SPACE TECH CHALLENGE AWARDS 2026

AVIATION WEEK

Aviation Week's Space Tech Challenge Awards 2026: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity

 

For individuals, teams, and companies developing next-generation space capabilities, the Aviation Week Space Tech Challenge Awards honor execution-ready technologies that demonstrate measurable advancements in critical sectors.


What Makes This Different 

           

  • Execution Over Theory: We recognize solutions that are tested, validated, and ready for deployment — not concepts on paper.
  •  
  • Research-Driven Priorities: Grounded in NASA’s analysis of nearly 200 capability gaps across civil government, defense, and commercial space missions.
  •  
  • Expert Evaluation: Submissions reviewed by space industry leaders from government, industry, academia, and the investment community.
  •  
  • Business Outcomes: Visibility. Validation. Strategic connections. Real opportunities.

           


Target Innovation Areas:


  • Colonization: Life support, habitat, and infrastructure technologies.
  • Commercialization: Market-enabling platforms and services.
  • Industrialization: In-space manufacturing and resource utilization.
  • Defense: Space domain awareness and protection systems.

 

Finalists will be profiled in Aviation Week & Space Technology this spring and celebrated at Space Tech Expo USA. Gain recognition, build connections, and unlock opportunities for your groundbreaking work.

 

Applications Close February 28, 2026


APPLY NOW

 

Timeline:

  • Applications open NOW through February 28, 2026
  • Finalists announced April 2026
  • Winners revealed June 3, 2026 at Space Tech Expo USA in Anaheim

 

Evaluation Team:

 

Robert Chambers, Lockheed Martin

Debra Emmons, CTO, Aerospace Corp.

Jeremy Fix, ispace Technologies, U.S.

Robert Katz, CEO & Executive Director, World Innovation Network (WIN)

Russ Matijevich, Matijevich International Consulting

 

Aviation Week Team:

Joe Anselmo, Editor-in-Chief / SVP, Content

Irene Klotz, Senior Space Editor

Vivienne Machi, Military Space Editor

Garret Reim, Space and Emerging Technologies Editor

Robert Wall, Executive Editor, Defense & Space

Graham Warwick, Executive Editor, Technology

 

Any questions? Contact Mike McClary at mike.mcclary@aviationweek.com