Space Workforce for Tomorrow Announces Winners of National Space Sustainability Competition
Space Workforce for Tomorrow Announces Winners of National Space Sustainability Competition
National Space Day Video Featuring Emily Calandrelli Now Available Online
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — May 6, 2025 — Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT), a strategic initiative of Space Foundation and The Aerospace Corporation, is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 National Space Sustainability Competition. The winning student teams were revealed in a special educational video hosted by science communicator Emily Calandrelli.
“These students brought forward the imagination and ingenuity we need to sustain humanity’s future in space,” said Melanie Stricklan, Executive Director of Space Workforce for Tomorrow. “Their ideas reflect not only a deep curiosity about space, but also a growing awareness of the responsibility we all share to protect and use it wisely. Through challenges like this, we’re seeing the next generation step into roles as problem solvers and future leaders in the space community.”
Held in celebration of National Space Day, the competition invited students in 7th and 8th grades from across the country to develop innovative solutions to address pressing issues related to orbital debris and long-term space sustainability. Entries were evaluated for creativity, feasibility, technicality and business plan, with top submissions selected by a panel of industry experts.
2025 National Space Sustainability Competition Winners
First Place: HexaTrap
Location: Rolling Hills Estates, CA
Prize: A trip to Washington, D.C., including special tours of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and/or the Udvar-Hazy Center, plus opportunities to meet orbital debris industry experts and experience the intersection of science, technology, and policy.
Second Place: Mycelium Net
Location: Rolling Hills Estates, CA
Prize: An exclusive virtual or in-person encounter with a real astronaut, offering firsthand insights into life in space and the future of human exploration.
Third Place: Orbital Ecosystems Engineers
Location: Ashburn, VA
Prize: A Stellar Space Explorer Prize Pack, featuring STEM-inspired gear, educational resources, and memorabilia to celebrate their achievements and inspire future discovery.
The winning projects were unveiled in the 2025 National Space Day video, now available to educators, students, and space enthusiasts. Explore their ideas and watch the full video at https://youtu.be/xex_wEDEVfA.
About Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT)
Space Workforce for Tomorrow (SWFT) is a strategic initiative by Space Foundation and The Aerospace Corporation, supported by over 30 leading space organizations. From the classroom to the boardroom, SWFT aims to eliminate the national STEM talent gap, illuminate career pathways for all, and build a workforce ready to meet the demands of the growing space industry. By inspiring, preparing, and employing the next generation of space professionals, SWFT fosters innovation, strengthens U.S. leadership in space, and connects untapped talent with opportunities. Learn more or support our mission at www.swft.space.
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Tags: National Space Day, Space Workforce for Tomorrow, Space Foundation, Emily Calandrelli, space sustainability, orbital debris, space competition, STEM education, space workforce, STEM talent gap
Media Contact:
Zakary Watson
Sr. Manager, Media & Public Affairs
Space Foundation | SWFT
zwatson@spacefoundation.org