Aviation
Spaceflight
Astronomy
Behind the scenes
People
Records and Firsts
Science
Society and Culture
Technology and Engineering
War and Conflict

While reconnaissance often refers to the collection of information as it relates to military operations, the National Air and Space Museum also offers a large collection of objects and stories connected to aerial observation and observation from space—military or otherwise.

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
Aviation
Spaceflight
Astronomy
Behind the scenes
People
Records and Firsts
Science
Society and Culture
Technology and Engineering
War and Conflict

While reconnaissance often refers to the collection of information as it relates to military operations, the National Air and Space Museum also offers a large collection of objects and stories connected to aerial observation and observation from space—military or otherwise.

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

Stories

See all Stories
Coming in Hot The Cuban Missile Crisis
Cloudy with a Chance for Orbital Observation Early Spies in the Skies The Beginnings and Basics of Aerial Photography
See all Stories

Exhibitions

See all Exhibitions
Learn more Climate Change: Presented in the Allan and Shelley Holt Innovations Gallery National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC Learn more Modern Military Aviation National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
See all Exhibitions

Learning Resources

See all Learning Resources
Air and Space Live Chat: Stealth Wonder Woman has the invisible jet, and the military has the B-2 and the F-117. Join us to learn about actual stealth aircraft and the science behind making a sneaky flying machine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwAHPa2k22o Reconnaissance

Student

cc-by-nc

 What’s New in Aerospace: Spying From the Edge of Space: Colonel Buz Carpenter and the SR–71 Blackbird Join us for a conversation with Col. Carpenter about flying this legendary aircraft. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk_xV6bb6MU&feature=youtu.be Grade 3, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 4, Grades 17-20, Grades 13-14, Grades 15-16, Grade 12, Grade 10, Grade 11 Aircraft, Interwar aviation, Reconnaissance, Technology and Engineering

Teacher

cc-by-nc

 My Path: Walter Watson - Flying on SR-71 Blackbird Walter Watson was the first and only African-American to qualify as a crewmember in the SR-71. Hear from this amazing aviator. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Y1nl4K6Y0 Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9 African American or Black people, Aircraft, Aviation, Behind the scenes, Military aviation, People, Reconnaissance, Records and Firsts, Technology and Engineering

Student

cc-by-nc

 My Path: SR-71 RSO Walter Watson What was it like to fly in the SR-71 Blackbird? Hear first hand from Walter Watson, the only African American to fly in the Blackbird program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70X20f1sEWs Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9 Aviation, African American or Black people, Aircraft, Military aviation, People, Reconnaissance, Science, Technology and Engineering, Behind the scenes

Student

cc-by-nc

 Air and Space Live Chat: Pilot Panel with Shaesta Waiz and U2 Pilot Maj. Kristofer Duckett Interested in becoming a pilot? This discussion features pilots Shaesta Waiz and Maj. Kristofer W. Duckett sharing their journeys and achievements. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMG6CH97niE Aviation, Records and Firsts, Reconnaissance, Women

Student

cc-by-nc

 STEM in 30: Shhhhh. The Science of Stealth Learn about stealth aircraft and the science behind making a sneaky flying machine. https://youtu.be/ukOuiwizc2U Grade 8, Grade 7, Grade 6 Reconnaissance, Aircraft

Student

cc-by-nc
See all Learning Resources

Explore other subtopics