The 2006 Robert A. Heinlein Memorial Award was presented to Charles (Chuck) Yeager.

The Space Pioneer Awards for 2006 went to:

• Business/Entrepreneur: Elon Musk.
• Space Development: Michael Griffin.
• Scientist/Engineering Team: JAXA HAYABUSA (MUSES-C) Mission Team.

The 2006 Chris Pancratz Space Activist of the Year Award was presented to Jeremy Pyle.

The 2006 NSS Excellence Awards for distinguished service to the Society were presented to:

• Jennie Young (Special Award for Excellence)
• Ronnie M. Lajoie
• Joshua Powers
• Patricia Montoure
• Jeffrey G. Liss