Stephen Altemus, Co-founder, President and CEO of Intuitive Machines, dedicated to advancing both robotic and human exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond, Bell Flight, renowned for its relentless pursuit of advancing the boundaries of vertical lift technology, Salvatore T. “Tory” Bruno, President and CEO of United Launch Alliance, the nation’s most reliable and experienced space launch service provider, International Council of Air Shows, the recognized world-leader in air show industry standards, Katherine Johnson, distinguished NASA “Hidden Figure” and orbital mechanics pioneer, Larry Mendelson, who built HEICO into a global powerhouse and aerospace giant, Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, the next generation of long-range strike bombers, and Blake Scholl, Founder of Boom Supersonic, at the forefront of transforming future air travel, to be honored at the annual star-studded International Air & Space Hall of Fame gala on Nov. 9, the San Diego Air & Space Museum announced today.

Join the San Diego Air & Space Museum in celebrating the honorees on Saturday, November 9, 2024, in the Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight. Guests from around the world are assembling for a spectacular evening of fun and extraordinary recognition, as each guest is treated to a behind the scenes look into the lives of these true air and space legends. Since 1963, the International Air & Space Hall of Fame has honored the world’s most significant pilots, crew members, visionaries, inventors, industry leading companies, aerospace engineers, aerospace industrialists, preservationists, designers and space explorers.

“The International Air & Space Hall of Fame Class of 2024 represents the true pioneering spirit of aviation and space exploration, from the quest to travel across the globe faster, more safely and efficiently, to inventing the scientific inventions necessary to reach the Moon,” said Jim Kidrick, President & CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum. “Achievements in aviation and space, as embodied by the honorees in the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame, directly represent the human pioneering spirit and pursuit of mankind’s future frontiers. This is a can’t miss event and something every guest will remember for the rest of their lives! Guests come from all over the globe just to be in the room with the Honorees and join in this momentous celebration of achievement.”

Stephen Altemus, co-founder, president, and CEO of Intuitive Machines, leads a cutting-edge space company dedicated to advancing both robotic and human exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Under his leadership, Intuitive Machines is shaping the future of lunar development and space exploration, partnering with NASA to provide groundbreaking products and services. As a key player in humanity’s return to the Moon, Intuitive Machines is driving progress that will inspire future generations.

Bell Flight is renowned for its relentless pursuit of advancing the boundaries of vertical lift technology. With a commitment to innovation, Bell delivers fast, reliable, and efficient solutions that empower customers to fly farther, faster, and arrive ahead of schedule. From life-saving medical and rescue missions to cutting-edge transportation and military operations, Bell’s leadership in the aviation industry is driven by a vision to break barriers and shape the future of aviation.

As president and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), Salvatore T. “Tory” Bruno spearheads the nation’s most reliable and experienced launch service provider. ULA guarantees unmatched access to space while supporting local economies with a relentless focus on innovation and excellence. With over 150 consecutive launches since 2006, and combining the heritage of the Atlas and Delta rocket families, ULA is poised to continue its legacy with the introduction of the new Vulcan rocket family, securing its legendary status in space exploration.

Founded in 1967 by pioneering air show professionals, the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) has grown into the global authority on air show safety, standards, and industry advocacy. ICAS plays a pivotal role in advancing best practices, addressing regulatory and safety concerns, and fostering collaboration with military and civilian stakeholders. Today, ICAS continues to lead the way in promoting and protecting the interests of the air show industry worldwide.

Renowned NASA mathematician and celebrated “Hidden Figure” Katherine Johnson’s groundbreaking calculations in orbital mechanics were instrumental to the success of America’s early crewed space flights and the historic Apollo Moon landings. Often referred to as a “Human Computer” for her unmatched mathematical prowess, Johnson’s contributions, made with minimal technological resources and recognition at the time, laid the foundation for the United States’ advancements in space exploration.

In 1990, Laurans “Larry” Mendelson, along with his sons Eric and Victor, transformed a small Florida-based public company, HEICO, into a global powerhouse in aerospace and electronics. Under their leadership, HEICO has become internationally renowned, offering hundreds of thousands of parts and employing approximately 10,000 team members across 15 countries and 21 U.S. states. Larry Mendelson’s vision and dedication have cemented his legacy as a legend in the aerospace industry.

The B-21 Raider, developed by Northrop Grumman, represents the next generation of long-range strike bombers, designed to strengthen America’s defense capabilities for decades to come. As the world’s most advanced stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider incorporates cutting-edge technology to ensure survivability and effectiveness against modern threats. Engineered for both manned and unmanned operations, it is poised to become the cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force’s strategic bomber fleet, delivering unmatched range, precision, and endurance. The B-21 Raider underscores Northrop Grumman’s commitment to innovation and national security, advancing the future of global defense.

In 2014, Blake Scholl founded Boom Supersonic with the vision of making high-speed travel a reality for everyone, fostering deeper global connections. Boom Supersonic is at the forefront of transforming air travel, with a mission to create faster, more affordable, and more sustainable flights. Through the development of Overture, the world’s fastest commercial airliner, Boom is set to make supersonic travel a mainstream reality, bringing international destinations closer than ever before.

The International Air & Space Hall of Fame is the most prestigious induction of its kind in the world and is composed of hundreds of air and space pioneers, engineers, inventors and innovators, along with adventurers, scientists and industry leaders. NASA Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts and Russian cosmonauts are honored in the Hall, as well as famous legends such as the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Neil Armstrong and Amelia Earhart. Notable inductees also include Buzz Aldrin, Chuck Yeager, Igor Sikorsky, Wernher von Braun, Jack Northrop, Jackie Cochran, William Boeing, Sr., Reuben H. Fleet, Glenn Curtiss, Walter Zable Sr., Fran Bera, Wally Schirra, Bill Anders, Jim Lovell, T. Claude Ryan, Jimmy Doolittle, Bob Hoover, Ellen Ochoa, Peggy Whitson, Linden Blue, Jeff Bezos, Patty Wagstaff, and many more. See the following link: http://sandiegoairandspace.org/exhibits/online-exhibit-page/international-air-space-hall-of-fame.

Proceeds from the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame celebration benefit the Museum’s youth education programs.