'Gassed up': Thunder Over Louisville command center celebrates 25 years of NASA-inspired tradition
By Addie Meiners
Published on April 17, 2026.
The Thunder Over Louisville command center has celebrated 25 years of a tradition that includes serving bean soup the day before its annual air show. The tradition began in 2001 when the command center was searching for a theme for the event, with the theme being 2001: A Space Odyssey. To complement the space festival, former NASA launch control director Wayne Hettinger was recruited to serve as the 2001 Thunder launch director. The bean soup has traditionally been made by Heteringer's wife, but this year she was unable to make it due to health issues.
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'Gassed up': Thunder Over Louisville command center celebrates 25 years of NASA-inspired tradition
The Thunder Over Louisville command center celebrates 25 years of NASA-inspired traditions like bean soup, which have evolved into a staple for the annual air show.