Space Foundation Now Accepting Nominations for Space Technology HOF
Nominations for 2026 Class Accepted Through Aug. 31, 2025
Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of the global space community, has announced nominations are open for the 2026 class of the prestigious Space Technology Hall of Fame. Inductees will be honored at Space Symposium, taking place April 13–16, 2026, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO.
“Every year, we shine a light on the remarkable ways space technologies improve life on Earth.”
Heather Pringle, Space Foundation
Established in 1988, the Space Technology Hall of Fame recognizes technologies born from global space programs that have been adapted for practical applications on Earth. The program celebrates the scientists, engineers, and innovators behind these achievements and highlights the far-reaching benefits of space exploration.
“Every year, we shine a light on the remarkable ways space technologies improve life on Earth,” said Heather Pringle, CEO of Space Foundation. “We proudly honor the people and organizations whose groundbreaking innovations deliver progress and create new opportunities across industries.”
“As a young engineer embarking on a career of my chosen profession, I always dreamt and hoped that my contributions to engineering would play a larger role than designing complex systems and devices, that they would in fact have a beneficial impact on society and humanity. I am extremely grateful to have had that dream of mine come true,” said HOF inductee Dr. Asad M. Madni
Anyone can nominate technologies developed anywhere in the world, provided they were initially developed for use in space and then modified or adapted for use on Earth. Selected technologies will be inducted during a special awards ceremony at Space Symposium. The deadline for online nominations is Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025.
Individuals and organizations may submit up to three nominations, including previously nominated technologies that have not been inducted. Nominations must include supporting materials, such as technical papers or product information, which will be evaluated for completeness before review by an expert judging panel and ranked according to Space Technology Hall of Fame selection criteria.
Selection Criteria for Space Technology Hall of Fame
Public Response: Is the technology easily understood by the public? Does it highlight the value of space exploration and inspire interest or careers in the space workforce?
Societal Benefit: How does the technology improve health, safety, conservation, efficiency, education, or quality of life?
Economic Benefit: Has the technology contributed to successful products, companies, or economic growth, particularly in the space sector?
Leadership Investment: Did the development process reflect innovative practices, inclusion, or entrepreneurial opportunity?
Longevity: How long has the technology been in use, and has it evolved or expanded in application over time?
Each nomination undergoes a comprehensive review by a judging panel and technical experts, with final selections based on these criteria.