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Nominate space industry leaders for the 2026 SpaceNews Icon Awards

Nominate space industry leaders for the 2026 SpaceNews Icon Awards

We’re opening nominations for our annual SpaceNews Icon Awards earlier than ever this year. We’re looking to the global space community to tell us about the innovators, collaborators and change-makers whose contributions – across the last 12 months or an entire career – have left a lasting mark on the sector.

Since 2017, the Icon Awards have honored those companies, teams and individuals driving achievements across civil, commercial, and military space — from transformative technologies to landmark deals to professional success.

Submit your nomination through Aug. 14 and help us recognize exceptional candidates who have made significant contributions to the field of space exploration, technology and innovation.

And mark your calendars: The 2026 SpaceNews Icon Awards will return to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Dec. 1. We’ll share more details about how you can join our celebration in the fall.

Interested in supporting the 2026 Icon Awards and partnering with us to present the most prestigious accolades in the industry? Sponsorships are now available, and early-bird discounts are available through June 30. Learn more.

The winners of the 2025 SpaceNews Icon Awards. Credit: Jason Dixson Photography

Award Categories

See previous years’ recipients. (Jump to the nomination form.)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Honors an individual whose career has had a significant and lasting impact on the space industry, recognizing decades of contribution and leadership.

Individual Achievement Award: Honors individuals who have made significant contributions through leadership, innovation, mentorship, and dedication in advancing the space industry.

Commercial Space Achievement Award: Celebrates notable achievements in commercial space.

Innovative Technology Award: Celebrates groundbreaking technological advancements that have a clear and demonstrable impact on the space industry.

Emerging Space Company Award: Recognizes newer companies with exceptional promise and innovation.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award: Highlights efforts aimed at reducing the environmental impact of space activities and promoting sustainability.

Partnership/deal of the Year: Celebrates an acquisition or partnership that has the potential to reshape business within the space industry.

Civil Space Achievement of the Year: Recognizes an outstanding mission or advancement that has made significant contributions to the civil space community.

Military Space Achievement of the Year: Recognizes an outstanding accomplishment or technology that has made an outsized difference in the operations of military space units.

Space AI Breakthrough: Celebrates a significant use or advancement of artificial intelligence to further space technologies.

International Collaboration Award: Honors successful international partnerships and collaborations that have advanced space exploration and fostered global cooperation.

Nomination Form

Please provide the following information, and submit your nominations by Aug. 14:

Nominee: (Company or Individual)
Category: (Choose the relevant category from the list above)
Why This Nominee? A brief description (200 words or less) of why you believe this nominee deserves to be recognized as a SpaceNews Icon. Consider their impact on the space industry, their innovation, and their contributions to the community.

“*” indicates required fields

Next steps: After reviewing all preliminary nominations, the SpaceNews Icon Awards jury will select a shortlist of companies and individuals. These shortlisted nominees will be invited to complete a secure nomination form, providing detailed evidence of their achievements. The jury reserves the right not to make an award in every category.