Competition History
In 1977, The Aerospace Corporation established the Robert H. Herndon Memorial Science Competition. This event provides middle and high school students in Los Angeles County an opportunity to participate annually in the El Segundo portion of the essay and/or science experiment competition. In 2000, a Washington-area Herndon Memorial Science Competition was established and is also held annually.
The award is named for the late Robert H. Herndon, an Aerospace engineer and manager who served as a mentor for many at the corporation. The competition events are designed to expand outreach that fosters students’ interests and potentially ignite their passions in science, engineering, and technology.
The 48th Annual Robert H. Herndon Memorial Science Competition will consist of 4 separate events:
Los Angeles Area: On Site at our El Segundo Campus on May 22nd, 2025. Los Angeles Registration Deadline Extended Click here for more information.
Washington, DC Area: On Site at our Chantilly, VA Campus on May 22nd, 2025. Click here for more information.
Huntsville, AL: Essay Competition Only. Click here for more information.
Space Coast, FL: Essay Competition Only. Click here for more information.
Humans have always dreamed about a future in space. From stories of alien invasions, to humans orbiting Earth, to living for months on various space stations, to sending probes beyond the solar system, to planning for a Moon Base, we are always dreaming (and planning) for what comes next. How to make those plans a reality is the challenge we face as the scientific community. It will challenge all disciplines to Realize Our Future in Space.
The 2025 Herndon Science Competition consists of experiment & essay competitions. Students may form teams or work individually and submit an experiment on a science topic of their choice. Instructions on how to enter an experiment will be provided in the instructions for each event.
Alternatively, the 2025 Herndon Science Competition invites you to submit a science essay that captures the theme Realizing our Future in Space.
Tips on how to write a winning essay or create a winning project can be found in the competition instructions for each event.
To Enter the Contest
You should submit a science essay that draws on an engineering or science discipline to address the theme Realizing Our Future in Space. Your submission must also follow the specific guidelines and limits for your competition category – based on your grade level.
Middle School (grades 6-8)
Write an essay that recognizes the important role that space plays in shaping the way we experience the world, and how engineering and science can shape space exploration in a new way. You must include at least 3, but no more than 10 references in an annotated bibliography to support your essay. Limit: 4 pages single spaced.
High School (grades 9-12)
Write an essay that recognizes the important role that space plays in shaping the way we experience the world, and how engineering and science can shape space exploration in a new way. You must include at least 3, but no more than 10 references in an annotated bibliography to support your essay. Limit: 5 pages single spaced.
When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced during each event. Participants in Chantilly and Los Angeles must be present to win. Further information will be provided as appropriate to each event.
Contact:
For any questions about the events please contact us at HerndonScience@aero.org
