Space Foundation Honors Dr. Kathryn Sullivan
First American Woman to Walk in Space Wins Lifetime Space Achievement Award
Dr. Kathryn Sullivan has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award, presented each year by Space Foundation.
“She embodies exceptional courage, competence, and a pioneering spirit that drives exploration of the unknown in sea and space."
Heather Pringle, Space Foundation
Dr. Sullivan was one of the first six women to join NASA’s astronaut corps in 1978 and holds the distinction of being the first American woman to walk in space. In June 2020, she made history again by completing a submersible dive to the Challenger Deep, becoming the first person to both orbit the planet and reach its deepest point. Her remarkable accomplishments have earned her three Guinness World Records, cementing her legacy as one of the most pioneering figures in human exploration.
After leaving NASA, Dr. Sullivan held several senior executive and advisory positions, including presidential appointments as undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere, administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). Currently, she serves on the boards of International Paper, Accenture Federal Services, Terra Alpha Investments, and the National Audubon Society. She is also a senior fellow at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and ambassador-at-large for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum.
“Dr. Sullivan’s trailblazing journey and historic achievements are second to none,” said Heather Pringle, Space Foundation CEO. “She embodies exceptional courage, competence, and a pioneering spirit that drives exploration of the unknown in sea and space, advances scientific understanding, and inspires others to break barriers, too.”
Named in honor of Space Foundation’s late, longtime chairman, Gen. James E. Hill, USAF (Ret.), the award recognizes outstanding individuals who have distinguished themselves through lifetime contributions of 20 years or more to the welfare or betterment of humankind through the exploration, development and use of space, or the use of space technology, information, themes or resources in academic, cultural, industrial or other pursuits of broad benefit to humanity.
Dr. Sullivan earned a Bachelor of Science in earth sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Ph.D. in geology from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. She is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Public Administration. Her numerous accolades include induction into the Astronaut Hall of Fame, National Aviation Hall of Fame, and several others, along with recognitions by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2014 and one of 46 Distinguished First Women in 2017.
“Throughout my career, I have been inspired by the limitless potential of space exploration to drive innovation and deepen our understanding of the universe,” commented Dr. Sullivan. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the incredible teams and mentors who have inspired and supported me throughout my journey.”