On October 24, 2025, the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) awarded the 2025 Polar Star Award to astrophysicist Dr. Rudolf Albrecht. The Forum honored Albrecht’s outstanding achievements in astrophysics, space technology, and his decades of work promoting international cooperation in space policy. The ceremony took place at the OeWF premises in Vienna.

Rudolf Albrecht is one of the pioneers of European space research. He played a key role in the success of the Hubble Space Telescope, headed the ESA/ESO Space Telescope European Coordinating Facility in Munich, and has been committed to the peaceful and sustainable use of space for many years within the United Nations. His current activities include participation in international initiatives such as “Dark and Quiet Skies,” planetary defence, and preparations for the “International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence 2029.”

Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), praised Albrecht’s “dedicated support” and his role in strengthening global cooperation in space science and security. Colleagues from NASA, ESA, and the European Astronomical Society particularly highlighted his ability to bridge science, technology, and diplomacy.

In addition to his scientific career, Albrecht is also known as a mentor, networker, and versatile individual— with passions ranging from software development and classic car restoration to skydiving and marathon running. He once said about his motivation:

“We have to accept that our brains will never be able to truly understand the universe. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try—we learn a lot along the way. Plus, it’s fun.”

The Polar Star Award, first presented in 2011, honors individuals whose work has served as a guiding light for science, exploration, and collaboration. Previous winners include Austrian astronaut Franz Viehböck and author and astronomer Lisa Kaltenegger.

Willibald Stumptner, President of the Austrian Space Forum, said at the award ceremony: “With this award, the OeWF recognizes Dr. Rudolf Albrecht as a researcher, networker, and visionary whose work has inspired generations for decades and shaped the international scientific dialogue.”

About the Polar Star Award
About Dark and Quiet Skies
International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence 2029

About the Austrian Space Forum
The Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) is a private space research institution. As ESA’s first Ground Based Facility in Austria we operate a vertical treadmill to simulate different gravity-levels. The OeWF also serves as a network for spaceflight specialists, business/industry and people interested in space. We conduct Mars Analog Missions on a regular bases, involving scientists and institutions from all over the world. The OeWF is playing a leading role in two international Cube-Sat missions that detected space debris in Near Earth Orbit from 2022 to 2024. We cooperate with international research institutions and companies and are in constant dialog with the media and decision makers. With 250 members from 20+ nations, the Austrian Space Forum focuses on scientific excellence, starts, shapes and networks careers and has been inspiring people all over the world since 1998.

During World’s Biggest Analog (13-26Oct2025) the Austrian Space Forum was be at the center of events serving as the Mission Coordination Center in Vienna with specialized teams supporting WBA’s participating institutions.

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