Spirit of Yuri’s Night Award

Richard Garriott—for his unique efforts to share the wonder of space and use his trip to space for science.
2011: Ron Garan – for his insights on the Orbital Perspective.
Read the announcement.

Dr. Pete Worden – for his support of innovative public outreach including Yuri’s Night Bay Area events.
Read the announcement.
Commander Chris Hadfield and the Canadian Space Agency – for combining artistry and spaceflight and supporting Yuri’s Night from the ISS.
Read the announcement.

Bill Nye and the Planetary Society – for using science and art to change the world!
Read the announcement
Dr. Alan Stern – for his hugely successful New Horizons outreach and support of Yuri’s Night.
Read the announcement.

Sascha Paladino – for sharing the spirit of Yuri’s Night with a new generation as producer of “Miles from Tomorrowland”.

2017: Anousheh Ansari – for her work to enable social entrepreneurs to bring about radical change globally, with organizations such as X Prize, ASHOKA and the PARSA Community Foundation.
She believes the key to a better future for humankind is in the hands of our young generation, and it is up to us to provide them with the right tools through education and as good role models. Through it all, Anousheh continues to quote Gandhi, one of her personal heroes, who said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Elon Musk and SpaceX—in recognition of their work to inspire the world by putting a Tesla Roadster into space—and streaming live video of our planet!—using a test launch of the Falcon Heavy rocket.

In recognition of the group’s influence on the style and aesthetics of space and the future, along with their incredible performance at the Kennedy Space Center to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission.
Watch the presentation and acceptance video by Nick Rhodes on behalf of the band.