All Stories

Just how accurate is the portrayal of lighter-than-air flight in the third season of Bridgerton? Ballooning curator Tom Paone provides historical context.

Rockoons—combinations of rockets and balloons—launched notable atmospheric experiments in the mid-20th century. Some rocket clubs and private companies are beginning to try using them again today.

Georgia "Tiny" Broadwick was 15 years old when she first jumped out of a hot air balloon with a parachute in 1908. Over the next 14 years she would make over 1,000 jumps, first out of balloons and then as the first woman to jump from an airplane.

Every year, a valley in New Mexico becomes the launching ground for the largest hot air balloon event in the world. 

It's a very special day, parade day of course! The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a holiday staple for almost 100 years, and the balloons have been a part of it for nearly as long.

Picture the Earth from above. In your mind's eye, what do you see? Today, we have access to air and space technology that lets us see various views of the Earth with ease. 

If you think bungee jumping is scary, look at what Joe Kittinger did.

A duck in a hot air balloon. A cat in an airship. A lion cub in an airplane. Stories of animals in flight.

Frank01 and Frank02—The call signs used on the mission to shoot down a Chinese observation balloon, were a direct reference to the accomplished “balloon busting” career of Frank Luke Jr. Learn about the historical thread connecting a balloon over the United States to the skies above World War I Europe.

Joseph Kittinger Jr. showed undaunted courage, sacrifice, and world-record accomplishments throughout his career and life, and received numerous military and civilian awards and honors. Museum curator Tom Paone reflects on his life and legacy.