Showing 1 - 10 of 1778

Purple and pink logo of AirSpace

June 12, 2025

The Future is Here

Story | AirSpace Podcast

Get a behind the scenes listen of Futures in Space, one of the new galleries, with two of its curators. 

Three women pose for a photo. One sits in front while the two others flank her on either side. They are all wearing military uniforms.

June 04, 2025

Women's Unparalleled Contributions to Aviation During World War I

Story

Many are familiar with Rosie the Riveter, the iconic symbol of women’s contributions to World War II. However, women also played an important role in World War I, especially in regard to aviation.

Vintage image of three men sitting by a table having a discussion.

May 23, 2025

The Radio Universe, the Cold War, and Universal Communication

Story

With the advent of the Space Age, scientists began searching for extraterrestrial life using radio waves, believing advanced civilizations might send signals across space. Despite Cold War tensions, researchers from different countries worked together to explore this possibility. Their efforts led to international meetings, shaping modern SETI research in the search for cosmic communication.

Chauncey E. Spencer and Dale L. White

May 22, 2025

How One 1939 Flight Helped Advocate for Black Military Pilots

Story

Chauncey Spencer and Dale White were charged with flying to Washington, DC to advocate for opportunities for Black pilots in the military. The mission was simple to explain, much harder to do.  

Pancho Barnes posed on the side of an airplane with two dogs. Overlaid on the photo is the AirSpace logo

May 22, 2025

The Irrepressible Pancho Barnes

Story | AirSpace Podcast

Aviator Pancho Barnes was larger than life. Born at the turn of the century, she spent the next 75 years defying every societal norm she found stuffy, boring, or just plain stupid. 

Front closeup view of nose of the Douglas World Cruiser DWC "Chicago" silhouetted to appear against a white background; Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington. D.C.

May 22, 2025

The Story of the First Flight Around the World

Story

In 1923, the U.S. Army Air Service announced it was going to attempt a flight around the globe.  

A black man in a military uniform gestures with his hands to a pilot in an open cockpit in this black and white photograph.

May 21, 2025

Charles Anderson's Lifetime of Advocating For Black Pilots and History-Making Firsts

Story

Charles Alfred Anderson most accomplished aviators in the country and a ground-breaking advocate for Black pilots.

Macready and Kelly with the Fokker T-2

May 21, 2025

5 Surprising Facts about the First Nonstop Transcontinental Flight

Story

U.S. Army Air Service pilots Lt. John A. Macready and Lt. Oakley G. Kelly made the first nonstop transcontinental flight on May 2–3, 1923, in the Fokker T-2 transport. 

Calbraith Perry Rodgers and the Wright EX "Vin Fiz"

May 21, 2025

How a Brand New Pilot (and Grape Soda) Made History Crossing the U.S.

Story

How Calbraith Perry Rodgers became the first person to fly across America.

Portrait of Charles A. Lindbergh

May 20, 2025

Understanding Charles Lindbergh

Story

Fifty years after his death, and nearly 100 since he was thrust into the global spotlight, Charles Lindbergh’s legacy remains complicated.