Our Archives holds three million images in various photographic formats. These collections cover the breadth and depth of the history of aviation and space flight.

Our holding include glass plate negatives of early Wright brothers flights, photography of Apollo astronauts, detailed shots of aircraft components, and much more.

Accessing This Collection

The National Air and Space Museum Archives has over 3 million photographs in the collection. Thousands of digitized images are available to view through the Smithsonian Virtual Online Archives (SOVA).  Just look for the blue box icon!

If you are unable to find the photograph you are looking for on our website, it is possible that it has not yet been digitized. Please contact the reference desk so that we can assist you.

Materials from the collection of the National Air and Space Museum or from National Air and Space Museum's website are subject to the Smithsonian Institution's Terms of Use.  Smithsonian Institution photographs, drawings, film, audio recordings or other materials may not be reproduced, resold, or commercially used without specific written permission from the Smithsonian Institution.

Our entire photography collection, including images that are not yet available online, is housed at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Researchers are welcome, but appointments are required.