Kent’s Blue Origin is recognized Feb. 17 in Washington, D.C., with the Commercial Space Pioneer Award by the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. COURTESY PHOTO, Blue Origin

Kent’s Blue Origin is recognized Feb. 17 in Washington, D.C., with the Commercial Space Pioneer Award by the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. COURTESY PHOTO, Blue Origin

Kent’s Blue Origin wins Commercial Space Pioneer Award

New Shepard Team rocket program recognized by Commercial Spaceflight Federation

Kent-based Blue Origin received the 2022 Commercial Space Pioneer Award from the Commercial Spaceflight Federation.

The company’s New Shepard Team was recognized for its outstanding technical contributions over the past year that has enabled commercial access to space. The New Shepard rocket had three successful human flights to space in 2021. Fourteen people traveled to space, six on the third flight and four each on the previous two missions.

Owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin’s goals are to get people living and working in space. The company opened in Kent in 2000.

The Commercial Spaceflight Federation, whose offices are in Washington, D.C., is the leading voice for the commercial spaceflight industry. Founded in 2006, the federation and its 90 members are laying the foundation for a sustainable space economy and democratizing access to space for scientists, students, civilians and businesses, according to its website.

“The CSF awards were established three years ago to recognize the accomplishments and commitments by individuals and companies that have contributed to the industry’s unprecedented growth and continued success,” said CSF President Karina Drees. “Their efforts have contributed to our collective commitment to democratize space for all.”

Winners were recognized at the FAA/CSF Commercial Space Transportation Conference during a luncheon presentation on Thursday, Feb. 17, in Washington, D.C, featuring a keynote address from U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colorado.

Hickenlooper also received The Commercial Space Policy Award as a policymaker who has made significant and lasting contributions over the past year to the advancement of commercial space policy.

“CSF received countless nominations this year, making the decision particularly challenging in narrowing down a slate of winners for what was a truly extraordinary year in commercial space,” said Caryn Schenewerk, CSF chair and vice president for Regulatory and Government Affairs for Relativity Space, in congratulating the winners.

Other 2022 winners included:

• Elon Musk, SpaceX, for The Commercial Space Business & Finance Award: recognizes an investor, financier, or benefactor of commercial space activities whose support has benefited the industry as a whole.

• Jeff Foust, SpaceNews, for The Excellence in Commercial Space Journalism Award: recognizes a member of the media who has published critical stories on commercial space, contributed to expanding public awareness of the industry, and demonstrated the highest levels of journalistic integrity.

• The Future Space Leaders Foundation for The Patti Grace Smith STEM Award: recognizes a student, teacher, or program who/that has demonstrated a commitment to scientific excellence and the expansion of knowledge for the next generation of commercial space pioneers.

• Tim Hughes, SpaceX and Clay Mowry, Voyager Space Holdings, for The James Kuzma Space Community Award: recognizes outstanding contributions to the commercial space industry through advocacy and community building.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Business

t
NASA selects Kent-based Blue Origin for lunar lander contract

Company receives $3.4 billion award to design and build vehicle Moon missions

A few Sound Publishing reporters joined local media in tasting the Mariners’ new season fare, finding the pork rib wings to be one the best items on the menu. (Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing)
Mariners unveil new ballpark eats for 2023 season

Our reporters sampled tasty barbecue, pizza, ice cream and more that will be served at T-Mobile Park.

t
Ingersoll Rand to close Kent facility; about 69 employees to lose jobs

Industrial machinery manufacturer based in North Carolina

t
Taste ToGo Banh Mi restaurant reopens after Public Health closure

Three-day closure after seven people became ill after purchasing food Feb. 26 at business

t
Harbor Freight Tools to open at former TOP Food location in Kent

Mayor Dana Ralph gives business updates at Kent Chamber of Commerce luncheon

t
Education and Workforce Summit set for Kent’s ShoWare Center

Presented by the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce

t
L&I fines Kent contractor in Renton fatal trench collapse last year

Company faces fines of more than $400,000 for safety violations that led to death of Surjit Gill, 36

t
Kent’s Tents and Party Rents owner Bob Schlosser dies at age 67

Didn’t hesitate to donate tables and chairs to local nonprofits for fundraisers

t
NASA selects Kent-based Blue Origin for Mars mission launch contract

New Glenn rocket scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida in late 2024

Bed, Bath & Beyond has closed its store at The Outlet Collection in Auburn after 27 years. ROBERT WHALE, Sound Publishing
t
Airways Brewing in Kent to expand patio at The Beer & Bistro Garden

Heated covering, second kitchen to be completed in June

t
Kent’s Zenovia Harris receives King County’s 2023 Larry Gossett Service Award

Kent Chamber CEO honored for ‘her commitment to social justice and leading with equity’