The SPACE EVENT
Where YOU Belong
meet face-to-face WITH Astronauts, CEOs & Space Pioneers
(Plus The Best Space Party On Earth!)
meet face-to-face WITH Astronauts, CEOs & Space Pioneers (Plus The Best Space Party On Earth!)
WE ARE 'GO FOR LAUNCH' IN T-MINUS:
300+
Spacers & Attendees
50+
Mind-Blowing Speakers
2
Unmissable Days
1
Epic Space Cowboy Ball
"It's Like The 'TED Talks' of Space..."
New Worlds is where the boldest minds in space come to share wild ideas, spark movements, and shape the future. It's not a panel. It's not a lecture. It’s a launchpad for the next big leap and you’re invited to be part of it.
Most space events talk AT you. We talk WITH you.
At New Worlds, you don't just listen - you join the fun! Sit next to space heroes, share your ideas, and make friends who love space as much as you do.
What makes us special:
You'll meet real astronauts face-to-face
You'll hear about space in ways anyone can understand
You'll party with the people who build rockets and plan moon bases
You'll be part of our space family from day one
SPACERS, UNITE
Join Our Unique Space Event
& Be Part of the Conversation!
New Worlds brings together space experts, business leaders, and tech creators. We share cool ideas about space, science, and art in one place. Come relax, have fun, and get inspired by new thinking you won't find anywhere else.
Star-Power Draw: Famous people, venture capitalist, and big companies have come to our event before.
Engaging Programming: Fun talks and exciting shows. Big ideas that can really happen.
Astronaut Interactions: Listen to stories about space travel. Four astronauts came last year. Come see how many will be here this time!
Elite Networking: Meet important people, journalists, and investors looking for new ideas, all in a friendly place.
Space Cowboy Ball: This space party is a one-of-a-kind with awards, live music, entertainment, and a costume dance party!
“I go to space conferences all of the time, all over the world and I can say New Worlds and the Space Cowboy Ball, without question, is the best in the world”
~ Kimberly Washington
yOUR CO-CHAIRS
Space Leaders, Leading Conversations
Be inspired by new ideas and insights you won’t find at any other space conference
Rod Roddenberry
Founder
Roddenberry Entertainment
Dr. Phil Metzger
Director, Stephen W. Hawking Center for Microgravity Research and Education
Rick Tumlinson
Founder, EarthLight Foundation + SpaceFund; Co-Founder Space + Frontier Foundation
Kimberly Washington
Founder & CEO, Space 4 Girls
Executive VP, Deep Space Biology
Dr. Joel Mozer
Founder & CEO
Interstellar Labs
Topics You Will Hear Nowhere
Else On This Planet
Topics You Will Hear Nowhere Else On This Planet
New Worlds in an incubator and accelerator of today’s top organizations and top minds who are opening up the High Frontier. Here are just some of the topics we’ll be discussing together:
AI and Our Future in Space
The Moon Race – Us vs. China
WARNING! WARNING! Sex in Space
Saving the Earth from Space
Women's Space Leadership
The First Private Lunar Landers
Commercial Space Station Updates
The Space Settlement – Act or Law?
And More!
GET READY TO BE INSPIRED BY THE
Hottest Speakers
At New Worlds, we don’t just have panels—we have real conversations. From NASA legends to space leaders, this is the only event where you can truly connect with them.
Check back often—early speakers more coming soon!
Dr. Robert
Zubrin
Founder Mars Society,
Author - Mars Direct
Frank
White
Author
"Over View Effect"
Rachel
Lyons
Founder & CEO
EarthRise Leadership
Christopher
Jannette
Co-Founder
Black Star Orbital
Mike
Mongo
Author
Astronaut Handbook
Ben
Haldeman
Founder
Lifeship
Robert
Katz
Founder
World Innovation Network
Samuel
Coniglio
Author
“Creature Comforts in Space”
Angelica
Sirotin
Founder of
Sirotin Intelligence
Junaid
Mian
Director
EarthLight Foundation
Leah
Cheli-Doolittle
Executive Director
EarthLight Foundation
Nate
Hargraves
Founder
Starbase Brewing
Morgan
Goodwin
Executive Director, Planetary Sunshade Foundation
Dr. Graham
Lau
Astrobiologist/
Futurist
Lisa
Alcindor
The Landstronaut
Meagan
Crawford
Partner, SpaceFund
Howard
Bloom
Author
The Sexual Cosmos
Jonathan
Knowles
Exploration Director
NASA/ESA FDL.ai
New
Speaker
To Be Announced
Soon
New
Speaker
To Be Announced
Soon
NOTABLE ATTENDEES
"You'll Never Guess Who I Hung Out With"
From Astronauts to A-Listers … Entrepreneurs to Engineers … and NASA to NewSpace, New Worlds is where the space elite meet to change our future. Just some iconic past attendees:
Jeff Bezos – Founder, Blue Origin + Commercial Astronaut
Gwynne Shotwell – President & COO, SpaceX + Architect of Space Exploration
Halston Sage – Actress: The Orville + Space Advocate
Orson Scott Card – Bestselling Author, Ender’s Game
Buzz Aldrin – Apollo 11 Astronaut + 2nd Human On Moon
Rod Roddenberry – Executive Producer, Star Trek
Jared Isaacman – Commander, Inspiration4
Jeanette Epps – NASA Astronaut + Aerospace Engineer
Dr. Sian Proctor – Inspiration4 Pilot + Geoscientist + Artist
Richard Garriott – Private Astronaut + Space Entrepreneur
Robert Rodriguez – Filmmaker: Sin City, Desperado
“Reality is becoming closer than what science fiction predicted; we imagined what a future of space would look like, and now it’s time for you to … MAKE IT SO.”
~ Dan Curry, VFX Supervisor & Producer, Star Trek (New Worlds 2022)
HOUSTON, WE HAVE A ... PARTY
"It's Burning Man On A Rocket Ship"
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: VIP Doors Open @ 7:00 PM / General Admission Doors Open @ 8:00 PM
Location: Space Center Houston – 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
Past Space Cowboy Award Winners
Who Will Take Home the Prize This Year?
2024
Vanessa E. Wyche
Former Director
Johnson Space Center
2024
Kam Ghaffarian
Founder & CEO, IBX
Co-Founder, Intuitive Machines + Axiom
2023
Jared Isaacman
Commander - Inspiration 4/ Polaris Dawn Missions
2022
Gwynne Shotwell
Chief Operating Officer
SpaceX
2019
“Buzz” Aldrin
Apollo 11 Astronaut
2018
Jeff Bezos
Founder, Philanthropist
Blue Origin, Amazon
2017
Etienne Schneider
Former Dep. PM
Luxembourg
2016
Dr. Pete Worden
Chairman
Breakthrough Prize Fndn
We Top Off New Worlds With an Epic Celebration of opening up the high frontier
What would you wear to a party on Mars in 100 years?
That’s the question, and the theme, for The Space Cowboy Ball! Last year, the event was so packed with Star Wars characters, it felt like we’d been transported straight to the Mos Eisley Cantina.
This unforgettable night is part STEAM charity fundraiser, part awards ceremony, part concert—and 100% intergalactic planetary fun, featuring special appearances from celebrities across the realms of space, sci-fi, and Hollywood–Expect plenty of surprises!
This year, we’re honoring a trailblazer who’s ridden beyond the frontier (trust us, you’ll want to meet this surprise guest in person!) and a private company that’s successfully landed on the moon (hint hint). Plus, don’t miss the special Peter Mayhew (aka Chewbacca) Foundation award presentation!
The Space Cowboy Ball is like a speakeasy for space geeks and nerds, so make sure you dress to impress in your finest Martian costume, futuristic space cowboy outfit, or space suit.
Proceeds go towards the DreamScopes project, which aims to provide middle school students with access to telescopes and empower them to explore the universe.
TICKETS SOLD OUT LAST YEAR -- So make sure to grab yours for BOTH New Worlds & The Space Cowboy Ball today!
All SPACE COWBOY BALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE DREAMSCOPES PROJECT
Your Ball Ticket Helps Grow Future Dreams
We believe everyone has the "Right Stuff." With the right dream, any kid anywhere can start their journey to a great tomorrow they create themselves. Not everyone will become an astronaut or build homes in space, but some might!
When we help kids look beyond their everyday lives to see what's in the universe at a young age, we think more of them will want to learn science, technology, engineering, art, and math. These skills help with any dream they choose.
Our Project: DreamScopes wants to create wonder and hope by giving a telescope and lessons to every Middle School that wants one. This is a big goal, and you help make it happen when you support our program!
2 Ticket Options To Choose From:
General Admission
$500
What's Included:
General Admission – 2 Day Conference Access
Food Lab Lunch Included (both days)
Limited Edition T-Shirt
Space Cowboy Ball Ticket
Space Cowboy Ball Dinner Access
All Access VIP
$700
What's Included:
General Admission – 2 Day Conference Access
Food Lab Lunch Included (both days)
VIP – Space Cowboy Ball Ticket
Space Cowboy Ball "Stellar Feast" Dinner, by Wolf Gang Puck
Limited Edition T-Shirt
a c k n o w l e d g m e n tS
Our Proud Sponsors & Partners
THE PERFECT VENUE pARTNER
A D D R E S S
1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
Where America's Space Program Begin–and the Future Launches!
We’re proud to team up with Texas’s top space center.
Space Center Houston showcases the history of America’s space program and looks ahead to the future. It’s where big ideas launch.
From a real Apollo Moon capsule and a Saturn V rocket to the Space Shuttle and its 747 Carrier, you’ll be surrounded by the icons of space exploration.
And here’s the best part—New Worlds will be held in the Center’s incredible IMAX theater.
It's the perfect place to explore the past, present, and future of space exploration.
THE PERFECT STAY
Waterfront views beside NASA Mission Control
The Hilton is on the banks of Clear Lake, next door to Johnson Space Center, home to NASA Mission Control.
Waterfront dining, shopping, and entertainment at Kemah Boardwalk is five miles away.
Equipped with an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and free WiFi.
A D D R E S S
3000 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
frequently asked questions
When is New Worlds 2025?
New Worlds will take place on October 24th & 25th, 2025
Where will the conference be held?
The conference will take place at Space Center Houston, located at 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058 in the IMAX theater
Where should I stay?
We've secured a limited room block at the Hilton Nassau Bay Hotel, conveniently located right across the street from the conference and the Space Cowboy Ball. This hotel offers stunning views of Nassau Bay and marina on one side and overlooks Space Center Houston and the historic NASA Johnson Space Center on the other. Be sure to book early to secure the best views!
What is included with my ticket?
Depending on your package, your ticket includes access to all conference sessions, a limited edition t-shirt, meals, and drinks. VIP tickets also include exclusive access to the pre-dinner cocktail and networking party, as well as VIP seating at the Space Cowboy Ball.
Is there a dress code for the Space Cowboy Ball?
The Space Cowboy Ball is a themed event, so we encourage creative and fun costumes that fit the space and cowboy theme. However, formal attire is also welcome.
Can I upgrade my ticket later?
Yes, if you decide to upgrade your ticket to a VIP package after purchasing, please contact our customer service team for assistance by emailing info@earthlightfoundation.com. *Upgrades are subject to availability.
Are meals included in the ticket price?
Yes, meals are included with all ticket options. VIP packages also include complimentary drinks at the Space Cowboy Ball.
Can I bring a guest to the Space Cowboy Ball?
All attendees must purchase a conference ticket which includes the Space Cowboy Ball.
New Worlds & Space Cowboy Ball, Proudly Presented By:
To carry the seeds of life to places now dead, the light of love to places now dark, and the eyes, hands and imagination of humanity to places unseen, untouched and unexplored.
We are Spacers. We are EarthLight. We Rise.
New Worlds, Space Cowboy Ball, New Worlds Institute, Permission to Dream, and DreamScopes are trademarks and DBAs of the EarthLight Foundation (“ELF”), a 501(c)(3) charitable education and research organization registered with the I.R.S. and the Texas Secretary of State. ELF and its affiliates and DBAs do not participate in lobbying, nor do we have any political affiliations.
We are, however, radically Pro-Human, Pro-MotherWorld, and Pro-Space!
Copyright © 2024 Earthlight Foundation | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
Contact Us by emailing info@earthlightfoundation.org
OUR POLICIES
Infinite Diversity - Infinite Combinations
A Statement by the EarthLight Foundation: EarthLighters take the immovable and immutable stand that ALL human beings are one species and one family, indistinguishable from one another in terms of value, potential, and rights. We celebrate those differences, variations, and choices each of us makes that lead to our uniqueness within this great family. In perspective, we are one crew on one tiny spaceship floating in the sea of space and therefore MUST offer each other the respect and love of being one family. Further, should we as the family of humanity ever encounter other beings who also inhabit our shared Universe, we shall offer them the same respect and honor we show one another. This is sacrosanct to us, and nothing less shall be tolerated in our interactions with one another, our friends, guests, and any who join us in our events, activities, actions, and celebrations.
Earth and the Environment
As above, EarthLight itself stands for a new and dramatically increased awareness of, and change in, how we understand and care for our MotherWorld. It is central to us that life is to be treasured, no matter where we find it, and that as the stewards of this tiny bubble, it is our job to utilize our knowledge and space technology to both help heal her, even as we carry her seeds to worlds now dead.
So say we All.