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 51 - 60 of 1759
October 10, 2024
During WWII one plane survived more missions than any other in Europe. Named 'Flak-Bait,' this medium bomber was saved from the scrap heap after the war and immediately donated to the Smithsonian. However, public display and outdated restoration techniques have taken a toll on the plane.
October 08, 2024
Humankind has known about them for thousands of years. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are all visible in the night sky with the unaided eye. As such, these planets have been known for thousands of years and there is no one person who can be credited with discovering these planets. These planets appear as bright objects that do not shimmer, like stars do.
September 27, 2024
The rocks on the surface of Mars are one of the main resources we have for learning about the Red Planet. How similar are the rocks on Earth compared to Mars? It turns out they are very similar, but Mars is missing a few.
September 26, 2024
What if there are intelligent lifeforms elsewhere in the universe? And what if all we need to do to find them is to listen to the right radio frequency at the right time?
September 23, 2024
Gemini’s paraglider wing.
September 23, 2024
Aviation archaeology is primarily the locating and documenting of old aircraft crash sites.
September 23, 2024
An Interview with Capt. Theresa Claiborne, the first African American woman pilot in the U.S. Air Force.
September 23, 2024
The National Air and Space Museum’s World War I: The Birth of Military Aviation gallery will highlight the war's central role in defining the nature of military aviation and the remarkable experiences of World War I aviators.
September 23, 2024
How the National Air and Space Museum acquired the Boeing 747 for America by Air exhibition.
September 23, 2024
Recent discoveries and news in aviation and space.