Spaceport Tulsa: Mission to Tomorrow – Student Experience

Friday, April 24, 2026

Inspiring the Next Generation of Aerospace Innovators

Over 750 students from across Oklahoma will gather at the Tulsa Air & Space Museum for a full day of hands-on STEM learning, astronaut talks, and real-world aerospace exploration. This unique educational event celebrates 65 years since the first Peaceful Uses of Space Conference—originally held in Tulsa—and connects today’s students with the innovators shaping the next era of space exploration.

Program Goals

  • Inspire students through the historical legacy of Oklahoma’s role in peaceful space exploration.

  • Provide exposure to aerospace careers and industries leading innovation in Oklahoma and beyond.

  • Foster STEM learning through interactive demonstrations, planetarium shows, and engineering challenges.

  • Encourage critical thinking by exploring real-world problem solving from Apollo Mission Control to modern space systems.

Event Highlights

STEM Rotations
Students rotate through six learning stations, including rocket science labs, the MD-80 jetliner, aircraft exhibits, and the planetarium, each featuring hands-on activities led by engineers, scientists, and educators.

Career & Industry Fair
Representatives from local and national aerospace and aviation companies will host booths to showcase career pathways, internships, and technical education options.

 

Companies will be announced soon!

 

Behind-the-Scenes Industry Tours
Select student groups will tour Tulsa’s historic aerospace factories and landmarks to see aerospace innovation in action.

Guest Speakers & Panels
Hear first-hand insights from Apollo Mission Control veterans, astronauts, and NASA engineers sharing stories of exploration, teamwork, and the future of aerospace.
Speakers include:

John Aaron – NASA Engineer, “Steely-Eyed Missile Man”

Bill Peters – Apollo Mission Control Engineer

Jim Kelly – Apollo 13 Electrical Power Systems Engineer

Tom Hanchett – NASA Flight Systems & Communications Engineer

Steve Smith – Director of Flight Systems, Blue Origin

More speakers to be announced!

Educational Outcomes

Students will:

  • Understand the global impact of Tulsa’s 1961 Peaceful Uses of Space Conference.

  • Identify multiple aerospace career paths across engineering, avionics, manufacturing, and research.

  • Apply STEM concepts through rocket and propulsion demonstrations.

  • Connect classroom learning to real-world aerospace careers and technologies.

For Teachers & Chaperones

  • Participation is free for approved schools thanks to sponsor and grant support.

  • Title I and rural schools are prioritized to ensure equitable access.

  • Each student will receive a take-home STEM kit to extend learning beyond the museum.

  • Educator resource packets and pre/post-visit materials will be provided for classroom integration.

Join Us

Be part of an unforgettable day where Oklahoma’s students step into the future of aerospace innovation.
Registration details and schedules will be released soon.

Questions?
Contact the Tulsa Air & Space Museum Education Team
📞 918-834-9900 | 🌐 www.TulsaMuseum.org