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 1762

The USS America aircraft carrier at sea.

March 30, 2022

Life at Sea: The Thirty-Hour Day

Story

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.

Black and white grainy image of USS Langley

March 28, 2022

The 100th Anniversary of the USS Langley

Story

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

Astronaut standing on crocheted Moon holding Pride flag, with text next to it that says QueerSpace

March 24, 2022

QueerSpace: Becoming Light

Story | QueerSpace

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.

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.