BEYOND TOMORROW 

August 8, 2026 · Disneyland Hotel · Anaheim, California

The 3rd Annual Galactic Gala marked the fifth anniversary of Space Systems Command and five years of delivering the capabilities that protect the nation and shape the future of space.

More than 550 guests gathered at the Disneyland Hotel to celebrate the Guardians and Airmen carrying that mission forward, alongside the industry, government, and mission partners whose work helps make it possible.

Set against a place long associated with imagination and possibility, Beyond Tomorrow looked both backward and forward: honoring what had been built, recognizing the people behind it, and considering what comes next.

The evening reflected a simple idea at the heart of The Galactic Emporium:

The future is built through people, partnerships, and the willingness to imagine what does not yet exist.

★★★★★

Brig. Gen. Michelle K. Idle

Keynote speaker

We were honored to welcome Brigadier General Michelle K. Idle as our keynote speaker. Brig. Gen. Idle serves as the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, Space Systems Command, where she assists in overseeing a $15.6 billion portfolio spanning research, development, acquisition, sustainment, launch, and command & control capability that deliver critical space systems for the nation.

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Brig. Gen. Idle has served in leadership roles across research and development, program management, technical intelligence, and space operations throughout her distinguished Air Force and Air Force Reserve career.

Mr. Todd Fisher

Special Guest Speaker

We were honored to welcome Mr. Todd Fisher as a special guest speaker. An accomplished producer, director, cinematographer, and author, Mr. Fisher has spent decades preserving stories that inspire generations. In addition to sharing his unique perspective on legacy and storytelling, guests of the Galactic Gala had a rare opportunity to experience a special exhibition of artifacts he provided from actress Carrie Fisher's private Star Wars collection as well as a display from legendary military and USO supporter, actress Debbie Reynolds.

★★★★★

AFA Salute to SSC Awards

The Galactic Emporium partnered with the Air & Space Forces Associate (AFA), Schriever Chapter #147, for the presentation of their Salute to Space Systems Command awards.

These distinguised awards recognized s the outstanding military members, civilians, and teams whose dedication, innovation, and service continue to strengthen SSC and America's national security space enterprise. 

The list of awards and recipients were as follows:

  • LT GEN O'NEILL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SENIOR LEADER Mr. Luke Schaub (SSC S5/8)
  • LT GEN SCHULTZ AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PROGRAM MANAGER Lt. Col. Kristina D. Steward (SYD 80)
  • LT GEN HENRY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP MSgt Sarah A. Choi (SBD 3 - 61 MDS)
  • GENERAL PHILLIPS AWARD FOR YOUNG ENGINEER/SCIENTIST Maj. David Spendel (SYD 85)
  • DR. ALFRED ROCKEFELLER AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CIVILIAN Ms. Kim Vu (SYD 810)
  • LT GEN MCCARTNEY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CGO (>4 YRS) Capt. Hannah R. Schultz (SSC PK)
  • LT GEN DEKOK AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING AIRMAN/GUARDIAN A1C Zachary M. Dixon (SLD 45 - 45th LRS)
  • GENERAL BERNARD A. SCHRIEVER CHAPTER'S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR OUTSTANDING STAFF/SUPPORT MSgt Tyler E. Whitmore (SLD 45)
  • CHAIRMAN'S AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING FGO Lt. Col. Mark J. Topino (SYD 84)
  • GENERAL BERNARD A. SCHRIEVER CHAPTER'S AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CGO (<4 YRS) 1Lt Alannah K. Crompton (SYD 84)
  • PRESIDENT'S AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING NCO TSgt Ryan M. Roberts (SLD 30 - 2nd SLS)
  • MAJ GEN TAVERNRY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING RESERVIST Lt. Col. Chris Summers (SYD 85)
  • GENERAL BERNARD A. SCHRIEVER CHAPTER'S SSC UNIT OF THE YEAR AWARD Space Launch Procurement (SYD 80) - Lt. Col. Douglas Downs (Leam Lead)
  • KATHLEEN LANDIS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Ms. Theresa C. McCarty-Glenn (SYD 80)
  • COL LARRY C. JACKSON AWARD FOR MISSION ASSURANCE EXCELLENCE Vulcan Flight (SLD 45 - DOA) - Lt. Col. Donovan A. Hutchins (Team Lead)

★★★★★

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Interviews

Watch the conversations from the night.

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