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.

Exhibitions

Learning Resources

Lecture Video

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.

More Air and Space Live Chat: Stealth
Less Air and Space Live Chat: Stealth
Topics
Reconnaissance
Leader
Student and Teacher
Rights
cc-by-nc
Lecture Video

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.

More What’s New in Aerospace: Spying From the Edge of Space: Colonel Buz Carpenter and the SR–71 Blackbird
Less What’s New in Aerospace: Spying From the Edge of Space: Colonel Buz Carpenter and the SR–71 Blackbird
Grade Level
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 and Grade 11
Topics
Aircraft, Interwar aviation, Reconnaissance and Technology and Engineering
Leader
Teacher, Student, Parent/Caregiver and Other
Rights
cc-by-nc
Activity/Lab Video

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.

More My Path: Walter Watson - Flying on SR-71 Blackbird
Less My Path: Walter Watson - Flying on SR-71 Blackbird
Grade Level
Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8 and Grade 9
Topics
African American or Black people, Aircraft, Aviation, Behind the scenes, Military aviation, People, Reconnaissance, Records and Firsts and Technology and Engineering
Leader
Student
Rights
cc-by-nc
Activity/Lab Video

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.

More My Path: SR-71 RSO Walter Watson
Less My Path: SR-71 RSO Walter Watson
Grade Level
Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8 and Grade 9
Topics
Aviation, African American or Black people, Aircraft, Military aviation, People, Reconnaissance, Science, Technology and Engineering and Behind the scenes
Leader
Student
Rights
cc-by-nc
Lecture Video

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.

More Air and Space Live Chat: Pilot Panel with Shaesta Waiz and U2 Pilot Maj. Kristofer Duckett
Less Air and Space Live Chat: Pilot Panel with Shaesta Waiz and U2 Pilot Maj. Kristofer Duckett
Topics
Aviation, Records and Firsts, Reconnaissance and Women
Leader
Student and Teacher
Rights
cc-by-nc
Activity/Lab Video

STEM in 30: Shhhhh. The Science of Stealth

Learn about stealth aircraft and the science behind making a sneaky flying machine.

More STEM in 30: Shhhhh. The Science of Stealth
Less STEM in 30: Shhhhh. The Science of Stealth
Grade Level
Grade 8, Grade 7 and Grade 6
Topics
Reconnaissance and Aircraft
Leader
Student
Rights
cc-by-nc