Countdown to Innovators Gala 2026
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Honoring the 2026 Class of Astronaut Scholars and 2026 Neil Armstrong™ Award of Excellence Recipient
INNOVATORS SYMPOSIUM & GALA Featuring the Neil Armstrong™ Award of Excellence
The Innovators Symposium & Gala celebrates and awards the new class of Astronaut Scholars, the Innovators of Tomorrow. Additionally, the Neil Armstrong™ Award of Excellence is presented to an Astronaut Scholar Alum who exemplifies personal character, professional achievement and impact in their field. These criteria embody Neil Armstrong’s core values and those of his colleagues, including the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle, International Space Station, and Commercial Space astronauts.
Neil Armstrong™ used with Permission from The Purdue Research Foundation.
Presented and Sponsored By
EVENT DETAILS
Date
August 13-15, 2026
Schedule
Thursday, August 13 – Saturday, August 15
Activities for Astronaut Scholars
Friday, August 14
Astronaut Scholar Technical Conference
Professional Expo
Saturday, August 15
Astronaut Scholar Technical Conference
Innovators Reception, Gala & After Party
Host Hotel
Omni Houston Hotel
(4 Riverway, Houston, Texas 77056)
ASF Room Block
Enjoy a discounted hotel room block at our host hotel,
Omni Houston Hotel.
ASTRONAUT SCHOLAR TECHNICAL CONFERENCE
Join us as the 2026 Astronaut Scholars present their groundbreaking research during this informative event, showcasing the incredible discoveries and innovations our Astronaut Scholars are making in their respective fields.
The 2026 Astronaut Scholar Technical Conference is made possible by the Michael Collins Family Professional Development Program.
Presented By
Achievement Sponsors
Impact Sponsors
Inspiration Sponsors
Alumni Poster Session Sponsor
Digital Sponsor
In Kind Sponsor
Attending Astronauts
- Scott Altman
- Mike Baker
- Curt Brown
- Brian Duffy
- Chris Ferguson
- Mike Foreman
- Joan Higginbotham
- Rick Mastracchio
- Richard M. Mullane
- Karen Nyberg
Note: Astronaut attendance is subject to change.
Support Future Generations
“As I speak on behalf of the more than 750 Astronaut Scholars who are changing the world through innovation, I ask you to make an investment in ASF to continue providing inspiring life-changing opportunities and programs while offering financial support to future generations. Please make your gift today.”
–Max Salzer
2022 Astronaut Scholar,
North Dakota State University
For more information about the Innovators Gala, contact us at +1 407-362-7900 or events@astronautscholarship.org.