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 641 - 650 of 1765

Men and women walk down steps

June 02, 2020

The Challenge Before Us: A Historical Reflection on 1969 and 2020

Story

On the same day that a commercially-built spacecraft docked with the ISS for the first time, cities across this nation experienced widespread protests sparked by profound racial disparities. The confluence of events drew comparisons to 1968 and 1969, when successful flights to the Moon occurred in the midst of a similarly fraught moment. Curator Margaret Weitekamp reflects.

flag on wall on space station

May 27, 2020

Launching Astronauts from American Soil: Why is it Important?

Story

Curator Margaret Weitekamp reflects on the return of human spaceflight from US soil, and the implications of that capability.

two astronauts in white spacesuits walk down hallway

May 27, 2020

SpaceX Dragon Launch and Entry Suits

Story

Spacesuit curator Cathleen Lewis explores what we know — and don't know — about SpaceX's Crew Dragon launch and entry suits.

spacecraft in front of American flag

May 26, 2020

Redefining How NASA Gets into Space

Story

On the eve of SpaceX's first Crew Dragon launch, space history curator Jennifer Levasseur examines how NASA's relationship with the contractors that build its spacecraft has changed since the first days of human spaceflight. 

AirSpace, a podcast, logo

May 26, 2020

AirSpace Movie Club
Snowpiercer

Story | AirSpace Podcast

In this addition of our at-home movie club, we explore the world of the sci-fi thriller Snowpiercer.

falcon 9 rocket

May 22, 2020

Launch Complex 39: From Saturn to Shuttle to SpaceX and SLS

Story

Space history curator Michael Neufeld explores the history of Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39, which has seen launches of the Apollo program and Space Shuttle, and will see the return of crewed launches from American soil in May 2020.

Three women in front of aircraft

May 20, 2020

Flying on the Homefront: Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)

Story | 75th Anniversary of World War II

Aeronautics curator Dorothy Cochrane explores the history of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and their fight for recognition for their contributions to World War II.

AirSpace, a podcast, logo

May 12, 2020

AirSpace Movie Club
Superman: The Movie

Story | AirSpace Podcast

Our at home movie mini series continues! Emily, Matt and Nick talk about the Man of Steel in his appearance in this 1978 classic.

Waco GC-4A glider

May 08, 2020

Fighting Gliders of World War II

Story | 75th Anniversary of World War II

Curator Russell Lee explores a lesser-known form of World War II aviation: the fighting glider.

crashed Junkers Ju 88

May 08, 2020

Last American Aerial Victory in Europe

Story | 75th Anniversary of World War II

For the 75th anniversary of VE Day, curator Christopher Moore shares the story of the last American World War II aerial victory in Europe.