Space Foundation News & Media
Colorado Springs, Huntsville Leaders Unite Behind Space Command Move
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Oct. 5, 2026) – Mayors and economic development leaders from Huntsville, Ala., and Colorado Springs, Colo., offered public assurances in a joint press conference Monday that the two communities are working together for a smooth transition as U.S. Space Command headquarters moves from Colorado to Alabama. The mission of ensuring national security and…
Space Foundation names retired Air Force space commander Kevin “Morty” Mortensen Chief Mission Officer and NASA veteran Meredith McKay to lead government relations
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,…
Low Earth Orbit Strengthens Role as a Research Destination
The cutting-edge of science is in orbit above the Earth. The fields of biotechnology, materials science, propulsion and energy systems are advancing as the United States, China, Europe, and private industry increasingly bet on low Earth orbit (LEO) as the next great laboratory. Four astronauts launched on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 to the International…
Space Foundation Honors The Petit Family Foundation for Advancing STEM Education throughout Connecticut
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…
SpaceX’s Starship Finds Success in 1st Orbital Flight, Earns NASA Praise
The largest space launch vehicle ever constructed surpassed its biggest hurdle Monday as SpaceX’s Starship lifted off from Texas and reached orbit on its 14th test flight. Starship, a 40-story launch vehicle capable of lifting 50 full-sized Ford pickups to space, is critical to NASA’s Artemis lunar plans. The space industry has eagerly awaited Starship…
Washington Updates: Competing For The Academy
What You Need to Know: States are vying to host the proposed U.S. Space Academy. The U.K. Royal Air Force launches its first space squadron. SpaceX is preparing for its first Starship orbital launch. United States Space Policy Updates Multiple states, including Texas, Florida, and Alabama, are competing to host the planned U.S. Space Academy.…
Space Workforce for Tomorrow Opens National Space Intern Program Registration, Hosts Virtual Career Fair
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…
Space Foundation Announces New Board Members, General Counsel
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…
Space Foundation Hosts Arctic Security Forum
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dozens of embassy officials, industry experts and political advisers joined Space Foundation and leaders from the Secretary of the Air Force International Affairs (SAF/IA) office Tuesday to enhance international space cooperation among Arctic countries. Deanna Ryals, assistant deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs for Space, moderated discussion for the…
Space Foundation Opens Nominations for General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award
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…