Space Shuttle Commander to Speak at Las Vegas STEM Event

Scott Altman, a former NASA astronaut, will share his experiences at the West Charleston Library on April 28.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:35pm

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Scott Altman, a former NASA space shuttle commander who also flew fighter jets in the original 'Top Gun' movie, will be the featured speaker at a Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival event on April 28 at the West Charleston Library. The free, family-friendly event is one of several STEM-focused programs planned by the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District throughout April.

Why it matters

The event aims to inspire local students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields by providing them the opportunity to hear directly from an accomplished astronaut and pilot about his remarkable career and experiences.

The details

Altman, who has a background in engineering, commanded a NASA space shuttle mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. In addition to his NASA work, he is known for his role as a fighter pilot in the original 'Top Gun' movie. The April 28 event at the West Charleston Library will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

  • The Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival event featuring Scott Altman will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The players

Scott Altman

A former NASA astronaut who commanded space shuttle missions and also flew fighter jets in the original 'Top Gun' movie.

Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

The organization hosting the STEM-focused events, including the one featuring Scott Altman, throughout April in Las Vegas.

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What they’re saying

“Could one of those stories jumpstart your child's interest in science?”

— Greg Haas, Author

What’s next

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is hosting several other STEM-focused events in April, including 'The Science of Photography: A Special Camera Magic Session' on April 26 and 'Lab Coats, Big Ideas & Cool Careers: Women Rocking STEM' on April 29.

The takeaway

By providing students the opportunity to hear directly from an accomplished astronaut and pilot like Scott Altman, the Las Vegas Science & Technology Festival aims to inspire the next generation of local STEM leaders and innovators.