February 13, 2025
Matthew Isakowitz Foundation Programs Announces Inaugural Recipients of Rising Star Award and Commercial Space Scholarship
WASHINGTON DC—The Matthew Isakowitz Foundation Programs (MIFP) and Commercial Space Federation (CSF) announce the recipients of two prestigious opportunities for students and young professionals passionate about the commercial space sector. Shaurya Luthra has been awarded the Matthew Isakowitz Rising Star Award, which recognizes an early career individual under 30 years old who demonstrates exceptional promise of becoming a future commercial space industry icon. Additionally, ten undergraduate and graduate students have been selected for the 2025 cohort of the Matthew Isakowitz Commercial Space Scholarship, through which they will receive a commercial space policy-focused paid summer internship in the Washington, D.C. area, a $1,000 scholarship, and access to exclusive professional networking opportunities.
Steve and Monica Isakowitz, on behalf of the MIFP Team, said, “We are proud to recognize Shaurya Luthra as the first recipient of the Rising Star Award. His innovative approach to addressing critical challenges in space speaks to the very spirit of Matthew’s legacy—passion, ingenuity, and a commitment to creating a better future. We are equally excited to welcome the talented students chosen as the inaugural ‘Matthew Scholars.’ Their dedication to advancing the space industry is inspiring, and we look forward to supporting them as they make their mark on the world of commercial space.”
Dave Cavossa, CSF President, commented, “We are delighted to partner with MIFP to recognize these bright young leaders who are shaping the future of commercial space exploration. Supporting an award and scholarship in Matthew Isakowitz’s honor is especially meaningful given his pivotal role as one of CSF’s earliest team members."
MATTHEW ISAKOWITZ RISING STAR AWARD
2025 Recipient
Shaurya Luthra received the Rising Star Award at CSF’s Commercial Space Conference on February 12, 2025.
Shaurya Luthra is the Matthew Isakowitz Foundation Programs’ 2025 Rising Star. Luthra is a technology leader and entrepreneur dedicated to solving one of the space industry’s most pressing challenges: scaling ground infrastructure to manage the ever-growing volume of satellite data. As Co-founder and Head of Software at Northwood Space, he is driven by a deep desire to create meaningful change and a positive impact on the world. Born in India and raised in the United States, Luthra felt a strong sense of purpose instilled by his family and community. He pursued his space interests at Cornell, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering. After roles at Lockheed Martin Space and Capella Space, Luthra co-founded Northwood Space in 2023 with Bridgit Mendler and Griffin Cleverly, united by a shared enthusiasm for overcoming the challenges of scalable, reliable, and pervasive space communications.
Luthra was presented with the Matthew Isakowitz Rising Star Award at the Commercial Space Conference in Washington D.C. A full bio is featured on the MIFP website and CSF website.
MATTHEW ISAKOWITZ COMMERCIAL SPACE SCHOLARSHIP
2025 Class
2025 “Matthew Scholars”
The 2025 Matthew Isakowitz Commercial Space Scholarship application received a tremendous response, with approximately 100 college juniors, seniors, and graduate students applying from over 40 colleges. Applicants were rigorously screened for academic excellence, relevant experience, and, most importantly, a demonstrated passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercial space. The ten selected “Matthew Scholars” will have the invaluable opportunity to advance their aerospace careers through policy-focused paid internships at cutting-edge commercial space companies in the Washington, DC area. They will also participate in exclusive professional networking opportunities, from attending an executive speaker series to connecting with accomplished members of the space community. Ultimately, the Matthew Scholars will remain connected with each other and the 200 Alumni of the Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program, as they continue to excel in their academic and professional careers.
The ten Matthew Isakowitz Commercial Space Scholars are listed below with their current school and host company. (Schools where they previously earned degrees are indicated in parentheses). Full bios are featured online.
Sophia Chang, Georgetown University – The Aerospace Corporation
Shayna Gersten, Columbia University – Commercial Space Federation
Kelsie Jackson, University of Nebraska (Lake Forest College) – SpaceX
Mike Myers, Harvard Business School (Boston University) – AE Industrial Partners
Elizabeth Sanchez Chang, American University (IE University) – Vast Space
Alex Santangelo, Harvard Kennedy and Business Schools (Brown University) – Blue Origin
Briana Sparacino, Georgetown University – Bryce Tech
Hriday Unadkat, Princeton University – Renaissance Strategic Advisors
Polina Verkhovodova, Georgia Institute of Technology (Caltech) – Voyager Technologies
Raleigh Wooldridge, Northwestern University (UT Austin) – Firefly Aerospace
ABOUT THE MATTHEW ISAKOWITZ FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
The Matthew Isakowitz Foundation Programs (MIFP) is a non-profit organization honoring the memory of an engineer, entrepreneur, and extraordinary individual whose passion for commercial space exploration led to great strides in the industry and inspired all who knew him. Run by members of Matthew’s family and volunteer coordinators, MIFP seeks to instill the next generation with Matthew’s enthusiasm for bettering humankind through space exploration. After seven years dedicated to developing a tight-knit cohort of 200 Fellows primarily focused on science and engineering disciplines in commercial space, MIFP is now pivoting to multiple new efforts in order to continue its legacy of support for these space leaders. Initiatives to date include the Matthew Isakowitz Fellowship Program, the Matthew Isakowitz Rising Star Award, and the Matthew Isakowitz Commercial Space Scholarship. More information is available at matthewisakowitzfoundation.org.
ABOUT COMMERCIAL SPACE FEDERATION
The Commercial Space Federation is the leading voice for the commercial space industry. Founded in 2006, CSF and its 85+ members are laying the foundation for a sustainable space economy and democratizing access to space for scientists, students, civilians, and businesses. CSF members are responsible for the creation of thousands of high-tech jobs driven by billions of dollars in investment. Through the promotion of technology innovation, CSF is guiding the expansion of Earth’s economic sphere, bolstering U.S. leadership in aerospace, and inspiring America’s next generation of engineers and explorers.
###