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.
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October 24, 2024
With the Wicked movie coming out this November, we thought we'd look back on all things flight in the land of Oz and tell you all about how those effects were made for the screen and the stage.
October 16, 2024
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is fortunate to care for and display examples of some of the most historically significant human spacecraft, from NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, Apollo capsules, to Space Shuttle Discovery and Scaled Composite’s SpaceShipOne. Soon, the Museum will welcome another important vehicle, which represents a new way of accessing space for non-professional astronauts.
October 12, 2024
Arthur Van Haren Jr. became one of the most decorated naval aviators to come from Arizona, and one of the most decorated Latino pilots of World War II. He embodied many Americans who entered the war with no previous military experience, yet through training, skills, and bravery, performed above what could have been imagined.
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 However, public display and outdated restoration techniques have taken a toll on the plane.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.