Novaspace has officially announced the winners of its 2025 Excellence Awards and the WSBW Startup Challenge during the 28th edition of World Space Business Week (WSBW).
The record-breaking event gathered more than 1,600 participants from over 600 organizations across 57 countries, featuring close to 300 high-level speakers. This reinforces WSBW’s position as the world’s premier meeting point for the global space and satellite industry.
Through awards in Satellite Connectivity, Earth Observation & Information, and the Startup Challenge, Novaspace highlighted the companies and entrepreneurs driving transformation across the space economy.
Annual Awards for Space Connectivity
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Global Satellite Business Award – MDA
Awarded for exceptional global growth and bold strategic initiatives.
“We are truly honoured to receive the Global Satellite Business of the Year award from Novaspace at World Space Business Week,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication, passion, and ingenuity of our entire team, as well as the trust and collaboration of our customers and partners around the world. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in space through a high performance business environment, we remain committed to delivering innovative satellite solutions that help shape a more connected and sustainable future for the global space community.”
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Strategic Transaction Award – SES
Awarded for its landmark merger with Intelsat.
“Bringing together two great companies in SES and Intelsat is a milestone that truly sets the stage for what’s next. The team at SES is very grateful to receive the World Space Business Week Strategic Transaction Award which highlights the vision behind our combination and, more importantly, the remarkable potential we now have to shape the future of space solutions and global connectivity. SES is united in purpose and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.” – Greg Orton, Chief Integration, Transformation & Development Officer, SES
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Regional Satellite Business Award – KT SAT
Recognized for regional leadership and expansion across Asia.
“KT SAT is honored to receive the Regional Satellite Operator Award at World Satellite Business Week, a significant recognition of our long-standing trust with customers and our consistent delivery of high-quality satellite services. We successfully launched KOREASAT-6A last year, ensuring the continuity and resilience of our national and broadcasting services. Alongside this, we have extended our services into new regions, broadening our global coverage to better serve our partners and customers worldwide.
Looking ahead, we are preparing to launch our next-generation High Throughput Satellite (HTS) and to develop 6G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities, ensuring that our services meet the rapidly changing demands of the industry. Through these initiatives, KT SAT is committed to delivering greater value and shaping the future of satellite communications for our customers, and communities around the globe.” – Peter Seo, CEO at KT SAT
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Universal Broadband Award – Starlink
Recognized for expanding global broadband connectivity.
“On behalf of the entire SpaceX team, we’re honored to be recognized by Novaspace for Starlink’s ongoing efforts to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet to people all around the world, connecting more than seven million active customers and businesses in 150 countries, territories, and other markets,” said Bret Johnsen, SpaceX’s Chief Financial Offer. “However, with billions of people across the globe lacking access to high-speed internet, our work is nowhere near complete. SpaceX is committed to connecting as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, and continually improving our networks to provide the best possible service to our customers.” – Bret Johnsen, CFO, SpaceX
Annual Earth Observation & Information Awards
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Leading EO Business Award – ICEYE
Recognized for its SAR technology and constellation growth.
“We are honored to be recognized as the Leading Earth Observation Company. This award is a powerful testament to ICEYE’s mission: redefining what’s possible in space-based intelligence to enhance global security, resilience, and decision-making. As we continue advancing the frontier of defense and disaster response technology, our commitment remains clear – deliver timely, actionable insights from space that help protect people, nations, and our planet.” – Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder – ICEYE
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Sustainable Development & Business Award – CNES
Recognized for advancing sustainable space initiatives.
“On behalf of CNES and all our partner space agencies, I would like to warmly thank Novaspace for this award, which honors the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters and our commitment towards tackling climate change. Over the past twenty-five years, this initiative has shown the ability of the international space community to unite its strengths in service of humanity. With over 1000 activations in more than 150 countries, the Charter has delivered vital satellite data to support disaster response and crisis management, in close cooperation with local authorities, civil protection organization, NGOs and all stakeholders. These efforts have helped protect thousands of people and saved many lives. This award is a recognition of the collective work of all the agencies and teams involved, gathering all relevant satellite data, and an encouragement to continue this commitment to solidarity and international cooperation. Overall, it reinforces CNES’s global commitment to sustainable development and strengthens its leadership in monitoring, mitigating, and adapting to climate change alongside its partners, notably through initiatives such as the Space for Climate Observatory and the Space4Ocean Alliance.” – Lionel Suchet, Chief Operating Officer, CNES
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New EO Operator Award – OroraTech
For pioneering wildfire detection from space.
“We are truly honored by this award, which highlights the urgent need for wildfire solutions and the vital role of satellite data. This award also belongs to our customers who trusted in our vision of using satellite data for real-time situational awareness. For everyone at OroraTech, this is motivation to continue pioneering and creating real-world impact from space.” – Martin Langer, CEO and CTO, OroraTech
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Pioneer Space Business Award – Firefly Aerospace
Celebrated for launch and lunar missions.
“Firefly is honored to receive Novaspace’s Pioneer Space Business Award as we continue to execute bold missions with our launch, lunar, and in-space services. After completing the first successful commercial Moon landing and the longest commercial operations on the Moon to date, Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 showed the world that the path to the Moon, Mars, and beyond is no longer limited to nations alone. Looking ahead, Firefly will continue to lead the way in the space and defense market with annual missions to the Moon, regular rocket launches, and a constellation of multi-mission orbital vehicles.” – Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace
WSBW Startup Challenge 2025
Powered by the Space Business Catalyst (Thales Alenia Space), the WSBW Startup Challenge highlighted breakthrough entrepreneurial initiatives:
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Space Solar – Developing ultra-efficient space-based solar power at $10/MWh.
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UNIVITY – Building a VLEO telecom constellation, with first satellites scheduled for launch in 2027.
Conclusion
With the recognition of these leaders in satellite connectivity, Earth observation, and entrepreneurial innovation, Novaspace once again reinforced its role in driving forward the global space economy.
