The inaugural Global Space Awards took place Dec. 5 at London’s Natural History Museum, celebrating scientific breakthroughs and sustainability across the space sector. Finalists were chosen from 500+ entries across 38 countries and were unveiled via a stratospheric livestream. Major winners included Beatriz Sánchez-Cano (Science Breakthrough), Space Forge (Sustainability For Earth) and Astroscale (Sustainability For Space). The ceremony also posthumously honored Apollo 13 astronaut James Lovell, with his children receiving the first James Lovell Legacy Award.
‘Necessary For The Future Of Humankind’: Highlights From the Inaugural Global Space Awards
The inaugural Global Space Awards were held at London's Natural History Museum on Dec. 5. . | Credit: Global Space Awards/Space Park Leicester
Some of the space sector’s leading figures gathered at London’s Natural History Museum on Dec. 5 for the inaugural Global Space Awards, an evening that celebrated innovation, sustainability and the life of the late Apollo astronaut James Lovell.
Scientists and celebs walked the red carpet before the awards, including Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock (left), Beatriz Sanchez-Cano (center) and ESA astronaut Time Peake (right). | Credit: Global Space Awards
Event Overview
More than 40 finalists — chosen from over 500 entries submitted by organizations and individuals across 38 countries — competed across eight award categories. Finalists had been revealed earlier in a livestream transmitted from a balloon in Earth’s stratosphere, adding theatrical flair to the build-up.
The finalists of the first-ever Global Space Awards were revealed on a monitor hanging in the upper stratosphere on Nov. 11, around 23 miles (37 kilometers) above Earth's surface. | Credit: Global Space Awards
Hosts, Guests and Themes
The ceremony was hosted by theoretical physicist and science communicator Brian Greene, who told attendees that the space industry is “necessary for the future of humankind.” Guests included ESA astronaut Tim Peake and British science communicator Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, both of whom emphasized the sector’s tangible benefits on Earth — from pharmaceuticals and climate monitoring to data-centre solutions in orbit — and the need to engage the next generation of scientists and engineers.
ESA astronaut Tim Peake (left) presented the inaugural James Lovell Legacy Award to the Apollo 13 astronaut's family: Barbara (center left), susan (center right) and Jeffrey (right). | Credit: Global Space Awards
Notable Winners and Shortlists
The awards highlighted scientific achievement and sustainability in space activity:
- Science Breakthrough Award: Beatriz Sánchez-Cano (University of Leicester), leader of ESA’s proposed M-MATISSE mission to study Mars’ magnetosphere, atmosphere, ionosphere and space weather.
- Sustainability For Earth: Space Forge (UK), recognized for efforts to manufacture semiconductors in microgravity to support renewable-energy technologies on Earth.
- Sustainability For Space: Astroscale, for debris-removal and orbital sustainability initiatives.
- Playmaker Of The Year: Tahara Dawkins (Astroscale), honored for policy work and advocacy to preserve low Earth orbit.
A number of commercial entrants were also shortlisted, including Axiom Space — developing next-generation spacesuits and planning private orbital stations — and SpinLaunch, which proposes an alternative, centrifugal launch concept. Australian astronomer and data scientist Benjamin Pope was shortlisted for the SuperScaler of the Year Award for contributions to improving James Webb Space Telescope imaging.
A Tribute To James Lovell
The most emotional moment of the evening honored the late Apollo 13 astronaut James Lovell, who died in August at age 97. His children — Susan, Jeffrey and Barbara Lovell — received the inaugural James Lovell Legacy Award, to be presented in future years to individuals who embody Lovell’s values and service to humanity.
“Recognizing our dad, not only for what he did for mankind, but the type of person he was,” said Jeffrey Lovell. “He would be deeply honored to see future generations continue what he started.”
Why It Matters
The Global Space Awards underscored two enduring messages: innovation in space continues to deliver benefits for life on Earth, and sustainability — both for terrestrial impact and orbital stewardship — is now central to how the sector defines success. The event also provided a networking platform for researchers, startups, industry leaders and communicators to collaborate and amplify public understanding of space science.
