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The debut Global Space Awards occurred at London’s Natural History Museum on December 5.(Image credit: Global Space Awards/Space Park Leicester)ShareShare by:
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Recently, some of the most prominent figures in the space domain gathered to honor the most accomplished individuals in the sector at the initial Global Space Awards. The splendid occasion, which also celebrated the life of the deceased NASA astronaut James Lovell, specifically highlighted the importance of ingenuity and ecological balance in the coming period of space voyaging.
On December 5, numerous researchers, science communicators, famous personalities, and field authorities convened at the Natural History Museum in London to revel, feast, and parade the red carpet, all beneath the radiant skeleton of a massive blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) and the observant presence of a statue of Charles Darwin.
More than 40 nominees — who were recently presented in a livestream from a balloon floating at a high altitude in Earth’s stratosphere — were contending for eight unique awards, having been picked from over 500 submissions from 38 nations.
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The awards presentation was conducted by Brian Greene, a theoretical physicist and science popularizer, and a string theory academic at Columbia University, who was eager to support conveying what the space sector provides.
“It’s truly thrilling to have awards concentrating on the ultimate frontier,” Greene shared with Live Science at the function. “This [industry] is essential to humankind’s prospects,” he said. “This is an exceptional ceremony to actually emphasize matters of consequence.”
Prior to the awards, scientists and celebrities proceeded down the red carpet, including Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock (left), Beatriz Sanchez-Cano (center) and ESA astronaut Time Peake (right).
Other attendees, like the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Tim Peake — who dedicated around six months aboard the International Space Station in 2016 — emphasized the diverse methods by which the space sphere can aid individuals on Earth, such as creating medications, overseeing Earth’s evolving weather conditions, and constructing orbiting data facilities. “There’s a great deal transpiring in the space domain across various fronts, and it is assuming a substantial function in everyone’s existence currently,” Peake confided to Live Science at the event.
In parallel, British science broadcaster Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock promptly emphasized that additional endeavors are needed to bridge the divide between space and the wider community. “I feel numerous individuals are unaware of our actions in the space business,” she communicated to Live Science. “[It’s crucial] to propel the upcoming cohort to participate with us.”
Several researchers were contending for honors, notably Benjamin Pope — a space scientist and data expert at Macquarie University in Australia, recognized for the SuperScaler of the Year Award regarding his efforts in enhancing the imaging capacities of the James Webb Space Telescope.
Beatriz Sánchez-Cano, a planetary researcher at the University of Leicester, was granted the Science Breakthrough Award, overseeing ESA’s suggested Mars Magnetosphere Atmosphere Ionosphere and Space-weather Science (M-MATISSE) undertaking. The mission is intended to examine the manner in which space conditions influence the Red Planet.
“I’m still in disbelief that they pronounced my identity,” Sánchez-Cano expressed to Live Science via email following the occasion. “It was such an unparalleled and exquisite episode, an experience I shall always cherish.”
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The contenders for the initial Global Space Awards were unveiled on a monitor suspended within the higher stratosphere on November 11, about 23 miles (37 kilometers) over the Earth’s plane.
Another significant victor was Space Forge, a firm located in the U.K., who secured the Sustainability for Earth Award regarding their efforts in fabricating semiconductors within space to facilitate the advancement of improved systems of delivering sustainable power.
Sustainability composed a pivotal motif amidst numerous champions. Tahara Dawkins, the Policy director for U.S.-based satellite business Astroscale and a proponent of securing low Earth orbit from cosmic debris, was presented with the Playmaker of the Year Award. Astroscale equally achieved the Sustainability for Space Award considering their labor in the identical domain.
Other individual space enterprises similarly vied for accolades, notably Axiom Space, engaged in constructing cutting-edge spacesuits and arranging the building of one of the pioneer private space stations; and Spin Launch, which recently revealed intentions to dispatch satellites into space utilizing a “giant spinning cannon.” (Neither establishment secured the laurels they were initially nominated for.)
ESA astronaut Tim Peake (left) bestowed the inaugural James Lovell Legacy Award upon the family of the Apollo 13 astronaut: Barbara (center left), susan (center right) and Jeffrey (right).
Events such as the Global Space Awards offer an exceptional path for diverse enterprises to unite and exchange ideas, Jonathan Cirtain, Axiom Space’s CEO, conveyed to Live Science at the function. “Being present and able to showcase our ongoing endeavors, along with collaborating among all the varying pioneers in the space economy, is of immense value for our organization.”
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However, the loudest applause of the evening resounded for the kindred of the late Apollo 13 astronaut James Lovell, who recently passed at the age of 97 this August. Lovell’s offspring, Susan, Jeffrey, and Barbara, collectively acquired the James Lovell Legacy Award, to be granted in forthcoming years to individuals reflecting the astronaut’s ideals.
Jeffrey Lovell relayed to Live Science that the kindred was exceedingly proud “to be recognizing our father, not solely for his contributions to mankind, but also for the essence of his character.” He would be remarkably honored “to witness succeeding lineages continue what he initiated,” he included.
Harry BakerSocial Links NavigationSenior Staff Writer
Harry is a senior staff writer established in the U.K. operating at Live Science. He undertook marine biology studies at the University of Exeter before instruction as a reporter. His sphere of focus comprises a diverse array of subjects involving space exploration, planetary science, space meteorology, climate shifts, animal conduct, and paleontology. His ongoing endeavor regarding solar maximum reaped the accolade of “best space provision” during the 2024 Aerospace Media Awards and was shortlisted within the “top scoop” grouping at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence in 2023. He additionally authors Live Science’s weekly Earth from space sequence.
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