National Space Club

American non-profit organization

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National Space Club

Formation| October 8, 1957 (1957-10-08)
Founder|

* Erik Bergaust
* Wernher Von Braun
* Nelson P Jackson

Purpose| Fostering excellence in space activity through interaction between industry and government, and through a continuing program of educational support
Headquarters| Washington, D.C.
Award(s)|

* Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy
* Nelson P. Jackson Aerospace Award
* Norman L. Baker Astronautics Engineer Award
* Joseph V. Charyk Award
* General Bernard Schriever Award
* Christa McAuliffe Space Educator Award
* Eagle Manned Mission Award
* NOAA David Johnson Award

Formerly called

| National Rocket Club

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

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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]

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 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 and was the missile science editor for American Aviation.[5][4]

His close friend and colleague, Wernher von Braun, was also 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.[6][7][8][9][4]

Seeking to address these concerns, Bergaust and Von Braun partnered with Nelson P. Jackson to establish the National Space Club. Jackson, a retired highly decorated Air Force Colonel, had served as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was involved in the military atomic energy program. He was a prominent D.C. attorney in the emerging field of space law and was a lobbyist for the General Electric (GE) Atomic Division as well as Joy Manufacturing’s Rocket Division. Given his extensive experience and connections, Jackson was seen as the ideal figure to bridge the interests of government, the military, private industry, and the public. He served as the Club's president from January 1958 until his untimely death in a plane crash in November 1960..[6][7][8]

## Awards

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The Goddard Memorial Dinner is the annual awards banquet honoring the late Dr. Robert H. Goddard. During the night, nine awards and one scholarship are presented. 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 calendar year.[10]
* Nelson P. Jackson Aerospace Memorial Award : 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. It recognizes outstanding contributions to advancements in the missile, aircraft, and space fields.[11]: 196 [10]
* Dr. Joseph V. Charyk Award : Administered by the NRO for the employee making an outstanding personal contribution to the national intelligence space program and its mission.[10]
* General Bernard Schriever Award: The General Bernard Schriever Award honors the General’s legacy and vision by recognizing excellence in military space operations and acquisition.[10]
* David Johnson Award: Administered by NOAA recognizing achievements of young professionals in NOAA in the use of satellite data for environmental applications.[10]
* Norman L. Baker Astronautics Engineer Award: Recognition of a significant contribution by a space engineer.
* Eagle Manned Mission Success Award: Administered and funded by AXA Space. A $4,000 stipend is given. Presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to manned space flight.[10]
* 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.
* Press Award: Recognition to a member of the journalism industry for significant contributions to public knowledge and understanding of astronautics and its impact upon our nation and all humankind.[10]

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.[10]

## Scholarship

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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.

## References

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1. ^ "Erik Bergaust on US space program". The Kansas City Star. 1957-11-03. p. 65. Retrieved 2025-02-24.
2. ^ "Erik Bergaust on Sputnik". Corpus Christi Caller-Times. 1957-11-03. p. 24. Retrieved 2025-02-24.
3. ^ "Erik Bergaust obituary". Winston-Salem Journal. 1978-03-04. p. 16. Retrieved 2025-02-24.
4. ^ a b c "Erik Bergaust founder of the National Space Club". The Daily Iberian. 1960-02-08. p. 3. Retrieved 2025-02-24.
5. ^ "Erik Bergaust biography". The Dispatch. 1958-10-21. p. 4. Retrieved 2025-02-24.
6. ^ a b 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. ISBN 9780917680014.`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
7. ^ a b "Obituary for Nelson Parkyn Jackson". Evening star. 1960-11-17. p. 25. Retrieved 2025-02-24.
8. ^ a b "Nelson P Jackson award given by National Space Club". Okmulgee Daily Times. 1984-03-22. p. 1. Retrieved 2025-02-24.
9. ^ "Wernher von Braun - NASA". Retrieved 2025-02-24.
10. ^ a b c d e f g h National Space Club Award Descriptions
11. ^ Aeronautics and astronautics; an American chronology of science

## External links

[edit]

* National Space Club

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* United States