Wernher Von Braun Memorial Dinner

The Wernher von Braun Memorial Dinner is the most prominent event of the year. The dinner culminates the yearly Symposium held each October and serves as the largest fundraiser event hosted by the Space Club.  Dubbed the “The Space Prom,” this dinner welcomes local businesses and space enthusiasts to arrive dressed to the nines to celebrate scholarships and award recipients who are helping to shape the future of space exploration. The event honors selected individuals and groups by awarding the von Braun Space Flight Trophy, the Astronautics Engineering Award, the Distinguished Science Award, the Communications Award, the Community Service Award, the Aerospace Educator Award, the Dr. Wernher von Braun Memorial Scholarship, and the National Space Club scholarships. 

​The Club’s funding for educational outreach is the key goal for this “can’t miss” event that attracts over 900 people each year for a memorable dinner.  This outstanding night named in honor of Dr. von Braun celebrates space exploration with so many people that have helped make this country, this state, and this community so influential and successful in our nation’s space program.

Past keynote speakers have included:

• Bob Cabana, NASA Associate Administrator

• Leonard David, Space journalist and author

• Harrison Schmitt, Former Astronaut, US Senator

• General John E. Hyten, Commander of the U.S. Strategic Command 

• The Honorable Michael Griffin, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering

• Mike Massimino, Former Astronaut, Entertainer

• Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of the European Space Agency

• Dennis Tito, Inspiration Mars Foundation/1st Space Tourist   

• Paul Allen, Microsoft Co-Founder/Investor/Philanthropist

• Bob Crippen, CPT (USN Ret.) Naval aviator/Astronaut & first Shuttle pilot

• Gary Payton, LTG. Gen. (USAF, Ret.), Former Astronaut, NASA and & DOD leader.

• Charles Bolden, Jr., MAJ Gen (USMC Ret.), Former Astronaut /NASA Administrator,

• General Kevin Chilton, US Strategic Command

• Dr. Michael Griffin, former NASA Administrator

• Helen Greiner,  iRobot

• Leonard Nimoy, Actor – Mr. Spock

• Alan Ladwig, Space.com

• Olivia Newton John, Entertainer