Spaceport Tulsa 2026
Proudly Sponsored by
Launching Oklahoma’s Future in Aerospace
Join the Tulsa Air & Space Museum on Thursday, April 23 – Sunday, April 26, 2026, for Spaceport Tulsa 2026 — a four-day celebration of aerospace history and Oklahoma’s growing role in space exploration.
This year marks the 65th Anniversary of the Peaceful Uses of Space Conference, first held in Tulsa in 1961. That historic conference brought together global scientists, diplomats, and engineers to discuss how outer space could be explored for peaceful purposes. It helped lay the foundation for international cooperation in space — inspiring decades of collaboration that continue to shape exploration today. Tulsa’s role in that pivotal moment established the city as a leader in aerospace innovation and diplomacy, and Spaceport Tulsa 2026 honors that enduring legacy.
Event Overview
Thursday, April 23, 2026 – Welcome Reception
Location: RiverSpirit Casino & Resort
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Evening Mixer
Kick off the conference with a casual networking reception. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, Live music, and reconnect with friends and colleagues from across the aerospace and space exploration community. *limited autograph availability
Friday, April 24, 2026 – Tours & Dinner discussion panel
Location: RiverSpirit Casino & Resort / Various Tulsa Venues (Tours) / Tulsa Air & Space Museum
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration: Pick up your badge, event materials, and tour tickets.
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Opening Breakfast Session: Welcome remarks and conference overview. Special guest keynote speaker.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Departure-Morning Historical Tours – Tour Info coming soon!
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM | Buffet Lunch Location: TBA
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Afternoon Historical Tours – Tour Info coming soon!
3:00 PM | Return to RiverSpirit Casino & Resort
5:30 PM | Load buses and go to museum for dinner & discussion panel
5:30 PM – 9 PM | Dinner, Discussion Panel, Autographs & cocktails– TASM
9 PM | Load buses back to RiverSpirit Casino & Resort
Saturday, April 25, 2026 – Conference Sessions & Aviator BAll
Location: RiverSpirit Casino & Resort & Tulsa Air and Space Museum
9 AM – 10 AM | Breakfast with Special Guests: Candid conversation and stories from the pioneers of lunar exploration.
10:15 AM – 12 PM | Autograph Session (limited admission): Meet and greet astronauts, engineers, and aviation legends. *AUTOGRAPHS WILL BE LIMITED
12 PM – 1 PM | Luncheon with Guest Speaker: Featured address from a prominent aerospace leader.
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM | Breakout Session: Panel discussion
4 PM | Buses Depart RiverSpirit for Tulsa Air and Space Museum
5 PM – 9 PM | AVIATOR BALL – Dinner Session: Evening Autograph & Mix & Mingle – Networking, autographs, and cocktails.
- 5:30 Flight Demonstrations
- 6:00 Dinner
- 6:30 Program Begins
- 8:00 Evening Autographs Mix & Mingle
Sunday, April 26, 2026 – Farewell
Location: RiverSpirit Casino & Resort
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Farewell Brunch: Closing remarks, commemorative group photo, and farewells until the next gathering.
Special Guests
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 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.
Steve Smith
Director of Flight Systems, Blue Origin
Steve Smith serves as the Director of Flight Systems at Blue Origin, where he leads efforts in developing next-generation launch systems and flight technologies. A key figure in commercial spaceflight innovation, Smith’s leadership helps drive Blue Origin’s mission to expand humanity’s access to space.
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.
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.
And more to be announced!
Tickets
Purchase tickets below for the Aviator Ball April 24th, 2026. Other tickets coming soon!
All Inclusive event bundle - open seating April 23-26
Thursday Evening Mixer - April 23
Friday event Pass - APril 24
Saturday bundle - open seating April 25 includes aviator ball
Saturday event pass April 25 - does not include aviator ball
Aviator Ball Tickets - saturday April 24th 2026
Sunday farewell brunch - April 26
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.
