWFT empowers individuals and connects top-tier talent to leading space organizations driving innovation and excellence in space technology and national security.

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Media Contact:

Zakary Watson
Director, Communications
Space Foundation
[email protected]

 

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