Announcing this year’s finalists for the SpaceNews Icon Awards, highlighting innovation, exploration and industry leadership.
The SpaceNews Icon Awards celebrate the year’s most iconic achievements shaping the direction of the space industry. Today, we are proud to present the Shortlist for 2024—a selection of individuals, organizations and missions that exemplify excellence in advancing space exploration, sustainability and innovation.
This year’s Icon Shortlist spans remarkable accomplishments, from groundbreaking international partnerships to technological breakthroughs and commercial successes. It highlights efforts that broaden horizons while contributing to a boundless future—not just for those ready to move to the moon and Mars, but for all of us continuing our journey aboard this generational space vessel called Earth.
As SpaceNews marks its 35th anniversary, we reflect on a shared history shaped by the same traits that define the space industry: grit, gumption and gobs of duct tape. Through cycles of growth and challenge, we’ve reported on the setbacks, the breakthroughs, and the shifting landscape of space. This year’s nominees exemplify that same determination, redefining the limits of what is possible as humanity explores new frontiers. Earning a place on this Shortlist is a mark of distinction, recognizing those who have set new standards across 10 categories, each worthy of this year’s accolades.
What Happens Next?
Over the coming weeks, our panel of judges will review the achievements of each nominee in detail. Winners will be announced at the 2024 SpaceNews Icon Awards ceremony, where we will celebrate their contributions and explore the stories behind their successes. Stay tuned for further announcements, and join us in recognizing the best of the best in the space industry.
Join us for this year’s live event in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 6! To learn more and secure your spot, visit 2024 Icon Awards Tickets – SpaceNews Icon Awards (spacenewsawards.com)
International Collaboration
This award recognizes international partnerships that have advanced space exploration, research, or commercial activities, fostering global progress and shared success in space.
Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM): A groundbreaking partnership between Space Norway, the U.S. Space Force, Northrop Grumman, and Viasat, delivering secure military and commercial broadband coverage to the Arctic. This mission marks the first time an operational U.S. military payload has been hosted on an international satellite, enabling resilient communications in a challenging environment.
Artemis Accords: Signed by 45 nations to date, including 12 so far this year, and featuring a coalition of both seasoned and aspiring space nations committed to advancing space exploration.
Intelsat: Partnering with SoftBank to standardize 5G connectivity between terrestrial and satellite networks, pioneering a “Ubiquitous Network” that allows seamless global connectivity.
Space Safety and Security
This award honors efforts that enhance the safety, security, and resilience of space activities, including debris management, satellite protection, and space situational awareness.
ATLAS Space Operations: Strengthening secure satellite communications by integrating government and commercial networks, providing resilient and adaptable solutions for critical satellite operations.
Millennium Space: Advancing missile warning with MEO satellites and pioneering small satellite operations in super GEO, securing key U.S. Space Force contracts to enhance missile defense capabilities.
Slingshot Aerospace: Setting new standards in space situational awareness with Slingshot Beacon, facilitating collision avoidance for 90% of LEO satellites and partnering with the U.S. government to enhance space traffic management.
Emerging Space Company
This award recognizes new or fast-growing companies making a significant impact in the space industry through innovation, funding, or market achievements.
AST SpaceMobile: Deploying direct-to-smartphone satellites, achieving industry-first space-based voice calls, and securing strategic telecom partnerships to bring broadband to remote areas.
Astranis: Expanding affordable broadband with innovative MicroGEO satellites, securing $750 million in funding, and developing high-capacity Omega satellites to connect millions globally.
Impulse Space: Demonstrating advanced space tug capabilities with versatile orbital transfer vehicles, led by SpaceX veteran Tom Mueller, and securing U.S. Space Force contracts for rapid-response missions.
Technology Achievement
This award celebrates technological breakthroughs and achievements that push the boundaries of space exploration, research, and commercial activities.
NASA Deep Space Optical Communications: Demonstrated high-bandwidth laser communications with the Psyche spacecraft at distances of up to 460 million kilometers.
Orbital Sidekick: Delivering industry-leading hyperspectral imagery with a growing satellite constellation, providing critical insights for energy infrastructure monitoring and earning recognition for dual-use data solutions.
Varda Space Industries: Demonstrated the viability of a commercial reentry capsule that conducted a successful pharmaceutical experiment, opening new avenues for space-based manufacturing and research.
Mission Excellence
This award highlights missions that achieved noteworthy milestones and made significant contributions to space exploration, science, or commercial space operations.
CAPSTONE Team (Advanced Space): Operated the first commercial cubesat at the moon, advancing lunar navigation and testing the orbit to be used by the Gateway.
Hera: An ESA spacecraft launched in October to visit the asteroid that NASA’s DART spacecraft hit in 2022. Despite supply chain and pandemic challenges, it was developed on a tight schedule and under budget.
Polaris Spacewalk: A private human spaceflight mission that included the highest altitude flown by a crewed spacecraft since Apollo 17 — and the first commercial spacewalk.
Commercial Space Achievement
This award recognizes companies that have excelled in advancing commercial space capabilities, contributing to the growth of the space economy.
IM-1 Lunar Lander: Achieved the first commercial soft landing on the moon in support of NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration efforts while opening new markets for commercial lunar activities.
Starlink: Expanding global connectivity with over 4 million subscribers in 100+ countries, enhancing mobile reach through Direct-to-Cell, and rapidly growing in-flight internet services across major airlines while supporting disaster response and military communications.
Umbra: Delivering industry-leading high-resolution SAR imagery with a growing satellite constellation and strategic partnerships, expanding global access to critical intelligence data.
Educational Outreach and Advocacy
This award honors organizations that have made exceptional efforts to promote space education, outreach and advocacy to inspire the next generation of space professionals.
SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space): Promoting space education through student-led initiatives.
SGAC (Space Generation Advisory Council): Engaging young professionals globally in the space sector.
USGIF (U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation): Awarding scholarships to nurture geospatial and space talent.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
This award acknowledges efforts to promote the sustainable use of space and minimize the environmental impact of space activities, including debris removal, satellite life extension, and space-based environmental monitoring.
Astroscale: Its successful ADRAS-J mission inspected a Japanese upper stage left in low Earth orbit, enabling a future mission to deorbit the stage and demonstrate the viability of orbital debris remediation.
GHGSat: Leading in greenhouse gas monitoring with 12 satellites, including the first commercial CO2 sensor, providing critical data for climate efforts.
Northrop SpaceLogistics: Extending satellite lifespans with innovations like the Mission Extension Pod, reducing space debris and supporting sustainable space operations.
Individual Achievement
This award recognizes individuals whose leadership, vision, and contributions have profoundly impacted the space industry. Honoring those who have set new benchmarks in innovation, strategy, or mentorship, the award highlights the achievements of leaders who drive progress, strengthen space capabilities, and inspire others within the space community.
Carissa Christensen: Drove space industry insights as BryceTech CEO, shaping policy and strategy for government and commercial clients and mentoring the next generation of space leaders.
Gen. Michael Guetlein: Strengthened U.S. space defense capabilities as the Vice Chief of Space Operations and first commander of Space Systems Command, with prior leadership as Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office.
Steve Isakowitz: Strengthened national security space capabilities as CEO of The Aerospace Corporation, with strategic leadership roles at NASA, the Department of Energy and Virgin Galactic.
Lifetime Achievement
This award recognizes individuals whose careers have left a lasting impact on the space industry. Through leadership, vision and dedication, these honorees have shaped the direction of space exploration and commercial activities over the long term, driving progress and inspiring future generations.
Jean-Yves Le Gall: Advanced European space leadership at CNES and Arianespace, driving Ariane 5’s success, promoting the Galileo program, and championing European collaboration in space.
Richard DalBello: Shaped U.S. commercial space policy as head of the Office of Space Commerce, advocated for the industry at Intelsat General and the Satellite Industry Association, and advanced space ventures at Virgin Galactic.
Simon “Pete” Worden: Pushed boundaries in reusable rocketry with DC-X, advanced lunar exploration with Clementine, fomented the smallsat revolution at NASA Ames, and has led Breakthrough Initiatives’ search for life and interstellar exploration.
To learn more about this year’s live event in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 6 and to register visit 2024 Icon Awards Tickets – SpaceNews Icon Awards (spacenewsawards.com)