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 353

November 23, 2021 Columbia Comes Home Story | Air and Space Photos

With the most recent restoration efforts complete, Apollo 11 command module Columbia was carefully wrapped in multiple layers of protective cover as it prepared to leave the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center to journey home. Director Chris Browne reflects on transporting Columbia to the Museum on the National Mall.

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October 27, 2021 The Sun in Art at the Smithsonian Story

The Sun has been an inspiration in our creation of paintings, poems, music, stories, and sculptures, to name a few. Explore how artists express and depict the Sun in works throughout the Smithsonian’s collections.

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September 07, 2021 Fabricating Missing Parts from the Heinkel 219 Story

Explore the innovative metalworking techniques developed by the Museum’s restoration specialists to fabricate the mast elbows from the radar array of the World War II night fighter.

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August 17, 2021 Arthur C. Clarke and the Smithsonian Institution Story | From the Archives

Before his death in 2008, famed science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke had contact with the Smithsonian Institution, both directly and indirectly, throughout the years. This blog explores the correspondence between Clarke and members of the Smithsonian found in his personal papers held by the National Air and Space Museum Archives.

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August 11, 2021 Using Historic Tools in the Construction and Restoration of a Standard J-1 Story

A brief treatise on the historic tools used in the construction and restoration of the National Air and Space Museum’s Standard J-1 aircraft.

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July 15, 2021 Fabricating Missing Parts of the Lincoln Standard H.S. Story

Welding and fabrication specialist Meghann Girard takes us through the way she combined contemporary technology with traditional metalworking techniques to fabricate missing parts from our Lincoln-Standard H.S.

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July 02, 2021 Anzani A 2 Radial 3 Engine: Fabricating Missing Aluminum Intake Elbows Story

The Museum’s Anzani A 2 was missing the cast aluminum intake elbows, rockers arms, and push rod assemblies on each cylinder. Fabrication specialists in the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hanger endeavored to recreate these missing components so that the engine could be displayed in a more complete and accurate state.

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June 30, 2021 Transforming the Museum: Gallery Spotlights Story

Get a sneak peek at the first eight reimagined galleries that will open at the Museum in DC in late 2022.

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May 18, 2021 New Perspectives of Old Worlds Story

The upcoming Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery at the National Air and Space Museum will give visitors a new perspective on the many worlds within our solar system.

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April 07, 2021 Change is in the Air: Moving Artifacts Back into the Building Story | Air and Space Photos

The National Air and Space Museum marks an important milestone in its renovation project. Moving artifacts back into the west end of the Museum, which has been under renovation for two years.

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