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 371 - 380 of 1759

Chris Reddersen stands inside an aircraft's forward fuselage.

March 22, 2022

Forging Their Own Paths

Story | Air & Space Quarterly

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

Aerial View of dust cloud moving across the surface of Mars

March 22, 2022

Attack of The Martian Dust Storms

Story | Air & Space Quarterly

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.

Doctor Valerie Andre in front of her helicopter with jungle in background

March 22, 2022

“Mademoiselle Helicopter”

Story | Air & Space Quarterly

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

Rendering of people touring a gallery space with 8 to 10 exhibits.

March 22, 2022

How Things Fly

Story | Air & Space Quarterly

The Textron How Things Fly at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. will reimagine and expand the gallery that seeks to answer the singular question that underlies every single one of our artifacts: How do things fly?

Manufacturing Engineer with face shield holds a nozzle to make an aircraft part

March 22, 2022

You Do What?

Story | Air & Space Quarterly

Unusual careers in the aviation and space with behind-the-scenes jobs at the National Air and Space Museum.

Inverted Space Shuttle Discovery orbits Earth

March 22, 2022

In Her Own Orbit

Story | Air & Space Quarterly

Pamela Melroy, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, is now NASA’s deputy administrator. During her career as an Air Force pilot, Melroy logged more than 6,000 flight hours, serving in both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After NASA selected her as an astronaut candidate in 1994, she would be assigned to three space shuttle missions, and she is one of only two women to ever command a space shuttle. Melroy recently spoke about her long career in aerospace with Jennifer Levasseur, a curator in the National Air and Space Museum’s department of space history.

Rear view of vintage World War II navy fighter

March 22, 2022

The Avenger

Story | Air & Space Quarterly

Highlighting artifacts in storage. Grumman TBF-1 Avenger in Building 22 at Smithsonian Air and at Space Museum’s Paul E. Garber Facility in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland.

 Interior Chris Reddersen portrait in front of WW II bomber fuselage.

March 22, 2022

Dream Work

Story | Air & Space Quarterly

An interview with Chris Reddersen, a restoration specialist at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

US Air Force Major Robert C. Mikesh poses standing on access ladder of Martin B-57B Canberra

March 18, 2022

Robert C. “Bob” Mikesh

Story | Air and Space Photos

Maj. Robert C. “Bob” Mikesh, United States Air Force (ret.), died in February 2022, less than two weeks short of his 94th birthday. Bob was a combat pilot, Smithsonian curator, accomplished author, and a builder of museum-quality aircraft models.

Flag with blue bar on top and yellow bar on bottom

March 15, 2022

The Strength and Resolve of Ukraine | Сила та рішучість України

Story

The destruction of the An-225 is a loss to history—but a single airplane, no matter how important or impressive, seems trivial in the face of the threats Ukraine is facing and the losses its citizens are bearing. Acting director Chris Browne reflects on what this iconic aircraft meant to the Ukrainian people—and what it showed the world about their spirit and resolve.