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 131 - 140 of 319

The “ILLIAC IV” computer system at NASA Ames Research Center

May 11, 2018

The Real Technology Behind 2001’s HAL

Story

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, some reflections on the most famous character in the film: HAL, the on-board computer.

Expedition 54 crewmembers watched The Last Jedi on a special screen in the Unity module in December 2017.

May 04, 2018

The Star Wars Galaxy in Real Space

Story

How fans celebrate the Star Wars galaxy, whether it's at the National Air and Space Museum or aboard the International Space Station. 

Tom Jones with <i>2001 A Space Odyssey</i> on Space Shuttle <i>Atlantis</i>

April 24, 2018

2001: A Space Odyssey in Orbit

Story | Air and Space Photos

When my STS-98 crew launched into orbit on February 7, 2001—the first human space launch of the millennium—I marked the milestone by carrying with me two personal mementos of the landmark Stanly Kubrick science fiction film, 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Purple and pink logo of AirSpace

April 12, 2018

AirSpace Ep.5:
2001: An AirSpace Odyssey

Story | AirSpace Podcast

It’s the 50th anniversary of one of the slowest, strangest, and yet, most referenced science fiction films of all time – 2001: A Space Odyssey.  It may be your FAVORITE movie, or, quite possibly, you’ve never actually seen it in its 142-minute entirety. Emily, Matt, and Nick break it down for you in the latest episode of AirSpace.

A white vehicle is parked in front of a movie poster for the film "2001: A Space Odyssey" plastered on multicolored wall.

April 10, 2018

2001: A Space Odyssey, HAL, and the Future of AI 

Story

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the premiere of the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Among the things that makes this film stand out for sci-fi fans is "HAL," the computer that runs the ship.

Man waves out the window of a DC-3

April 05, 2018

"Nice Guys" Fly Charter

Story | From the Archives

While the baseball season technically started last week, it doesn’t return to the nation’s capital until Thursday, April 5—the home opener for the Washington Nationals.  Most likely, the team will be returning to Washington, DC, from Atlanta on a chartered flight.

Arthur C. Clarke poses for a photo beneath a sign advertising the motion picture "2001: A Space Odyssey," May 16, 1968.

April 02, 2018

2001 Celebrates 50 Years

Story

The story behind the landmark 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, which premiered 50 years ago today. 

A blue and yellow disc-shaped galaxy.

April 01, 2018

Smithsonian Eyes Reboot for Classic Skate the Universe

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As the Museum prepares for its upcoming transformation, the Smithsonian is eyeing a remake of its iconic film Scott Hamilton Skates the Universe.

The Olympic rings, formed by 1,218 drones in the sky, as part of the opening ceremonies for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

March 01, 2018

Behind the Winter Olympics' Drone Show

Story

A look behind-the-scenes at the development of the 2018 Winter Olympics drone show, from Natalie Cheung, general manager of Intel’s drone light show team. 

T’Challa’s Royal Talon Fighter flying above Wakanda in the film Black Panther.

February 24, 2018

The Real World of Wakanda: Aviation in "Black Panther"

Story

While the real world might be behind the curve on Wakanda’s technology, some of the planes featured in the Black Panther universe share similarities to emerging autonomous aircraft.