Astronauts, collectors and space enthusiasts gather for three-day “spacetacular” extravaganza to raise money for STEM college scholarships

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) will host Space Rendezvous 2015, a three-day “spacetacular” eventthat will raise money to fund science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) scholarships for outstanding college students. Formerly known as the Astronaut Autograph & Memorabilia Show, the event now includes dynamic educational and lecture opportunities, along with the famous autograph and artifact component. Space Rendezvous 2015, which takes place Nov. 5-7 on the Space Coast, will feature more than 30 veteran NASA astronauts.

“Over the years, this annual event has evolved into a much large affair that now offers the public more opportunities to personally engage with some of their favorite astronauts,” said Tammy Knowles, ASF’s executive director. “Space Rendezvous 2015 will feature educational seminars, updates on current activities in the space industry and one-on-one interactions with space heroes. The best part is that while everyone is having fun, we are raising money to shape the next generation of science and technology leaders. It’s an event not to be missed.”

Space Rendezvous 2015 will feature legends from the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle Programs, including: Dick Gordon, Jim Lovell, Jack Lousma, Ed Gibson, Eileen Collins, and more. Highlights of the three-day event include:

– Thursday, Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m. OLS/SLS Orion: the Future of Deep Space. Learn and interact directly with the people developing the future of space exploration. Leaders from Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Orbital ATK will update attendees on the steps being made today to prepare for human exploration of asteroids and Mars.

– Friday, Nov. 6, 9-12 a.m. Breakout sessions with astronauts, astronaut scholars and space personalities. Learn about ongoing and historical activities from special guests such as space artist Chris Calle, who will educate guests on the NASA Fine Arts program and early NASA artists, and Richard Jurek, co-author of “Marketing the Moon: the Selling of the Apollo Lunar Program.“

– Friday, Nov. 6, 5:00 p.m. 25th Anniversary of Hubble. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope by listening to untold stories and discoveries from some of the people who helped make history. Mingle with astronauts Tom Akers, Steve Hawley, Jeff Hoffman and Kathy Thornton in this intimate venue under the stars.

– Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Astronaut Autograph and Memorabilia Show. More than 30 astronauts will be available during this day-long event to pose for photos, autograph memorabilia and share stories of their space adventures. Guests may bring their own items to be signed or purchase collectibles from the exhibitor hall or the Space Shop. Individual signing fees are determined by each astronaut.

– Saturday, Nov. 7, 6:00 p.m. Apollo Soyuz Today: 40 Years of International Collaboration. In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, speakers will extoll the history of international cooperation and provide updates of the work being done today. Attendees will learn about the historic achievements from astronauts Tom Stafford, Jack Lousma, Norm Thagard and flight director Glynn Lunney.

Tickets for Space Rendezvous are now on sale. Advance purchase is recommended as many of the venues provide intimate environments and space is limited. Tickets range in price from $20 to $1,200 and can be purchased for individual or multiple events.

About the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

Founded in 1984 by the surviving Mercury 7 astronauts, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps the United States retain its world leadership in science and technology. Through the garnered support of astronauts, industry leaders, educational institutions and patrons, ASF awards merit-based scholarships to the best and brightest university students who excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The prestigious Astronaut Scholarship is known nationwide for being among the highest scholarships awarded to undergraduate STEM students. Since its inception, ASF has awarded in excess of $4 million in scholarships to the nation’s top scholars.

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Julie Arnold

Griffin Communications Group

(321) 313-1770; Julie.Arnold@GriffinCG.com