We report the stories of those who’ve pursued unconventional careers in aerospace.

Each spring at the National Air and Space Museum, we highlight the many roles that make aviation and spaceflight an integral part of the human experience. Although students who walk through our doors might think that to excel in the aerospace industry, they must be a pilot or an astronaut, we hope that over the course of their visits they gain an awareness of how their talents and skills can help advance aerospace via other—less traveled—paths. Whether a pilot, engineer, artist, or scholar, many of us can clearly recall how our earliest visit to the Museum inspired and transformed us.

I have worked in and around aviation my entire career. Over the span of four decades, I have had the good fortune to fly F-14s as a naval flight officer, manage two of the largest airports in the nation, and lead the National Air and Space Museum. While these roles are notably different, they are very much connected by a passion for “all things that fly.”

In this issue, we report on a few unexpected careers in aviation and space and introduce you to a group of people who have blazed their own trails. Their work involves ancient ruins, blowing up snow with explosives, migratory bird surveys, astrobiology, and 3D printing. Just another day in aerospace.

We also pull back the curtain on the important work done behind the scenes to care for our collection of aviation and space artifacts. It wasn’t until I started working at the Museum that I came to appreciate the amount of time, effort, and expertise involved in moving, conserving, restoring, and protecting the priceless artifacts in our care. We spotlight the work of Museum restoration specialist Chris Reddersen, who has always known that rebuilding old airplanes was his dream job.

In this issue, you’ll also find profiles of people with aerospace careers that are more familiar: former astronaut Pam Melroy, scientists and engineers who operate the Insight lander on Mars, and French helicopter pilot and neurosurgeon Valérie André.

The next great aerospace achievements—whether it’s landing a human on Mars or inventing a new generation of sustainable and efficient commercial aircraft—will be possible only through the efforts of passionate people from all walks of life, working together to create real change. The future is exciting—and I can’t wait to celebrate and showcase their accomplishments in the world’s favorite air and space museum.

Christopher U. Browne is the acting director of the National Air and Space Museum.