2019 National Academy of Engineering Annual Meeting

HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT: APOLLO 50 YEARS ON

“No single space project,” President Kennedy said in May 1961, “will be more exciting,
or more impressive to mankind, or more important…
and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.”

It was indeed accomplished! Apollo 8 lifted off for a lunar mission in December 1968 and, just months later, in July 1969, the first human steps on the moon dramatically changed the trajectory of thought on engineering achievements. New sciences, technological applications, and business practices emerged from this rigorous systems engineering effort that, 50 years later, continues to fuel the imagination and ambition of countless engineers. Engineering has enabled the International Space Station and the investigation of once far-fetched ideas such as permanent colonies on the moon and human missions to Mars and beyond.

At this year’s NAE annual meeting, we will reflect on this inspiring trajectory of ingenuity, achievements, and lessons, starting from the Apollo mission—why it still resonates and remains relevant and meaningful for current exploration and discovery. In addition to reviewing technical achievements and social implications, the speakers will discuss the nature of modern global collaboration and competition as well as implications for future exploration, workforce development, and public engagement.

***Watch the webcast October 6-7, 2019***