The National Space Club is the premier non-profit organization dedicated to advancing space leadership, technology, and education in the United States. Bringing together industry leaders, government officials, educators, and private individuals, the club fosters collaboration in astronautics and ensures that critical space-related information is shared with the public.
The National Space Club supports the next generation of space professionals through scholarships, grants, and internships. It actively encourages space-based educational initiatives, providing students with opportunities to engage in the field and contribute to its future growth. In addition, the club recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of space technology and exploration. It hosts networking events, luncheons, and its signature annual event, the Goddard Memorial Dinner, where leaders in the space community are honored.
The club also disseminates information through newsletters and publications, ensuring that the latest developments in astronautics reach both experts and the general public. Through these initiatives, the National Space Club plays a vital role in shaping U.S. space policy, technological progress, and public engagement in space exploration.
Origin
Erik Bergaust, co-founder of the National Space Club.
The National Space Club, originally established as the National Rocket Club, was conceived in 1957 by Erik Bergaust in response to the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik, which had sent shockwaves through the western world. Bergaust recognized that the United States needed an organization that could mobilize national efforts and accelerate the country’s involvement in the Space Race. He warned:
"Until recently, top-level officials considered space flight a dirty word. These officials refused to listen to the scientists and engineers who predicted years ago that the nation which controlled space would control the world peace. These officials, I hope, will soon begin to see the light."[1][2][3][4][5]
Erik Bergaust, a Norwegian-born U.S. citizen, was a leading authority on rocket and missile development and astronautics. As a member of President Eisenhower’s Information Advisory Group on Scientists and Engineers, he was a leader in national discussions on space exploration. He was the executive editor of the influential Missiles and Rockets magazine, president of the American Rocket Society, director of the Aviation Writers Association, and host of Defense Desk a radio show in Washington, D.C. He had authored several books and numerous articles on rockets and missiles as well as being the missile science editor for American Aviation.[6][4][7]:39,175
Bergaust's close friend, Wernher von Braun, had also been searching for ways to promote the expansion of America’s space development. Von Braun, who had been brought to the United States after leading the development of the V-1 and V-2 rocket programs in World War II Germany, was increasingly alarmed by the slow pace of the U.S. space program. He feared that without urgent action, the United States would soon lag significantly behind the Soviet Union.[8][9][10][11][4]
Nelson P. Jackson. The Club's "Aerospace Award" was created and named after him in 1960.
Another co-founder was Nelson P Jackson, a friend and collaborator of Bergaust and von Braun who shared their commitment to advancing the United States' role in the Space Race. At the time, he was an attorney specializing in space law and had written papers on “Education for the Space Age” and “The Law of Outer Space.” He was also a member of the American Rocket Society and the Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences. Bergaust and von Braun considered Jackson the ideal candidate to serve as the Club's first president due to his extensive experience and connections. He was a highly decorated Air Force colonel, involved in the military atomic energy program, had served with the Joint Chiefs of Staff., and was the D.C. manager for GE's Atomic Energy Division. His background positioned him as the ideal figure to bridge the interests of government, the military, private industry, and the public. Jackson would serve as the Club's president from January 1958 until his untimely death in a plane crash in November 1960.[8][9][10]
Norman L Baker, He established the annual "Astronautics Engineer Award" in 1958, now named after him.
One of Bergaust’s colleagues at Missiles and Rockets, Norman L. Baker, was also instrumental in founding the Club. He had previously been a Development Engineer at Boeing, contributing to the Bomarc Missile Program and was credited with the initial proposal for the development of a Space Shuttle vehicle back in October 1955. He had also founded Space Publications, a publishing company covering the defense and aerospace industry through newsletters, such as the Defense Daily and Soviet Aerospace.[12][13][7]:175
Formation and History
Originally named the National Rocket Club before the name was changed in 1963.
Bergaust’s primary goal for the Club was to capture Washington’s attention on the urgency of the Space Race by staging high-profile events similar to those organized by the Air Force Association. He envisioned banquets filled with dignitaries, extensive media coverage, military color guards, and a grand spectacle designed to command the focus of political and scientific leaders in Washington. Beyond pushing for government action, Bergaust also saw the organization as a platform to honor America’s scientific pioneers—particularly Dr. Robert H. Goddard, whom he regarded as the true hero of spaceflight. He believed that by elevating Goddard’s legacy, the organization could foster national pride and propel the country forward in space exploration.[8]:516-521
Within days of conceiving the National Rocket Club, Bergaust reached out to two of his colleagues at Missiles and Rockets magazine, Norman L. Baker and Seabrook Hull, who were two of the most highly regarded space writers of the time, to inform them of the Club’s formation. He outlined plans for an inaugural luncheon within weeks, followed by the first Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner soon after. The highlight of this dinner would be the presentation of the first Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy to Wernher von Braun. The formation of the Club proved to be perfectly timed. In January 1958, just shortly after its establishment, von Braun’s Jupiter-C rocket successfully launched the satellite Explorer 1 into orbit, demonstrating that the United States now had the capability to launch a satellite. This breakthrough catapulted von Braun to national prominence. Time magazine rushed to assemble a cover story on him, while the White House prepared for President Eisenhower to award him the Distinguished Federal Civilian Service Award. With momentum on its side, the National Rocket Club officially launched in spectacular fashion. The first Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner was an immediate success, selling out as top military leaders, scientists, and political figures gathered in black-tie. David Brinkley served as the toastmaster, while Mrs. Esther C. Goddard, widow of Dr. Robert H. Goddard, presented the inaugural Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy to Wernher von Braun.[8]:516-521[14]:5
Robert H Goddard in March 16, 1926, holds the launching frame of his most notable invention—the first liquid-fueled rocket.
Throughout its history, the National Space Club has consistently pursued its mission of fostering national pride among Americans by emphasizing that the United States is the true birthplace of rocket technology, through the pioneering work of Dr. Robert H. Goddard. At the time of the Club's formation, the country still believed that rocket technology originated primarily from German research with their V-1 and V-2 rockets during World War II. However, Wernher von Braun and the German rocket scientists had actually been building upon Goddard’s earlier American research from the early 20th century. Von Braun himself wished for Americans to understand this and often publicly emphasized that his team's achievements in Germany were directly based on Goddard’s prior innovations.[22][23][24] The National Space Club, together with other groups, succeeded in making Goddard and his contributions much more widely known to the American public and played a crucial role in renaming the Beltsville Space Center as the Goddard Space Flight Center in his honor. The National Space Club was also directly responsible for Congress officially declaring March 16th 1965 as "Goddard Day," commemorating the date in 1926 that he successfully launched the world's first liquid-propelled rocket.[25]:872-873[26]
The Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner and awards
Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy
First celebrated in 1958, the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner is the premier annual event on Washington’s space calendar. Held each year in late March or early April, the dinner coincides with the anniversary of Dr. Robert H. Goddard’s first successful flight of a liquid-fueled rocket. Nearly 2,000 members of the government, military, industry, and academic space community gather to honor significant contributions to space exploration. During the event, awards are presented to individuals for outstanding achievements in spaceflight, engineering, science, management, and education.
The awards include:
Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy
The Goddard Memorial Trophy is the most prestigious award given by the National Space Club to honor either a lifetime of achievement or a breakthrough discovery or achievement within the calendar year.[27]
The Nelson P. Jackson Aerospace Memorial Award was established in 1960 to honor Nelson P. Jackson, a founder and the first President of the National Space Club. This award is the club’s second most prestigious honor and it recognizes outstanding contributions to advancements in the missile, aircraft, and space fields.[28]:196[27]
Established in 1958, this coveted award honors Norman L. Baker, a founder and former president of the National Space Club. It is presented to a space engineer who has made significant personal contributions to the advancement of space technology.[28]
Nation's Press Award (formally the National Rocket Award)
Formed in 1960, the award recognizes a member of the nation's journalism industry for significant contributions to public knowledge and understanding of astronautics and its impact upon our nation and all humankind.[27][28]:205
The General Bernard Schriever Award honors the General’s legacy and vision as the father of the Air Force's missile and space programs by recognizing excellence in military space operations and acquisition.[27]
David Johnson NOAA Award
Administered by NOAA recognizing achievements of young professionals in NOAA in the use of satellite data for operational or environmental applications.[27]
Established in 1984 it is administered and funded by AXA Space (space insurance). A $4,000 stipend is given. Presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to crewed space flight.[27]
Christa McAuliffe Space Educator Award
Foundation grant of $1,500 and plaque to outstanding secondary school teacher in motivating and guiding High School students in the study of space, science and technology.
Olin E. Teague Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to encourage STEM related study includes $15,000 grant to a High School, undergrad or graduate student pursuing STEM education. The scholarship includes the opportunity to serve as the Keynote speaker at the Goddard Memorial Dinner.[27]
Chapters
The National Space Club and Foundation has expanded over the years and, in addition to its original chapter in Washington, D.C., now has chapters in Huntsville and Florida.
National Space Club Huntsville - established in 1985 in Huntsville, Alabama, home to the Marshall Space Flight Center, where Wernher von Braun and his team of rocket scientists transformed the region into a hub of space technology. Each October, the Club hosts its most significant annual event, the Wernher von Braun Memorial Dinner, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the space industry. During the event, the Club presents several prestigious awards, including 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.[29][30]
National Space Club Florida Committee - established in 2002 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Its signature event, the Space Heroes and Legends Award Dinner, takes place each April, honoring individuals and groups for their contributions to the space industry. Awards presented at the event include the Space Heroes and Legends Award, the Forrest S. McCartney National Defense Space Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Rising Star Award, the Harry Kolcum News and Communications Award, and the Space Worker Hall of Fame Award.[31][32]
Scholarship
National Space Club seal
The National Space Club offers a major scholarship each year to encourage study in the field of engineering and science. The scholarship, in the amount of $10,000, is awarded to a U.S. citizen in at least the junior year of an accredited university, who, in the judgment of the award committee, shows the greatest interest and aptitude.
The National Space Club cooperates in the sponsorship of a number of summer internships at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and its Wallops Flight Facility. The National Space Clubs Scholars Program is open to graduating high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have demonstrated an interest and ability in space technologies.
1 2 3 4 Bergaust, Erik (1976). Wernher von Braun: the authoritative and definitive biographical profile of the father of modern space flight. Washington, D.C.: National Space Institute. ISBN9780917680014.
↑ Review of the Space Program: hearings before the Committee on Science and Astronautics, U. S. House of Representatives, Eighty-sixth Congress, second session. January 20, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, February 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, 1960
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