Stories of daring, stories of technological feats, stories of prevailing against the odds ... these are the stories we tell at the National Air and Space Museum. Dive in to the stories below to discover, learn, and be inspired. 

Showing 11 - 20 of 1662

March 27, 2024 Military Women Become Astronauts Story

Something was different about the class of astronaut candidates introduced in January 1990. Eighteen men and five women emerged from almost 2,500 applicants as Astronaut Group 13; seven were pilots and 16 were mission specialists. That was not unusual. The difference was that three of the women were military officers.

Read more
March 26, 2024 A Mustang at 22 Degrees: Hanging an Iconic Fighter Story

The Museum's Preservation and Restoration Unit recently prepared the P-51D Mustang for display in the new and upcoming Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air gallery. The Mustang needed to suspended dynamically from the ceiling as if it were in flight.

Read more
March 20, 2024 To Boldly Restore the USS Enterprise Studio Model Story | Air & Space Quarterly

Take a closer looks at details on the Star Trek starship Enterprise studio model from the original series, and learn more about the conservation process.  

Read more
March 20, 2024 A Polka-Dotted Sky Story | Air & Space Quarterly

Every year, a valley in New Mexico becomes the launching ground for the largest hot air balloon event in the world. 

Read more
March 20, 2024 My Own Personal Spacesuit Story | Air & Space Quarterly

When it comes to choosing a do-it-yourself project, Adam Savage doesn’t go for the easy stuff—he builds his own spacesuit.

Read more
March 20, 2024 Lost and Found? Story | Air & Space Quarterly

What’s new in aviation and space. The latest on the search for Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed 10-E Electra

Read more
March 20, 2024 Smithsonian In Your Backyard - World War II Aircraft Story | Air & Space Quarterly

Where to see rare and even one-of-a-kind World War II airplanes. Many are closer than you think.

Read more
March 20, 2024 Red Rovers Story | Air & Space Quarterly

For twenty years Mars Rovers and Orbiters have worked to unlock the secrets of the Red Planet. This excerpt from curator Matt Shindell's book For The Love of Mars tells the tale.

Read more
March 20, 2024 Suit Up! Story | Air & Space Quarterly

The National Air and Space Museum has some 270 complete pressure-suits in its collection. Their evolution tells the broader story of NASA’s efforts to send humans into space.

Read more
March 20, 2024 A War We Don’t Want to Forget Story | Air & Space Quarterly

In World War II, military aviation came of age—leaving us with aeronautical masterpieces from both sides of the conflict.

Read more