Stories of daring, stories of technological feats, stories of prevailing against the odds ... these are the stories we tell at the National Air and Space Museum. Dive in to the stories below to discover, learn, and be inspired.
Showing 41 - 50 of 125
November 29, 2021
In October 1961, three chimpanzees were brought to Cape Canaveral to join two already there. One of the new arrivals was Enos, a native of Cameroon in west central Africa. Discover the story of the often forgotten chimp and his contribution to human space travel.
November 18, 2021
Who were the first women in space? What were their stories?
November 03, 2021
For many years, three-time Female Aerobatic Champion Betty Skelton was known as the “First Lady of Firsts.” The Florida native earned her nickname the hard way, whether as the International Female Aerobatic Champion, flying at 8,839 meters (29,000 feet), or traveling at speeds greater than 486 kph (300 mph) in a jet-powered car. In the process of setting 17 aviation and race car records, she also paved the way for women to enjoy equal opportunities in aviation, sports, and business.
November 03, 2021
This is your captain, making history. Meet the first women to fly as captain for commercial airlines and discover their stories.
November 01, 2021
Who were the first American women to fly? To earn their pilot’s licenses? What are their stories? Meet the determined women who took to skies at a time when opportunities for women were severely limited.
October 31, 2021
Travel across the globe and discover four women pilots that were taking to the skies and setting records.
October 30, 2021
Flying under all four bridges in New York by age 17. Simultaneously holding the women’s world speed, altitude, and distance records. Breaking their own world record with 930 barrel loops. The women in this article set and broke records with feats of flying. Discover their stories.
September 23, 2021
Bessie Coleman was the first African American woman to earn her pilot's license. Take a closer look at her training.
June 15, 2021
Coleman was the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license, facing racist and sexist obstacles in the process.
June 14, 2021
Pioneering aviator Bessie Coleman's life and legacy aren’t just limited to aviation. In the air and on the ground, she made history.