Breakthrough Space Solutions. Real Recognition.

The Space Tech Challenge Awards connect execution-ready innovations with the government agencies, prime contractors, and commercial operators actively seeking them.

From lunar operations to Mars missions, the space industry faces nearly 200 validated capability gaps. The Aviation Week Space Tech Challenge Awards recognize solutions already in development — prototypes tested and advancing toward deployment.

Presented at Space Tech Expo USA, this program connects working technologies with government agencies, prime contractors, and commercial operators ready to integrate them.

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Winners Get

Noticed...

In a feature story in Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine
On the homepage of AviationWeek.com and social media accounts
On stage at Space Tech Expo USA
Through featured promotions in Aviation Week’s print and digital platforms

New business opportunities…

Credibility during introductions to key people at government agencies and prime contractors
High-impact networking with sourcing teams and C-suite decision makers
Placement on shortlists for supplier discovery and vetting

A spot at the table…

“Winners’ circle” meetups with past and current honorees
Invitations to speak at select industry conferences
Access to an alumni network built for partnerships, pilots and follow-on deals

Awards will spotlight achievements for these strategic space technologies:

Colonization — Sustainable human presence beyond Earth
Industrialization — Space resource utilization and manufacturing
Commercialization — New space economy infrastructure
Protection & Defense — Security and situational awareness