Prepare to journey through time to the Space Age, a captivating period marked by humanity's initial ventures beyond Earth's confines. For those who yearn for the elegance of vintage air travel or dream of interstellar voyages, an exclusive event, “Mission: 60s,” offers a dedicated platform to relive this iconic era, inviting attendees to step back into a bygone age of innovation and discovery.
Scheduled for October 23-25 in New York, “Mission: 60s” is an immersive three-day festival honoring the Apollo program, advancements in aviation, significant strides in space exploration, and the distinctive cultural landscape of the 1960s. This event promises a comprehensive experience, fully enveloping participants in the sights, sounds, and spirit of the 1960s Space Age. The agenda boasts appearances by esteemed astronauts, Apollo flight directors, Mission Control engineers, celebrated figures from “Star Trek,” and renowned space artists. Highlights include a “Spacefarer Soiree” on Saturday, featuring live music and encouraging 1960s-inspired attire, alongside a Sunday keynote address focusing on NASA's Artemis program. Collaboratively organized by Luna Replicas, a company renowned for its authentic vintage space equipment, and Space for Humanity, a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to spaceflight, “Mission: 60s” aims to forge a connection between humanity's first lunar achievements and the ongoing “second space race” to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon.
The nostalgic journey commences with check-in at the TWA Hotel, located within John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, a meticulously restored landmark that once served as a fully operational terminal for Trans World Airlines. This architectural marvel, featured in the 2002 film “Catch Me If You Can,” has been meticulously transformed into an unparalleled hotel. The TWA Flight Center, designed by Eero Saarinen, stands at its core, housing a variety of dining, entertainment, and retail establishments. Two modern hotel wings, subtly designed to complement the historic structure, provide 512 guest rooms offering views of JFK's runways and the iconic TWA Flight Center. The initial day of “Mission: 60s” offers a guided exploration of the 1964 World's Fair site in Flushing Meadows, now home to the New York Hall of Science. This outdoor exhibition showcases the Rocket Park, featuring preserved Gemini-Titan II and Mercury-Atlas D rockets, along with a Saturn V F-1 engine, all testaments to the early Space Age. Visitors will delve into the history of these monumental vehicles and the United States' ambitious quest to reach the Moon. The site also boasts the Unisphere, a colossal stainless steel globe, and the Astro-View Observation Towers. The day concludes with Space For Humanity's “Celestial Soiree” (requiring a separate ticket) and a “Mission: 60's” pool party on the hotel's rooftop, offering a vibrant end to the initial day's immersive experience. The weekend program on Saturday and Sunday will feature engaging panel discussions bringing together members of Mission Control (MCC), spaceflight specialists, including ILC Dover, the creators of the Apollo spacesuits, and representatives from the Hollywood community, such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), who brought the 1960s visions of space exploration to life. These discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including Apollo Mission Control & Flight Operations, the progression from Apollo to Artemis, the pivotal role of women in aerospace, and the visual and auditory experiences of Apollo communications from the Moon. Other sessions will explore the inspiration drawn from science fiction, the profound “Overview Effect,” the artistic and visual effects that cemented humanity's fascination with space, and contemporary space advocacy. Noteworthy speakers and facilitators include Apollo flight director Gerry Griffin, TIME Magazine science editor Jeffrey Kluger, former NASA astronauts Nicole Stott and Ron Garan, “Star Trek” actor Bob Picardo, and researcher Frank White. Saturday evening will host “The Spacefarer Soiree,” an additional gala featuring an exclusive meet-and-greet aboard a Lockheed Constellation airliner and musical entertainment by Bonnie Gordon. Attendees are encouraged to dress in 1969-era attire to enhance the period ambiance. On Sunday afternoon, Uplift Aerospace will present a collaborative “Overview” VR experience, allowing up to 50 participants to share a virtual journey together. Throughout both days, a vendor and artists' hall will be open, where guests can meet speakers for autographs and book signings. Companies like A-B Emblem, NASA's official patch provider, will also be on hand, selling Apollo-themed souvenirs and memorabilia. A weekend pass is priced at $150 per person, with optional add-ons for VIP access, gala attendance, and the Friday World's Fair excursion. Single-day admission is available for $85.
This event serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's enduring fascination with the cosmos and our inherent drive to explore the unknown. By celebrating past achievements and connecting them with future aspirations, “Mission: 60s” fosters a sense of wonder and collective ambition. It highlights the importance of historical understanding in shaping future endeavors, encouraging innovation and inspiring new generations to reach for the stars, embodying a spirit of progress and boundless possibility.