300+
Attendees & Industry Leaders
50+
Visionary Speakers
2
Days of High-Impact Conversations
1
Epic Space Cowboy Ball to Celebrate & Connect
Most space events fall into one of two buckets:
Boring "Professional" Conferences
You won’t see any artists, futurists, or revolutionaries.
Corporate/Industrial: Business and government leaders meet to do deals.
Scientific/Technical: Engineers and scientists present papers and share data.
Fluffy "Passion" Conferences
Fun but rarely forward-moving.
Activist: Grassroots fans and enthusiasts gather to cheer on the cause.
Parties & Celebrations: Big names, big egos, and a whole lot of selfies.
But NOT New Worlds...
New Worlds puts you around thought leaders, investors, engineers, scientists, policymakers, artists, and the real builders of tomorrow.
You will see first hand where:
Big ideas are born
Bold connections are made
Real deals get done
This is the place you want to be if you are looking for an event to give you the depth of an academic gathering, the power of a business summit, and the spirit of a movement
And a party so good it even has its own name: The Space Cowboy Ball
If You are Serious About Playing a Role in Space, This Is Where You Need to Be
The next decade will change everything.
You can be the first to know when:
Humans will walk on Mars.
Towns will rise on the Moon.
The High Frontier will begin to open...for real.
New Worlds puts YOU in the room with the people actually making it happen.
Not someday. Now.
This isn’t about watching from the sidelines. This is your chance to build with them. Alongside them. As one of them.
What You Will Walk Away With
New knowledge of how the Space Revolution is unfolding and why it matters
Fresh insights that will challenge how you think about space, technology, and humanity
Real motivation to act on the ideas that matter most
Powerful new connections with collaborators, investors, leaders, and visionaries
🔥A new Tribe . Your new Tribe. The Spacers. The ones who don’t just talk about it. The ones who will build it. The ones who will GO.
What You Will Be Talking About
At New Worlds, you will join in bold conversations that spark new ideas, real connections, and future missions.
Not safe. Not stale. Just the ideas that actually matter.
🧠 Tech, Power & the New Space Order
The AI/Human Partnership: Can we build the future with machines and still stay human?
The New Moon Race: U.S. vs. China. What’s really at stake in the scramble for lunar dominance?
New Space Stations Rising: Meet the companies building the next homes on the orbital street.
🌍 Earth, Survival & the Human Legacy
How We Can Save the Earth from Space. Rethinking climate, energy, and survival from orbit.
Risking Your Life in Space as an Act of Human Patriotism. What do we owe the frontier?
Preparing Ourselves to Be the New Pioneer. Inside and Out. The mindset for the next civilization.
🌙 Humanity Beyond Earth
Why and How We Must Start Building Communities on the Moon, Mars and in Free Space
Human Sexuality and Reproduction in Space. What don’t we know, and why does it matter?
Leisure, Fun, and Psychological Wellness in Space. Because we’re not just surviving we’re living.
🧬 Culture, Story & the Soul of Space
The Right Stuff in Different Packages. A new era, led by new voices.
Why Storytelling Might Be the Most Important Tech of All. Culture-building, myth-making, and the power of narrative to open the stars.
“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
Who You Will Meet
This is not a crowd of fans… this is a room full of builders, funders, and forward-thinkers. You will be surrounded by:
Founders building space companies
Engineers and scientists solving real problems
Investors looking for what's next
Thought leaders shaping frontier law and policy
Artists and storytellers shaping the culture
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
Joel
Mozer
First Chief Scientist of the U.S. Space Force
Real talks. Real people. Real access.
This is NOT a string of back-to-back panels with speakers you’ll never meet.
At New Worlds, you will hear bold ideas from NASA veterans, startup founders, investors, and policy changemakers and then bump into them at lunch or at the Space Cowboy Ball.
Dr. Robert
Zubrin
Founder Mars Society,
Author - Mars Direct
Frank
White
Author
"Over View Effect"
Dylan
Taylor
Chair/CEO/Founder Voyager Space,
Space for Humanity
Orson Scott
Card
Author Enders Game
Lisa
Alcindor
The Landstronaut
Morgan
Goodwin
Executive Director, Planetary Sunshade Foundation
Dr. Graham
Lau
Astrobiologist/
Futurist
Jonathan
Knowles
Exploration Director
NASA/ESA FDL.ai
Rachel
Lyons
Founder & CEO
EarthRise Leadership
Mike
Mongo
Author
Astronaut Handbook
Dave
Brody
Media Maker,
Magellan TV /Space.com
Angelica
Sirotin
Founder of
Sirotin Intelligence
Howard
Bloom
Author
The Sexual Cosmos
Meagan
Crawford
Partner, SpaceFund
Samuel
Coniglio
Author
“Creature Comforts in Space”
Robert
Katz
Founder
World Innovation Network
Nate
Hargraves
Founder
Starbase Brewing
Peter
Thorpe
Artist
Ben
Haldeman
Founder
Lifeship
Michael B.
Runnels
Ass. Prof. Business Law
California State U.
Christopher
Jannette
Co-Founder
Black Star Orbital
Negar
Feher
CEO Orbital
Outpost X
Mickael
Nadeau
Founder, XPR VR Labs,
Montreal
Akash
Sud
Musician, Founder
Higher Prana
Junaid
Mian
Director
EarthLight Foundation
Leah
Cheli Doolittle
Executive Director
EarthLight Foundation
New
Speaker
Announcing
Soon
New
Speaker
Announcing
Soon
Notable Connections
From Astronauts to A-Listers … Entrepreneurs to Engineers …
And NASA to NewSpace, New Worlds is where they all collide, on your level.
This is your chance to move beyond small talk and selfies.
You’ll share meals, swap stories, and spark ideas with the people you normally only read about.
Whether you're building, funding, designing, or dreaming… this is where you connect with the minds shaping the next era of space.
Past attendees include:
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
And Yes… You Are Invited to The Party!
It’s a celebration of the people pushing boundaries.
This unforgettable night is part charity fundraiser, part awards ceremony, part concert and 100% fun, with special appearances from celebrities!
The Space Cowboy Ball has been described as a speakeasy for space geeks and nerds, burning man on a rocket ship, and so much more!
Your Space Cowboy Ball Ticket this year is FREE with your All Access New Worlds Ticket! Grab Yours Today!
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
Choose Your Ticket Package
General Admission
$600
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
$800
What's Included:
General Admission – 2 Day Conference Access
Food Lab Lunch Included (both days)
Limited Edition T-Shirt
VIP – Space Cowboy Ball Ticket + Hosted Bar
Preferred VIP Seating
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 [email protected]. *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 [email protected]
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.