Last Saturday, the second edition of the Austrian Weltraumball took place in Vienna. More than 500 guests convened at the Palais Niederösterreich to dance and enjoy their shared passion for space.

A stormtrooper guards the entrance at Palais Niederösterreich. (c) OeWF/Philipp Hager

In 2018, the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) hosted the first Austrian Weltraumball to celebrate its 20th foundation anniversary. Deemed a great success by both the guests and organizers, we were so excited that we could not wait another 20 years, or even ten or five years for the second edition of the Weltraumball. So just one year after its inaugural edition, the second Weltraumball brought together the space community for a night of celebrating our shared passion, to dance and to network.

The opening dance of the Weltraumball, organized by Tanzschule Dobner. (c) OeWF/Philipp Hager

Once again taking place at the monumental Palais Niederösterreich, the ball was opened by Monika Fischer, head of the OeWF media team, who led through the evening. After introducing the guests of honor, opening remarks were held by Simonetta Di Pippo, director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), and Alexander Soucek, president of the OeWF. The guests were then treated to the opening dance, organized by Tanzschule Dobner, which obviously took their specific audience into consideration when choosing the music.

Thank you Austrian ?? #Space Forum @oewf for a most enjoyable #Vienna Space Ball #Weltraumball ??‍?? 2019!@UNOOSA @SDiPippo_OOSA pic.twitter.com/l1AUqdyyyz

— Germany UN Vienna (@GermanyUNVienna) February 16, 2019

Afterwards, the stage was opened to everyone and the guests were eagerly taking the floor. Guided by music by Dr. Krisper and the ball band “Radio Kings Quartet”, the dancing crowd was full of energy, leading to frequent traffic jams and even some collisions. Those who needed some more space (pun intended!) could visit an exhibition on Austrian space activities in the accompanying room or simply head to the bar for a drink.

The cosmonauts AMADEE-18 chronograph by FORTIS, the official timekeeper of the Weltraumball. (c) OeWF/Philipp Hager

Throughout the night, the guests were treated to interesting side events. One of these was a raffle where guests could win prizes based on their ticket number. The highlight was a silent auction for three official cosmonauts AMADEE-18 chronographs by FORTIS, the official timekeeper of the evening. The highest bidders were announced at midnight and were offered to buy the watches.

Erin Marks having a special moment with a special friend. (c) OeWF/Philipp Hager

The midnight program was a mix for both regular, non-space guests as well as dedicated space fans. First, a performance by singer Erin Marks, accompanied with the piano by Anastasia Tsizova, enchanted the crowd. Afterwards, a spectacular light saber fight by the group “Light Saber Battle Show” made even the most serious person get very excited. The evening reached its peak with the traditional quadrille under guidance of dance teacher Robert Reh. For those who had not yet had enough afterwards, there was still lots of dancing to be done at the Weltraumdisco—strict adherence to correct dance steps was only optional from here on.

The evening featured an epic light saber battle. (c) OeWF/Philipp Hager

Once again, the Weltraumball turned out to be a magical night. We had a lot of fun and hope that you did, too. We look forward to the next occasion—certainly before our 40th anniversary.

The midnight quadrille marked the highlight of the evening and brought everyone to the dancefloor. (c) OeWF/Philipp Hager

This article is available in: German