Since 1963, the International Air & Space Hall of Fame has honored the world’s most significant pilots, crew members, visionaries, inventors, aerospace engineers, business leaders, preservationists, designers and space explorers. This year, we are proud to honor Bell, International Council of Airshows (ICAS), Stephen Altemus, Katherine Johnson, Laurans “Larry” Mendelson, Salvatore T. “Tory” Bruno, and Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider.

The International Air & Space Hall of Fame Class of 2024:

Bell 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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