The Space Data Association (SDA) has opened nominations for its annual T.S. Kelso Award, which recognises significant, forward-thinking, and lasting contributions to space safety and the protection of the space environment.
The award honours substantial, innovative, long-term, and practical original contributions to advancing space safety and preserving the space environment across space operations, applied research, technology, law, or policy.
In 2025, Diana McKissock was posthumously awarded the fifth T.S. Kelso Award for her outstanding contributions to transparency, data sharing, space domain awareness, and spaceflight safety. Previous recipients include Prof. Dr. Thomas Schildknecht (2024), EUSST (2023), Dr. Holger Krag (2022), and T.S. Kelso (2021).
David Zamora, Chairman, Space Data Association, commented: ‘Our industry has many talented and innovative individuals and institutions championing the responsible and safe use of space. In an increasingly complex environment, we continue to see exceptional innovation and collaboration. We look forward to recognising and celebrating these contributions through the T.S. Kelso Award.’
The SDA welcomes nominations for an individual or, if shared, multiple individuals, teams, or organisations. Awards should be submitted via the website along with a description of the contribution made by the nominee(s) and the reason they deserve to win the award.
