Novaspace Recognizes 2025 Excellence Award Winners in Satellite Connectivity, Earth Observation, and Startup Challenge at World Space Business Week

Paris, September 19, 2025 – Novaspace proudly recognized the 2025 winners of its Annual Excellence Awards and the WSBW Startup Challenge during the 28th edition of the World Space Business Week (WSBW).

This year’s event broke all records, bringing together over 1,600 participants from 600+ organizations and 57 countries, alongside close to 300 high-level speakers, reaffirming WSBW as the premier gathering for global space and satellite decision-makers.

Through the Annual Awards for Space Connectivity, the Earth Observation & Information Awards, and the WSBW Startup Challenge, Novaspace honored the companies and innovators driving transformation across the space economy.

Annual Awards for Space Connectivity

Recognizing the most forward-thinking players in the global satellite business, the 2025 laureates were:

Global Satellite Business Award – MDA
Awarded for exceptional global growth, fueled by strong financial results and bold strategic initiatives driving future competitiveness.

“We are truly honoured to receive the Global Satellite Business of the Year award from Novaspace at World Space Business Week,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication, passion, and ingenuity of our entire team, as well as the trust and collaboration of our customers and partners around the world. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in space through a high performance business environment, we remain committed to delivering innovative satellite solutions that help shape a more connected and sustainable future for the global space community.” – Mike Greenley, CEO, MDA

Strategic Transaction Award – SES
Honored for the landmark merger with Intelsat, creating one of the world’s most resilient multi-orbit operators with unmatched global reach.

“Bringing together two great companies in SES and Intelsat is a milestone that truly sets the stage for what’s next. The team at SES is very grateful to receive the World Space Business Week Strategic Transaction Award which highlights the vision behind our combination and, more importantly, the remarkable potential we now have to shape the future of space solutions and global connectivity. SES is united in purpose and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.” – Greg Orton, Chief Integration, Transformation & Development Officer, SES

Regional Satellite Business Award – KT SAT
Recognized for strengthening its regional leadership through strong financial performance and expansion across Asia.

“KT SAT is honored to receive the Regional Satellite Operator Award at World Satellite Business Week, a significant recognition of our long-standing trust with customers and our consistent delivery of high-quality satellite services. We successfully launched KOREASAT-6A last year, ensuring the continuity and resilience of our national and broadcasting services.Alongside this, we have extended our services into new regions, broadening our global coverage to better serve our partners and customers worldwide.

Looking ahead, we are preparing to launch our next-generation High Throughput Satellite (HTS) and to develop 6G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities, ensuring that our services meet the rapidly changing demands of the industry.Through these initiatives, KT SAT is committed to delivering greater value and shaping the future of satellite communications for our customers, and communities around the globe.” – Peter Seo, CEO at KT SAT

Universal Broadband Award – Starlink
Celebrated for delivering innovative broadband services that have transformed connectivity for underserved communities worldwide.

“On behalf of the entire SpaceX team, we’re honored to be recognized by Novaspace for Starlink’s ongoing efforts to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet to people all around the world, connecting more than seven million active customers and businesses in 150 countries, territories, and other markets,” said Bret Johnsen, SpaceX’s Chief Financial Offer. “However, with billions of people across the globe lacking access to high-speed internet, our work is nowhere near complete. SpaceX is committed to connecting as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, and continually improving our networks to provide the best possible service to our customers.” - Bret Johnsen – CFO, SpaceX

Annual Earth Observation & Information Awards

Highlighting excellence in Earth Observation (EO) businesses, sustainability, and disruptive innovation, the winners were:

Leading EO Business Award – ICEYE
For redefining the EO market with cutting-edge SAR technology, rapid constellation growth, and strong commercial traction.

“We are honored to be recognized as the Leading Earth Observation Company. This award is a powerful testament to ICEYE’s mission: redefining what’s possible in space-based intelligence to enhance global security, resilience, and decision-making. As we continue advancing the frontier of defense and disaster response technology, our commitment remains clear – deliver timely, actionable insights from space that help protect people, nations, and our planet.” – Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder – ICEYE

Sustainable Development & Business Award – CNES
For advancing space innovation in service of sustainable development through impactful international initiatives.

On behalf of CNES and all our partner space agencies, I would like to warmly thank Novaspace for this award, which honors the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters and our commitment towards tackling climate change. Over the past twenty-five years, this initiative has shown the ability of the international space community to unite its strengths in service of humanity. With over 1000 activations in more than 150 countries, the Charter has delivered vital satellite data to support disaster response and crisis management, in close cooperation with local authorities, civil protection organization, NGOs and all stakeholders. These efforts have helped protect thousands of people and saved many lives. This award is a recognition of the collective work of all the agencies and teams involved, gathering all relevant satellite data, and an encouragement to continue this commitment to solidarity and international cooperation. Overall, it reinforces CNES’s global commitment to sustainable development and strengthens its leadership in monitoring, mitigating, and adapting to climate change alongside its partners, notably through initiatives such as the Space for Climate Observatory and the Space4Ocean Alliance. Lionel Suchet, Chief Operating Officer, CNES

New EO Operator Award – OroraTech
For pioneering wildfire detection and risk management from space, combining societal impact with fast-paced growth.

“We are truly honored by this award, which highlights the urgent need for wildfire solutions and the vital role of satellite data. This award also belongs to our customers who trusted in our vision of using satellite data for real-time situational awareness. For everyone at OroraTech, this is motivation to continue pioneering and creating real-world impact from space.” – Martin Langer, CEO and CTO, OroraTech

Pioneer Space Business Award – Firefly
For bold achievements in launch and in-space transportation, driving new frontiers of access and innovation in space.

“Firefly is honored to receive Novaspace’s Pioneer Space Business Award as we continue to execute bold missions with our launch, lunar, and in-space services. After completing the first successful commercial Moon landing and the longest commercial operations on the Moon to date, Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 showed the world that the path to the Moon, Mars, and beyond is no longer limited to nations alone. Looking ahead, Firefly will continue to lead the way in the space and defense market with annual missions to the Moon, regular rocket launches, and a constellation of multi-mission orbital vehicles.” – Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace

WSBW Startup Challenge – Powered by the Space Business Catalyst (Thales Alenia Space)

As part of the newly launched Space Innovation Summit (SPIN), the WSBW Startup Challenge recognized breakthrough entrepreneurial initiatives in space technology:

Space Solar – Developing ultra-efficient space-based solar power at $10/MWh.

UNIVITY – Creating a VLEO telecom constellation, with its first satellites scheduled for launch in 2027.

About Novaspace
Novaspace is a global leader in space consulting and market intelligence, formed through the merger of Euroconsult and SpaceTec Partners. With more than 40 years of expertise, Novaspace supports public and private organizations worldwide in making strategic decisions on policy, investment, and technology. Its portfolio combines management and technology consulting, market intelligence, and the organization of executive summits that convene the industry’s top decision-makers. Since 1997, Novaspace has organized some of the most prestigious conferences in the global space industry, enabling participants to benchmark, exchange views, and build partnerships that shape the sector’s future.

Media Enquiries:
Novaspace: Olivia Garnier | Communications Lead | olivia.garnier@nova.space