All Stories

When researching QueerSpace, we repeatedly saw creators blending themes of space and themes of queerness in their art. Many of these artists use their art to envision new futures. Futurist thinking uses the experience of the past and present to contextualize and reimagine what the future could be, often creating a future that’s more equitable and radically different than what we have now.

To tell the story of the Space Age, the new RTX Living in the Space Age exhibition will share how the Space Age impacts the lives of people worldwide, through the stories of people and objects which brought it about. Learn more about the upcoming reimagined gallery.

Recently an old trophy with a standing figure of the Roman god Mercury on top was treated by our Conservation Unit. Discover the story behind it and learn about its conservation treatment.

Despite being known as a leader in terms of gender and racial integration, it wasn't until 2017 that the first openly gay characters were introduced in a Star Trek television show. We talk to curator Margaret Weitekamp about Star Trek's history with LGBTQ+ stories and characters.

In a salute to the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier centennial anniversary, photographer Jim Preston reflects on his time on board USS America. He relives the 40 year old journey in this black and white photo essay.

The USS Langley celebrated its 100th anniversary in March 2022. Discover and explore the first US aircraft carrier through these historical photographs.

Historically, queer-identifying people in the U.S. military have been forced out or forced to hide who they are. It wasn’t until 2011 that gay, lesbian, and bisexual servicemembers could serve openly, and only in the last few years that trans servicemembers could serve at all. And while there’s still a ways to go, last year the Air Force and Space Force formed a working group specifically for LGBTQ+ issues.

We report the stories of those who’ve pursued unconventional careers in aerospace.

Mars massive dust storms that periodically engulf and continue to puzzle planetary scientists—and pose threats to future expeditions. NASA’s beloved solar-powered rover, Opportunity, was killed in the line of duty when a 2018 dust storm blotted out the sun.  Individual dust particles on Mars are very small and slightly electrostatic, so they stick to the surfaces they contact like Styrofoam packing peanuts. As such, the dust can potentially gum up delicate machinery and space suits.

French Air Force neurosurgeon and pilot Valérie André broke all the rules—and saved hundreds of lives.