IAF Hall of Fame

Hungarian Astronautical Society (MANT), Former President

Recognition of his lifelong contribution to the development of the Hungarian and international space sector; his activities in development of multi-language space terminology dictionary; the creation of the San Marino scale.

Executive Director B612 Asteroid Institute and CTO at LeoLabs, Inc.

Dr. Edward Lu, a former astronaut and serial co-founder, has dedicated his career to mapping and tracking the unknown and the unseen; preventing disasters both in space and on Earth.

Thales Alenia Space Italia, Director for Space Economy Exploration and International Network

A tireless pioneer of space exploration, workforce development and international teamwork.

European Space Agency (ESA), Senior Advisor to Director General

Giorgio Saccoccia has shown extensive and recognised dedication to the advancement of the Space sector, carried out internationally through a unique combination of institutional, technical, industrial and academic exposure, with a special attention always given to the mentoring of future generations of space professionals.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman

Mr. S. Somanath has made remarkable contributions to India's space program with his expertise in launch vehicle technologies and system engineering for the development of PSLV, LVM3, SSLV and also as the lead of ISRO team for Chandrayaan-3 mission to land near South Pole of moon, Aditya L1 solar mission and Gaganyaan qualification missions.

Professor Emeritus, Japan Aero-Space Exploration Agency,
Director General, Hokkaido Aerospace Science and Technology Incubation Center (HASTIC)

Professor UESUGI is undoubtedly one of the world’s most experienced specialists in space engineering and mission management, and his capabilities have been essential in ensuring the success of the Japanese and international planetary exploration programs

Founder, CEO, CTO
SpaceX
United States

Winner of the 2023 IAF World Space Award - for Individuals

Mr. Elon Reeve Musk has shown a visionary understanding of the role and importance of astronautics to humanity's future combined with a willingness to commit his own resources, life and drive and ability to make it happen through Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX); a company that has matched the achievements of the Space Agencies in the fields of launch systems and human spaceflight, making space affordable and building space for @ll.

Winner of the 2023 IAF World Space Award - for Teams

This nomination of the NASA, ESA, CSA James Webb Space Telescope Team for the World Space Award Category B for Teams is based on the following exceptional merits: Webb is the world’s premier space science observatory that has already transformed our understanding of the universe in its first year of operation. Led by NASA, ESA and CSA, more than 20,000 team members from 14 countries have contributed to mission success. Scientific opportunities and data from Webb are available globally, with several papers being submitted daily for scientific peer review and publication. In addition to the science, Webb has demonstrated the benefits of international cooperation, practical applications from cutting edge technological development, and global inspiration from discovery.

Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo
Former Director General, Institute of Space and Astronautical Science
Japan

“Dr. Ryojiro Akiba has made outstanding contributions to the development of space engineering and space science throughout his illustrious career, and is worthy of being inducted into the IAF Hall of Fame”

Ethic Adviser,
Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES),
France

"Why go into space? Ethical interrogation as the new and ultimate frontier.”

Director,
SEE Lab (Space Economy Evolution Laboratory), SDA Bocconi School of Management,
Italy

“One-of-a-kind career in space activities. Visionary Leader, innovative thinker, highly skilled manager, STEM advocate, international complex programs, expert in change management, outstanding negotiator with globally recognised diplomatic skills, commercial space and space economy, one of the strongest supporters of space activities for sustainable socio-economic development and a firm believer in cooperation in space.”

Vice President-International
American Astronautical Society (AAS)
United States

“For his visionary leadership in the advancement of the mission of the International Astronautical Federation, the promotion of international dialogue and cooperation and the inspiration and preparation of the workforce of tomorrow.”

Chief Designer,
China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT),
China

“Liu Zhusheng, the space technology leader, the chief designer on the first manned space mission in China, has proven himself to be a subject expert in his current position and showed great efforts to enhance the reliability and safety of China manned rockets.”

Winner of the 2023 IAF World Space Award - for Teams

“The Tianwen-1 Spacecraft Development Team offered an innovative option for successful Mars exploration and outstanding contributed to the advance in deep space exploration technology. Tianwen-1 Mission achieved orbiting, landing, and roving on Mars in one mission for the first time globally. The scientific data acquired during the mission made an essential contribution to a deeper understanding of Mars and the solar system.”

General Director - General Designer, Yuzhnoye State Design Office, Ukraine
(in memoriam)

“For outstanding contribution to development of space science and expansion of international cooperation in space exploration”

Chief Scientist and former President, China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), China
(in memoriam)

"An expert with distinguished contribution for China space development from first satellite to space station for more than 50 years”

President, Society for Promotion of Space Sciences, Japan

“MATSUO Hiroki has been dedicated to the research and development in space engineering from its dawn of history in Japan, including his notable contribution of strong leadership in space science and exploration.”

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

“Winner of the IAF 2021 World Space Award” Read more about the Hayabusa2 Team here