UCF Space Week Returns for 2026
The annual event featured student exhibitions, a drone display, and the tenth anniversary of the university's football game.
By Victoria Hayes ·
UCF Space Week concluded on Monday at the University of Central Florida campus in Orlando.
The university held a series of events to mark its tenth annual celebration of space exploration and local industry.
The week opened with activities at the Celeste Hotel, where the Knightro group welcomed industry partners to the gathering.
UCF Libraries hosted multiple exhibitions using materials from the University Archives and Special Collections.
One display in the Digital Exploration Center’s Immersion Studio was curated by graduate research assistant Eric Thompson.
That exhibit presented six decades of space history from the university, the United States, and international programs.
The inaugural UCF Innovate Day focused on turning research into commercial impact.
Representatives from the City of Orlando and Orange County government presented a special proclamation to the university.
A panel discussion included faculty members and alumni from various disciplines.
The Florida Space Institute hosted NASA’s Lunabotics Challenge at the Exolith Lab.
That facility contains the world’s largest simulated lunar surface for testing rovers.
UCF awarded seven individuals at the 2026 SpaceU Awards for their work in the regional space sector. President Alexander N. Cartwright presented the honors to the group of recipients. The honorees included Jared Long-Fox, Noah Brockhoff, Emmanuel Urquieta, Paula do Vale Pereira, Keanu Brayman, Tahllee Baynard, and Michael Edmonds. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management hosted a fall career fair during the week. Employers at the event included Pegasus Partner Universal Orlando Resort, Marriott International, and SpaceX. Drone shows took place on the main campus and at Acrisure Bounce House. A special presentation by BNY was held on Memory Mall for the community. The event concluded with the tenth anniversary of the UCF Space Game. The team played Baylor University at Acrisure Bounce House. UCF’s Go Baby Go program, Orlando Health, and UCF Athletics built ten space-themed vehicles for children with mobility challenges. A Citronaut robot built by students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science was featured on the field.
