William Shatner, Star Trek’s Captain James T. Kirk, Artemis Astronaut Jessica Meir and Navy Cross recipient Royce Williams headline Star-Studded International Air & Space Hall of Fame Class of 2023

William Shatner, Star Trek’s Captain James T. Kirk, Jessica Meir, distinguished NASA astronaut, biologist, and a pivotal member of the Artemis program, which intends to land the first woman and next man on the Moon, Royce Williams, US Naval Aviator and Korean War Navy Cross recipient, Robert DeLaurentis, record-setting American aviator, and General Atomics – Aeronautical Systems Inc., providing worldwide excellence and innovation in unmanned aerial systems, to be honored at the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s annual star-studded gala on Oct. 21

San Diego, Calif. – William Shatner, Star Trek’s Captain James T. Kirk, Jessica Meir, distinguished NASA astronaut, biologist, and a pivotal member of the Artemis program, which intends to land the first woman and next man on the Moon, Royce Williams, US Naval Aviator and Korean War Navy Cross recipient, Robert DeLaurentis, record-setting American aviator and General Atomics – Aeronautical Systems Inc., providing worldwide excellence and innovation in unmanned aerial systems, to be honored at the annual star-studded International Air & Space Hall of Fame gala on Oct 21, the San Diego Air & Space Museum announced today.

Join the San Diego Air & Space Museum in celebrating the honorees on Saturday, October 21, 2023, 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.

“We’re exceptionally pleased to honor this exemplary Class of 2023 because these men and women represent a vast range of the ongoing advances in aviation and space exploration,” 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 final 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.”

William Shatner
William Shatner has cultivated a career spanning over 70 years as an award-winning actor, director, producer, writer, recording artist and equestrian. He is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures and a major philanthropist. On October 13, 2021 he became the oldest person to venture into space, at age 90, on board the Blue Origin NS-18; He went beyond the Kármán line. In 1966, Shatner originated the role of Captain James T. Kirk in the television series Star Trek. The series spawned a feature film franchise where Shatner returned as Captain Kirk in seven of the Star Trek movies, one of which he directed. His role as Captain Kirk is directly responsible for inspiring generations of young people’s interest in space and exploration…as well as new technologies. Shatner played the title role in the hit television series T.J. Hooker before hosting television’s first reality-based series, Rescue 911. He won Emmys and his first Golden Globe for his portrayal of eccentric lawyer Denny Crane on both The Practice and Boston Legal. Shatner has received four more Emmy nominations as well as other Golden Globe and SAG Award nods.

Jessica Meir
Jessica Meir is a distinguished NASA astronaut, biologist, and a pivotal member of the groundbreaking Artemis program aimed at landing the first woman and next man on the Moon. Selected as an astronaut in 2013, Meir made history with her participation in the first all-female spacewalk in October 2019 alongside Christina Koch. This milestone exemplified her commitment to breaking barriers in both gender and science. Meir completed her first spaceflight on September 25, 2019, as a flight engineer on Expedition 61/62, logging 205 days in space. Her multi-disciplinary background, which includes a Ph.D. in Marine Biology, enriches NASA’s interdisciplinary missions and bridges the gap between science and space exploration. A skilled communicator, Meir is renowned for engaging the public about the importance of STEM and the future of human spaceflight, inspiring a new generation of explorers. She continues to train and prepare for the forthcoming Artemis missions, setting her sights on both lunar and Martian frontiers. Many believe Jessica is destined to be the first woman to walk on the Moon!

Royce Williams
On November 18, 1952, E. Royce Williams was flying with three members of VF-781 from the USS Oriskany when they encountered seven Mig-15s. Before they could engage, William’s Flight Leader and his wingman had to return to the Oriskany due to a fuel pump issue. Out manned and piloting what most consider an inferior aircraft to the Mig-15, Williams engaged the seven Migs alone for 35 minutes, shooting down four of them. This is the longest dogfight in the history of the US Navy, and the deciding factor would be Williams’ skill as a pilot. Though his Panther Jet was shot 263 times, he was able to make it back to the Oriskany and land safely. Williams is the recipient of the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He is a national hero!

Robert DeLaurentis
Robert DeLaurentis is an American aviator, businessman and author. He was the first solo pilot to fly a Piper Malibu Mirage, a small, single-engine plane, around the world from May 17, 2015 to August 14, 2015. The flight covered 26,000 nautical miles and 23 countries in the ninety-eight days for a fundraising campaign to support aviation programs. On August 10, 2020, DeLaurentis completed a nine-month, 26,000 nautical mile polar circumnavigation and global peace mission, “One Planet, One People, One Plane: Oneness for Humanity” in his modified 1983 aircraft named “Citizen of the World.” He is truly dedicated to providing inspiration to our next greatest generations through aviation excellence.

General Atomics – Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI)
General Atomics – Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) is a worldwide leader in the design, development, and production of remotely piloted aircraft systems, commonly known as drones or unmanned aerial vehicles/Systems (UAVs). GA-ASI is renowned for its advanced unmanned aircraft systems, particularly the Predator series and the more advanced Reaper program. Over the years, GA-ASI continues to innovate and improve its drone technology, expanding its product lineup to include additional variants and capabilities. The company’s contributions to the field of unmanned aviation have had a significant impact on military operations and have paved the way for developments in civilian and commercial drone applications. Founded in 1993, GA-ASI is a subsidiary of General Atomics, a diversified technology and defense company.

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.

“Inspiring kids to undertake tough science and engineering challenges is a critical first step for our future,” Kidrick said. “We must also give them the resources and impetus they need to pursue science education degrees.”

More than 500 national and international business, aviation and space leaders are anticipated to attend the 2023 International Air & Space Hall of Fame Celebration, including prominent representatives and Hall of Fame members from prior years. Tickets are available on the Museum’s website at http://sandiegoairandspace.org/calendar/event/2023-international-air-space-hall-of-fame-celebration

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The San Diego Air & Space Museum is California’s official air and space museum and education center. The Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and it was the first aero-themed Museum to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Museum is home to the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame. The Museum is located at 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. The Museum and gift store are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with admissions until 4:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.