The first "space scientists" were called upon to answer a lot of questions in disciplines ranging from geophysics and ionospheric physics to astronomy and solar science. Interestingly, they came from backgrounds not associated with these topics. Join senior curator David DeVorkin as he points out the instruments the first generation of "space scientists" built to answer these questions.

Meet at the nose of the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird in the Boeing Aviation Hangar.

About the Ask an Expert Series: Several times a month at 12:30 PM at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, a Museum staff member talks to the public about the history, collection, or personalities related to a specific artifact or exhibition in the Museum. For upcoming dates of the Udvar-Hazy Center Ask an Expert lecture series, click here.