---
title: "National Space Club"
chunk: 2/3
source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Space_Club"
category: "reference"
tags: "science, encyclopedia"
date_saved: "2026-05-05T04:10:18.038550+00:00"
instance: "kb-cron"
---

Since its first Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner, the National Space Club has been a key gathering place for the space community, fostering discussions on the future of astronautics. The Club has played a significant role in the U.S. space program, uniting astronauts, engineers, scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders. Distinguished figures such as Robert R. Gilruth, William H. Pickering, James Van Allen, James E. Webb, George P. Miller, and Donald W. Douglas, along with many other pioneers of space exploration, have been frequent speakers at Club events. The Club has also had the privilege of hosting Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan as honored speakers.

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. 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.

== The Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner and awards ==

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.
List of Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy winners

=== Nelson P. Jackson Aerospace Memorial Award ===

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.
List of Nelson P. Jackson Aerospace Memorial Award winners

=== Norman L. Baker Astronautics Engineer Award ===
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.

=== 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.

=== Dr. Joseph V. Charyk Award ===
This award honors Joseph V. Charyk, the first Director of the National Reconnaissance Office. Administered by the NRO for the employee making an outstanding personal contribution to the national intelligence space program and its mission.

=== General Bernard Schriever Award ===
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.

=== 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.

=== Eagle Manned Mission Success Award ===

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.

=== 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.

== 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. 