Space Foundation Press Releases

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Oct. 04, 2026 — Space Foundation today named Kevin “Morty” Mortensen, a retired Air Force space commander and BAE Systems leader, as executive vice president and chief mission officer, and Meredith McKay, a two-decade NASA veteran, as senior vice president of international and government affairs. The appointments bring deep national security,…

Athena Education Award recognizes years of sustained investment in space-focused education programs that have benefitted 10,000 in the state COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Oct. 1, 2026 — Space Foundation presented its Athena Education Award to The Petit Family Foundation on Wednesday, Sept. 30, recognizing the organization’s longstanding investment in educational programs that expand access to…

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Sept. 24, 2026 — Space Foundation, through its strategic initiative Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), is now accepting registrations for the National Space Intern (NSI) program, giving college students pursuing STEM fields an opportunity to gain experience and build connections within the space industry. NSI connects students with leading space companies…

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Sept. 23, 2026 — Space Foundation today announced the election of General (Ret.) David D. “DT” Thompson and Bridgit Mendler to its board of directors, effective Nov. 11, 2026. The organization also named Nathan Davis general counsel, a role he assumed this spring.  “These leaders represent the very best of the…

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…

WHAT: Space Foundation will present its Athena Education Award to The Petit Family Foundation for its longstanding investment in educational programs that expand access to STEM learning and connect students and educators with opportunities in the global space economy.   WHY: Established in 2021, the Athena Education Award recognizes a steadfast partner whose leadership, commitment and support advance…

Emerging space professionals unite for networking, mentorship and industry access  PALM BAY, FL. — July 14, 2026 — Space Foundation and L3Harris Technologies brought together emerging professionals from across Florida’s space industry during the New Generation Space Leaders Event: Launching the Future on Tuesday, July 14, at L3Harris Technologies in Palm Bay, Fla.   Designed for…