Space Foundation Opens Nominations for General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Sept. 17, 2026 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 to advance the global space ecosystem, 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.), a longtime chair of Space Foundation, the award recognizes individuals whose exceptional contributions spanning 20 years or more have benefited humanity through space exploration, technology development or the application of space assets in academia, culture and industry.

Nominations will be accepted from Sept. 15 to Nov. 30, 2026. Anyone may nominate a candidate, but self-nominations are not permitted. Nominees must demonstrate outstanding achievements recognized on a national or international significance, as determined by Space Foundation’s board of directors.

The award will be presented during the 42nd Space Symposium, April 12–15, 2027, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

Recent recipients include:

• 2026: Gen. Lance Lord, USAF (Ret.), former commander of Air Force Space Command
• 2025: Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, first American woman to walk in space and former administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• 2024: Martin “Marty” C. Faga, former assistant secretary of the Air Force and director of the National Reconnaissance Office
• 2023: Daniel S. Goldin, NASA’s longest-serving administrator
• 2022: Joanne Maguire, first woman to serve as executive vice president at Lockheed Martin
• 2021: Patti Grace Smith, Federal Aviation Administration official and private space travel advocate

The complete list of General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award recipients is available on Space Foundation’s website.

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
• Influence on government space policy
• Artistic interpretation of the significance of space
• Design of enduring space systems
• Application of space technology to benefit humanity

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

• Publication of work related to space exploration
• Promotion of space exploration through media
• Transfer of space-related knowledge to other fields or communities
• Community or public service
• Significant contribution to Space Foundation’s mission

To nominate a candidate, submit a letter of no more than two pages by mail or email to:

Emily Normandy
Sr. Manager, Space Awareness
Space Foundation Washington, D.C., Office
1700 North Moore St., Ste. 1105
Arlington, VA 22209

Email: [email protected]

Following approval by Space Foundation’s board of directors, the selected honoree will be notified in writing.

About Space Foundation

Space Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit, brings together every corner of the global space ecosystem. Through year-round programs and events, including its flagship Space Symposium, Space Foundation convenes leaders from government, industry, finance, and education to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and advance the future of space. As a trusted, neutral expert, Space Foundation turns connections into impact. It reinvests proceeds from its events into STEM education, workforce development, and its Discovery Center. Together, these programs help build the talent and leadership that will power the space economy for generations to come.

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Media Contacts:

Zakary Watson
Director, Communications
Space Foundation
[email protected]

Melissa Price
Senior Director
Griffins Communications Group
[email protected]

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