We are very pleased to announce that Project Mercury astronauts, Senator John Glenn [bio] and Commander Scott Carpenter [bio], will be the featured guests at the Society's annual Governors' Dinner and Gala being held at the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington, DC on Friday, May 25, 2012. The Master of Ceremony of the Gala and Governors' Dinner will be Hugh Downs, Chairman of National Space Society Board of Governors.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Glenn's (February 20) and Carpenter's (May 24)
historic flights in 1962 as the first two American astronauts to orbit Earth. Further,
the National Space Society is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its founding due to the
merger between the
National Space Institute and the L5 Society in 1987.
"We are extremely honored that both Senator Glenn and Commander Carpenter will be joining
us in Washington for this event," said Paul Damphousse, NSS Executive Director. "I can't
think of a better inspiration for those of us looking to build a new future in space than
by recognizing the dedication and commitment of these two American heroes and the part
they played in advancing U.S. space exploration and travel."
At the dinner, Glenn and Carpenter each will receive NSS's
Space Pioneer Award for Historic Space Achievement and
they have both been asked to speak briefly after the award ceremony.
The Governors Dinner and Gala is the highlight of the Society's annual International
Space Development Conference, taking place in Washington from May 24th through 28th at the
Grand Hyatt Washington. The Gala honors the
NSS Board of Governors, a volunteer advisory
board composed of outstanding individuals in the fields of science, engineering, the arts,
government, the press, business, law, medicine, and other professions and occupations, and
individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Society or its goals. Current
members of the Board of Governors include former astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell,
and Harrison Schmitt, as well as celebrities Hugh Downs, Tom Hanks and Tom Cruise.
Sponsorship Opportunity
Great sponsorship opportunities are now available for both
general ISDC 2012
and the
Board of Governors Dinner and Gala. If you have any questions, please
send an email to our
Dress Code
Black Tie Preferred. Dark suit and tie acceptable for gentlemen; cocktail dresses, formal
evening wear or business suits acceptable for ladies. Out of deference and respect for
our honored guests, please no casual attire, jeans or t-shirts.
Please note that tickets will go on sale approximately April 10 during our secondary registration.
We will post further information here on this page,
Facebook page,
Twitter and
LinkedIn group as it becomes available.
Special thanks to our Sponsors, Co-Sponsors, Exhibitors, Supporters and Affiliates.