Discover stories from work going on inside the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's conservation lab.
Showing 1 - 10 of 31
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WASP in Formation: What We Can Learn from Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu’s WASP Uniform
Posted on Mar 16, 2024
The Conservation team at the Museum recently had the opportunity to examine Haydu’s dress uniform to prepare it for display in the upcoming reimagined Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air gallery. The artifact not only reflects the changing role of women in American society during WWII but also embodies the technological advancements and global impact of the conflict.
Topics: AviationWomenWorld War II
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Conservation Treatment of Gilmore the Flying Lion: Making Decisions
Posted on May 18, 2023
As a cub in the 1930s, Gilmore made aviation history when he traveled around the United States with the flamboyant and colorful aviator Roscoe Turner as a mascot for the Gilmore Oil Company. This is the second in a three-part blog series about the conservation treatment of Gilmore the Flying Lion. Explore how the Museum balanced caring for the original taxidermy with the goal to present Gilmore as lifelike as possible.
Topics: AviationBehind the scenesScience
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Conservation Treatment of Gilmore the Flying Lion: Examination
Posted on Feb 07, 2023
As a cub in the 1930s, Gilmore made aviation history when he traveled around the United States with the flamboyant and colorful aviator Roscoe Turner as a mascot for the Gilmore Oil Company. Read and see images of the detailed discoveries made during the initial examination of the conservation treatment of Gilmore.
Topics: AviationEarly flightBehind the scenes
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Making the Most of Treating a 30-Foot Diameter Umbrella-Shaped Antenna
Posted on Oct 24, 2022
Conservator Rachel Greenberg reflects on the conservation and restoration of a 30-foot parabolic antenna that is part of a full-scale engineering model of the Applications Technology Satellite-6 (ATS-6). Read about the large umbrella-shaped antenna that now hangs from the ceiling in the new One World Connected gallery.
Topics: SpaceflightBehind the scenesSatellites
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Conserving the Lunar Roving Vehicle
Posted on Apr 27, 2022
The lunar roving vehicle (LRV), gave Apollo 15, Apollo 16, and Apollo 17 astronauts the ability to travel far distances and haul equipment and samples with ease. Read about the conservation treatment of the qualification test unit LRV, used for testing to ensure that the rovers for the Apollo missions functioned properly while on the Moon.
Topics: SpaceflightApollo programBehind the scenesTechnology and Engineering
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An Old Trophy Finds New Life
Posted on Mar 31, 2022
Recently an old trophy with a standing figure of the Roman god Mercury on top was treated by our Conservation Unit. Discover the story behind it and learn about its conservation treatment.
Topics: Behind the scenes
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I’ll have the Veal! Preservation with a Can-Do Attitude
Posted on Apr 03, 2021
Our conservators and curators recently faced an interesting question: Is it practical to retain perishable material and what long-range obligations are required? To find the answers, a collaborative effort was required, allowing for preservation of our collection of space food.
Topics: SpaceflightHuman spaceflightBehind the scenes
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All Dressed Up: A Study of Stearate Growth Occurring on Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Leather Flight Helmet
Posted on Dec 22, 2020
In 2018, a peculiar condition phenomenon was observed on the helmet of Anne Morrow Lindbergh and it was removed from display for examination and conservation. An investigation into the cause of the condition issue is reviewed.
Topics: AviationBehind the scenesWomen
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Preserving Flak-Bait: Reversing a 1970s Restoration
Posted on Apr 28, 2020
In the latest blog about the preservation of Flak-Bait, conservator Lauren Horelick describes the work being done on the overpaint of the aircraft.
Topics: AircraftBehind the scenesWorld War II
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Conserving the Creativity that Saved the Apollo 13 Astronauts
Posted on Apr 16, 2020
Conservator Lauren Gottschlich explores the conservation work recently done on a replica of the altered lithium hydroxide filter used during the Apollo 13 mission.
Topics: Apollo programSpacecraftBehind the scenesTechnology and Engineering