The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) has named Prof. Guo Huadong, CBAS Director General, as the 2026 recipient of the IAF Hall of Fame Award. The honor recognizes his lifelong dedication and transformative contributions to space-borne Earth observation, digital Earth science, and the application of space technology to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In an official letter to Prof. Guo, IAF President Gabriella Arrigo wrote: “I am delighted to inform you that the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) has selected you to receive the 2026 IAF Hall of Fame Award for your outstanding contribution during the course of your career to the progress of astronautics.”
Prof. Guo is known globally as the Chief Scientist of SDGSAT-1, the world’s first science satellite dedicated to monitoring the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He pioneered the concept of “fine characterization of human activity traces” from space. By integrating daytime and nighttime sensing of light, thermal infrared, and hyperspectral signatures – key parameters closely linked to human activities – the satellite provides systematic, objective data for tracking progress on multiple SDGs.
Data from SDGSAT-1 is openly shared worldwide. To date, 116 UN member states have used this Chinese satellite data, marking a new model for global service through domestically built space assets. The mission has produced hundreds of peer-reviewed papers and supported more than ten UN reports, contributing directly to the 2030 Agenda and the Global Development Initiative. Prof. Guo’s leadership in this field had led to his appointment by the UN Secretary-General as a member of the 10-Member Group for the Technology Facilitation Mechanism for the SDGs, and he was also awarded the Sustainability Science Award by the International Science Council.
Over 40 years, Prof. Guo advanced China’s radar and Earth observation: as 863 expert group head, he enabled key space/airborne systems, contributed to China’s first radar satellite, proposed a Moon-based platform, led major ground and airborne facilities, built the first Digital Earth prototype, and created disaster/mineral exploration systems.
Beyond science and engineering, Prof. Guo has been a global institution-builder. He founded the International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE) and International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage under the auspices of UNESCO (HIST). He launched and chairs the Digital Belt and Road Program (DBAR) and the ABCC initiative for comparative studies of global change remote sensing.
Founded in 1951, IAF is the world’s most influential non-governmental organization in the space sector. IAF Hall of Fame is intended to create a standing forum of personalities that have contributed substantially to the progress of space science, technology and space benefits to humankind. This year, the honor will be presented during the Closing Ceremony of the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) on October 9, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye.