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2026 Aviator Ball

April 25 @ 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Presented by

Proudly Sponsored by

Enjoy an evening surrounded by legendary aerospace leaders, Apollo-era engineers, and innovators shaping the future of flight. Guests will experience engaging stories, exclusive access, and the opportunity to connect with icons of aviation and space exploration.

Event Overview

Saturday, April 25, 2026 

4 PM – 9 PM | AVIATOR BALL – Dinner Session: Evening Autograph & Mix & Mingle – Networking, autographs, and cocktails.

  • 4:00 Doors Open, Cocktails & hors d’oeuvres
  • 5:00 Flight Demonstrations
  • 6:00 Dinner
  • 6:30 Program Begins
  • 8:00 Evening Autographs Mix & Mingle

Raffle & Auction Items

Guests will have the opportunity to participate in exclusive raffles and auctions, including:

• Raffle tickets for a Breitling Aviator Watch
• Raffle tickets for a 14k gold diamond tennis necklace
• Additional silent auction items and one-of-a-kind experiences

Raffle tickets are $100 each and will be available for purchase at the event.

Special Guests

John Aaron

John Aaron

NASA Engineer – “Steely-Eyed Missile Man”

Known as the “Steely-Eyed Missile Man,” John Aaron is celebrated for his critical problem-solving during the Apollo 12 and Apollo 13 missions. As a NASA flight controller and electrical systems expert, his quick thinking helped save lives and missions, making him one of the most respected engineers in NASA history.
Jim Bridenstine

Jim Bridenstine

Jim Bridenstine served as the 13th Administrator of NASA from 2018 to 2021, where he helped lead the agency’s return to the Moon through the Artemis program. Prior to NASA, he represented Oklahoma’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and served as a U.S. Navy pilot. Bridenstine also previously served as Executive Director of the Tulsa Air & Space Museum.
Gerry Griffin

Gerry Griffin

Flight Director, Apollo 13

Gerry Griffin is a legendary NASA Flight Director from the Apollo era, serving in Mission Control during the missions that carried astronauts to the Moon. He was Lead Flight Director for Apollo 12, 15, and 17, and played an important role in Mission Control during the Apollo 13 crisis and recovery. Griffin later served as Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Tom Hanchett

Tom Hanchett

NASA Flight Systems Engineer, Apollo Era

Tom Hanchett is recognized for his role as an INCO (Integrated Communications Officer) during the Apollo era — responsible for managing communications links between the spacecraft and Mission Control. His experience in mission operations and flight systems adds a crucial layer of insight into how NASA coordinated unprecedented space-flight challenges.
Jim Kelly

Jim Kelly

NASA Engineer – Apollo 13 Power Systems

Jim Kelly served in NASA’s Mission Control as the Vehicle Systems Staff Support Room (SSR) engineer specializing in electrical power systems. Alongside John Aaron, he sketched the critical power-up timeline when the Apollo 13 spacecraft suffered a systems failure — helping pave the way for the crew’s safe return. 
Bill Peters

Bill Peters

Lead TELMU Engineer, Apollo 13

Bill Peters served as the Lead TELMU (Telemetry, Electrical & EVA Mobility Unit) engineer during the Apollo 13 mission. His oversight of the lunar module’s electrical and life-support systems was essential when the LM became a lifeboat after the service module explosion. Peters’ discipline under pressure and technical acumen were key elements in the mission’s ultimate success.
Bill Reeves

Bill Reeves

LM EPS, APollo 13

Bill Reeves served as a NASA flight controller during the Apollo era, working in Mission Control as the Lunar Module Electrical Power Systems (LM EPS) controller, including during the dramatic recovery of the Apollo 13 mission. Over his NASA career he later became a Space Shuttle Flight Director, helping lead multiple shuttle missions. Reeves is returning to the Tulsa Air & Space Museum to share his experiences from one of NASA’s most historic missions.

And more to be announced!

Tickets

Purchase tickets below for the Aviator Ball April 25th, 2026.
Aviator ball Tickets

Partner in Oklahoma’s Future in Aerospace

Tulsa Air & Space Museum invites you to partner with Spaceport Tulsa 2026, joining a statewide effort to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals while honoring Tulsa’s historic role in shaping the peaceful use of space.

Why Partner with Us?

  • Connect with astronauts, NASA engineers, aerospace executives, and educators
  • Inspire hundreds of students through STEM programs and hands-on learning
  • Gain brand exposure through signage, digital media, and live event recognition
  • Align your company with innovation, education, and Oklahoma’s aerospace future

Join us in launching Oklahoma’s Future in Aerospace and be part of this historic event celebrating Tulsa’s legacy and its next chapter in space innovation.

Sponsorship info here

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