How Big Systems Fail, and Why That Can’t Happen in Human Spaceflight”

Summary: Join us at the Center for Space Education at Kennedy Space Center to hear Chis FergUson, former NASA and Boeing Astronaut on missions for STS-115 Atlantis (2006), STS-126 Endeavour (2008), and STS-135 Atlantis (2011).

As we push the boundaries of human space exploration, our commitment to excellence and safety takes center stage. Chris Ferguson will delve into the intricate web of big, complex systems, shedding light on the pivotal failure chains that, if broken, can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Citing historical examples, we will analyze the parallels between these events and space exploration to drive home the point that failure is not an option. He will share his viewpoint on how to better manage the weak links in the chain as well as how autonomy plays into the failure equation.

We are so thrilled to share the exciting news that The Astronauts Memorial Foundation has been named one of three beneficiaries for the 9th Annual Dancing for the Space Coast 2023! Known as the largest fundraising event in Brevard County, Dancing for the Space Coast is a unique competition and fundraiser that benefits worthy non-profit organizations on the Space Coast. This exciting event hosted by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Charities teams up local celebrities with dance professionals in a ballroom dance competition that consistently raises over $400,000.

Mark your calendar to join us on Saturday, June 3 at 5:30 pm in the Clemente Center at Florida Tech to share in this incredible evening of fine dining, dance competition, live auction and entertainment, all while supporting AMF.

All competitors dedicate their time and talents taking dance lessons and also diligently raise money as part of the competition. Our very own Winston Scott, AMF Board of Advisors Member, will be competing as celebrity dancer for The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, and we invite all of you to join us in support of AMF and Captain Scott's stellar lifetime achievements!

Every AMF-affiliated dollar raised from sales of ticket purchases, table/corporate sponsorships, donations, or auction items counts towards Winston's points and adds to the total funds raised for all charities. How can YOU be part of this special evening and support? Join us!

AMF welcomes your support at this exciting event by purchasing a table sponsorship, corporate sponsorship, making a donation to Winston's STARS, or by attending our VIP Meet & Greet on Friday, June 2. At this special evening event, you can expect exclusive appearances by astronauts as well as by Stephanie & Pasha at a beautiful private residence in Florida.  

Thanks to AMF coordination, all guests at Dancing for the Space Coast will be treated to a special exhibition performance by local celebrity and 2010 "Dancing with Brevard" winner Stephanie Haridopolos with professional ballroom dancer Pasha Pashkov of ABC Network's "Dancing with the Stars". Stephanie has been rehearsing with Pasha himself in Los Angeles in recent weeks to prepare for the performance, and we are thrilled how this exclusive experience will enhance the main event.

Winston and his pro partner Shirin from Melbourne Ballroom are hard at work rehearsing some "out of this world" choreography for an upbeat Foxtrot performance that you will surely not want to miss! Every AMF-affiliated guest receives an exclusive swag bag and is also entered to win a space-themed weekend getaway experience on the Space Coast, courtesy of AMF, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Banana River Waterfront Resort. 

Contact AMF Fundraising & Events Director Julia Barney to donate or secure your tickets for this event before they are sold out, and in order to get your preferred seating location for this dynamic event! 

Julia Barney, AMF Fundraising and Events 

321-512-4243 phone/text

jbarney@amfcse.org

You're invited to participate in AMF's 1st Annual Career and Networking Event happening on April 1, 2023!

In April 2022, The Astronauts Memorial Foundation, in collaboration with Microsoft and NASA, held "Diversity in STEM: Internships and Networking" - an event that connected local high school and college students with our friends in the aerospace and technology industries.

Previously, the event focused on students interested in an academic track related to aerospace and tech. The event reached over 300 students, in person, and over 1000 students virtually. At our previous event, students spoke with representatives from…

• NASA Kennedy Space Center

• Microsoft

• Lockheed Martin

• Jacobs

• Dell

• US ISS National Laboratory (CASIS)

• National Cryptological Foundation

• …and more.

In 2023, our event will be open to students who are on both the academic track and the trade track. The event is open to high school juniors and seniors and college/university students. Students who are interested in trade schools/apprenticeship programs are welcome and are highly encouraged to register.

Students should…

• arrive in neat casual or business casual dress,

• be prepared to speak with company representatives and recruiters,

• bring copies of their resume or CV,

• bring a folder to hold resumes/CVs and to collect information.

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 2023

For more details, visit our event website.

Every year, the Astronauts Memorial Foundation―in collaboration with NASA and Delaware North―hosts the NASA Day of Remembrance Ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial. The Day of Remembrance is observed across the country with ceremonies at each major space center.