How to Use Aerospace and Aviation Holidays to Reinforce Your Brand

As an aerospace and aviation marketer and leader, it’s essential to keep “recognition” holidays on your content calendar. These dates aren’t just fun — they’re moments that connect to industry history, science, or culture and an opportunity to reinforce your brand and products, drive emotional connection, and add to your content calendar. They’re also valuable for internal branding: HR and People teams can use them to spark pride, recognition, and engagement. In my experience, marketing has always been tightly linked to internal communications and culture, so don’t let these opportunities fly by.

Here’s your calendar of key aerospace and space holidays from late 2025 through the end of 2026. Contact us if you need help building out a content calendar or ways to customize these to your brand.

Remaining 2025

Sept 8, 2025 – Star Trek Day [Space / Sci-Fi]

Marks the 1966 premiere of Star Trek: The Original Series. Fans celebrate diversity, exploration, and bold futures.

✨ Lean into community and vision — how does your team live out “to boldly go”?

Sept 27, 2025 – International Astronomy Day [Space]

Twice a year (spring and fall), astronomy clubs worldwide host public events to spark curiosity about the universe.

✨ Share resources, host open-house events, or invite employees to look up and be inspired.

Oct 4–10, 2025 – World Space Week [Space]

The largest space event on Earth, recognized by the UN. Celebrates the launch of Sputnik (Oct 4, 1957) and the Outer Space Treaty (Oct 10, 1967).

✨ Rich opportunity for campaigns, educational posts, and events aligned to that year’s theme.

Oct 20, 2025 – International Air Traffic Controllers’ Day [Aviation]

Honors the professionals who safely guide aircraft from takeoff to landing. Marked on the founding date of IFATCA in 1961.

✨ Use for recognition posts or employee spotlights if you work with ATC teams.

Oct (date varies), 2025 – Howl at the Moon Day [Space / Fun]

A whimsical night for communities worldwide to gather and, yes, howl at the moon.✨ Lighthearted content that encourages team bonding and shared wonder.

Nov 28, 2025 – Red Planet Day [Space]

Marks the 1964 launch of Mariner 4, the first successful Mars flyby. It fueled decades of fascination with our rusty neighbor.

✨ Tie into Mars exploration news, innovation, or just ask your team: “Would you go to Mars?”

Dec 1, 2025 – Wright Brothers Day [Aviation]

Commemorates the Wrights’ first powered flight in 1903 — the launchpad of modern aviation.

✨ A heritage moment to connect past innovation to your company’s present and future.

Dec 7, 2025 – International Civil Aviation Day [Aviation]

Recognized by the UN to highlight civil aviation’s role in global connectivity, peace, and economic development.

✨ Use this to elevate industry impact stories and celebrate aviation’s role in everyday life.

Jan 22, 2026 – NASA’s Day of Remembrance [Space]

A solemn tribute to the Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia crews, along with others who gave their lives pushing the boundaries of space exploration. Each tragedy reshaped NASA’s safety protocols and engineering practices, reminding us that progress always comes with risk.

✨ Use this day to reflect, honor sacrifice, and reaffirm a culture of safety and responsibility in aerospace.

Feb 18, 2026 – National Pluto Day [Space]

Back in 1930, Pluto was discovered and crowned the ninth planet in our solar system. Then in 2006, it got the cosmic demotion heard ’round the world. Whether you call it a planet or a dwarf, Pluto still has fans fiercely defending its spot.✨ Perfect for playful posts that mix nostalgia with science — and a reminder that definitions can change, but curiosity doesn’t.

March 2–8, 2026 – Women in Aviation Worldwide Week [Aviation]

Celebrating women’s contributions to aviation since Raymonde de Laroche became the first licensed female pilot in 1910. This week spotlights gender equity in aviation and inspires future generations to take flight.

✨ A great internal and external moment to highlight women on your team, share stories, and support STEM pathways.

March 23, 2026 – National Near Miss Day [Space]

On this day in 1989, a massive asteroid whizzed past Earth at just 500,000 miles — a hair’s breadth in cosmic terms. It’s a reminder of just how fragile our little blue planet really is.

✨ Use it to talk about planetary defense, research, or simply ask: What would you do with 24 hours if the asteroid didn’t miss?

April – Global Astronomy Month [Space]

All month long, stargazers and space nerds unite to share their love of the night sky. From telescope parties to backyard observing, it’s the world’s biggest astronomy celebration.

✨ Great for engagement campaigns — host a stargazing night, share celestial fun facts, or spotlight your engineers’ favorite constellations.

April 5, 2026 – First Contact Day [Space / Sci-Fi]

Trekkies know: April 5 marks the “future” day humanity makes first contact with the Vulcans. Thanks to Zefram Cochrane’s warp flight in Star Trek, it’s now celebrated worldwide as a sci-fi holiday.

✨ Playful content moment — lean into fandom, sci-fi inspiration, and how pop culture sparks real science.

April 12, 2026 – Yuri’s Night (International Day of Human Space Flight) [Space]

On this day in 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to orbit Earth — igniting the era of human spaceflight. Today, Yuri’s Night is celebrated worldwide with parties, stargazing, and space-themed events.

✨ Lean into the fun side: host a watch party, share a toast to explorers past and present, or spotlight your company’s role in carrying that legacy forward.

April 13–20, 2026 – International Dark Sky Week [Space / Sustainability]

Started by a high schooler in 2003, this week highlights light pollution and celebrates the wonder of natural night skies. The goal: let future generations see the stars as our ancestors once did.

✨ A thoughtful day for companies to talk sustainability, lighting innovations, or just share breathtaking night-sky photos.

April 26, 2026 – World Pilots’ Day [Aviation]

Launched in 2013 by Turkish Airline Pilots Association, this day honors all pilots — past and present — who keep the skies moving. The date marks the first flight of Turkey’s first licensed pilot, Mehmet Fesa Evrensev, in 1912.

✨ Great for spotlighting your company’s pilots, celebrating aviation careers, or running “day-in-the-life” content.

May 1, 2026 – National Space Day [Space]

A day dedicated to the awe and mystery of the cosmos — from galaxies to satellites to rockets. Because really, what’s cooler than space?

✨ Perfect for educational posts, product tie-ins, or even lighthearted “why we space” storytelling.

May 3, 2026 – Sun Day [Space / Sustainability]

Celebrates the star that makes all life possible — and doubles as a reminder of the potential of solar energy. First celebrated in 1978, Sun Day spotlights renewable energy long before it was trendy.

✨ Tie into sustainability efforts, solar tech, or a fun appreciation of our favorite star.

May 4, 2026 – Star Wars Day [Space / Sci-Fi]

May the Fourth be with you! This fan-created holiday has become a worldwide celebration of the galaxy far, far away.

✨ A cheeky, engagement-heavy moment — memes, team costumes, or internal trivia contests all play well here.

May 5, 2026 – National Astronaut Day [Space]

Honors the rare humans who’ve traveled beyond Earth. It began to mark Alan Shepard’s 1961 suborbital flight — the first American in space

.✨ Great chance to spotlight astronauts, space heroes, and your own team members who “push boundaries.”

May 24, 2026 – Aviation Maintenance Technician Day [Aviation]

Recognizes the skilled mechanics who keep aircraft safe, pegged to Charles Taylor’s birthday (the Wright Brothers’ mechanic). Without them, no flight would ever take off.

✨ Internal shout-outs land well here — highlight your maintenance staff and celebrate the unsung heroes.

May 26, 2026 – Sally Ride Day [Space]

Celebrates Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, and her legacy as a scientist and educator. Beyond her 1983 flight, she founded Sally Ride Science to inspire future STEM leaders.

✨ A moment to spotlight women in STEM, mentorship programs, and your company’s diversity efforts.

May 31, 2026 – International Flight Attendants Day [Aviation]

Acknowledges the frontline crew who deliver safety and care at 30,000 feet. Smiles, professionalism, and vigilance — they set the tone for every flight.

✨ Perfect internal HR recognition moment or customer-facing thank-you campaigns.

July 10, 2026 – Matariki (Māori New Year) [Space / Culture]

New Zealand marks its new year by the rising of the Pleiades star cluster (Matariki). It’s a time for reflection, renewal, and community.

✨ A cultural way to highlight global traditions tied to the stars.

July 20, 2026 – Space Exploration Day [Space]

Marks humanity’s giant leap in exploring the cosmos, from Apollo 11 to today’s Mars rovers and beyond. Celebrates the benefits of space to daily life — from medicine to communications.

✨ Use this to connect your company’s work to the bigger picture of exploration and innovation.

Aug 8, 2026 – Global Sleep Under the Stars Night [Space / Fun]

Encourages people everywhere to unplug, head outside, and reconnect with the night sky.

✨ A fun moment for community engagement — stargazing events, team challenges, or photos under the stars.

Aug 19, 2026 – National Aviation Day [Aviation]

Proclaimed by FDR in 1939 to honor Orville Wright’s birthday. Today it celebrates all things aviation.

✨ Great for aviation companies to highlight heritage, technology, and careers in flight.

Aug 24, 2026 – Pluto Demoted Day [Space]

On this day in 2006, Pluto was officially downgraded to “dwarf planet” status — sparking debates that still rage today.

✨ A cheeky day for playful posts (“justice for Pluto!”) or serious ones on how science evolves.

Sept 8, 2026 – Star Trek Day [Space / Sci-Fi]

Marks the 1966 premiere of Star Trek: The Original Series. Fans celebrate diversity, exploration, and bold futures.

✨ Lean into community and vision — how does your team live out “to boldly go”?

Sept 27, 2026 – International Astronomy Day [Space]

Twice a year (spring and fall), astronomy clubs worldwide host public events to spark curiosity about the universe.

✨ Share resources, host open-house events, or invite employees to look up and be inspired.

Oct 4–10, 2026 – World Space Week [Space]

The largest space event on Earth, recognized by the UN. Celebrates the launch of Sputnik (Oct 4, 1957) and the Outer Space Treaty (Oct 10, 1967).

✨ Rich opportunity for campaigns, educational posts, and events aligned to that year’s theme.

Oct 20, 2026 – International Air Traffic Controllers’ Day [Aviation]

Honors the professionals who safely guide aircraft from takeoff to landing. Marked on the founding date of IFATCA in 1961.

✨ Use for recognition posts or employee spotlights if you work with ATC teams.

Oct (date varies) – Howl at the Moon Day [Space / Fun]

A whimsical night for communities worldwide to gather and, yes, howl at the moon.

✨ Lighthearted content that encourages team bonding and shared wonder.

Nov 28, 2026 – Red Planet Day [Space]

Marks the 1964 launch of Mariner 4, the first successful Mars flyby. It fueled decades of fascination with our rusty neighbor.

✨ Tie into Mars exploration news, innovation, or just ask your team: “Would you go to Mars?”

Dec 1, 2026 – Wright Brothers Day [Aviation]

Commemorates the Wrights’ first powered flight in 1903 — the launchpad of modern aviation.

✨ A heritage moment to connect past innovation to your company’s present and future.

Dec 7, 2026 – International Civil Aviation Day [Aviation]

Recognized by the UN to highlight civil aviation’s role in global connectivity, peace, and economic development.

✨ Use this to elevate industry impact stories and celebrate aviation’s role in everyday life.

Contact us for ideas and templates on building out your SEO-optimized content calendar.