Guo Huadong Receives 2026 International Astronautical Federation Hall of Fame Award
07 May 2026
The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) has named Prof. GUO Huadong of the Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (AIRCAS) as the 2026 recipient of the IAF Hall of Fame Award, recognizing his lifelong contributions to space-borne Earth observation, Digital Earth science, and the use of space technology to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In an official letter, IAF President Gabriella Arrigo praised Prof. Guo for his "outstanding contribution during the course of your career to the progress of astronautics."
Guo Huadong is internationally recognized as the Chief Scientist of SDGSAT-1, the world's first science satellite dedicated to monitoring progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He pioneered the concept of finely characterizing human activity traces from space by integrating daytime and nighttime observations of visible light, thermal infrared, and hyperspectral signals—key indicators closely associated with human activities. The satellite delivers systematic and objective data to support the assessment of progress across multiple SDGs.
Data from SDGSAT-1 has been openly shared worldwide, with 116 UN member states already using the satellite's observations. The mission has generated hundreds of peer-reviewed studies and supported more than ten UN reports, contributing directly to the 2030 Agenda and the Global Development Initiative. Prof. Guo's leadership also led to his appointment by the UN Secretary-General to the 10-Member Group for the Technology Facilitation Mechanism, and he received the Sustainability Science Award from the International Science Council.
Over more than four decades, Prof. Guo has played a major role in advancing China's radar and Earth observation capabilities, contributing to early radar satellite programs, major airborne and ground systems, the first Digital Earth prototype, and disaster and mineral exploration platforms.
He is also a prominent international institution-builder, having founded the International Society for Digital Earth and the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage under the auspices of UNESCO, and launched the Digital Belt and Road Program.
Founded in 1951, the International Astronautical Federation is one of the world's most influential non-governmental organizations in the space sector. The award will be presented during the closing ceremony of the 77th International Astronautical Congress on October 9, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye.
News Updates
Guo Huadong Receives 2026 International Astronautical Federation Hall of Fame Award
The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) has named Prof. GUO Huadong of the Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences (AIRCAS) as the 2026 recipient of the IAF Hall of Fame Award, recognizing his lifelong contributions to space-borne Earth observation, Digital Earth science, and the use of space technology to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In an official letter, IAF President Gabriella Arrigo praised Prof. Guo for his "outstanding contribution during the course of your career to the progress of astronautics."
Guo Huadong is internationally recognized as the Chief Scientist of SDGSAT-1, the world's first science satellite dedicated to monitoring progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He pioneered the concept of finely characterizing human activity traces from space by integrating daytime and nighttime observations of visible light, thermal infrared, and hyperspectral signals—key indicators closely associated with human activities. The satellite delivers systematic and objective data to support the assessment of progress across multiple SDGs.
Data from SDGSAT-1 has been openly shared worldwide, with 116 UN member states already using the satellite's observations. The mission has generated hundreds of peer-reviewed studies and supported more than ten UN reports, contributing directly to the 2030 Agenda and the Global Development Initiative. Prof. Guo's leadership also led to his appointment by the UN Secretary-General to the 10-Member Group for the Technology Facilitation Mechanism, and he received the Sustainability Science Award from the International Science Council.
Over more than four decades, Prof. Guo has played a major role in advancing China's radar and Earth observation capabilities, contributing to early radar satellite programs, major airborne and ground systems, the first Digital Earth prototype, and disaster and mineral exploration platforms.
He is also a prominent international institution-builder, having founded the International Society for Digital Earth and the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage under the auspices of UNESCO, and launched the Digital Belt and Road Program.
Founded in 1951, the International Astronautical Federation is one of the world's most influential non-governmental organizations in the space sector. The award will be presented during the closing ceremony of the 77th International Astronautical Congress on October 9, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye.