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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The “ILLIAC IV” computer system at NASA Ames Research Center

May 11, 2018

The Real Technology Behind 2001’s HAL

Story

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, some reflections on the most famous character in the film: HAL, the on-board computer.

Purple and pink logo of AirSpace

May 10, 2018

AirSpace Ep.6:
Gastro-naut

Story | AirSpace Podcast

You’ve heard about a gastropub, but what about an astropub? Nobody becomes an astronaut for the food, but space cuisine has come a long way since the 1960s.

Image of the outside of the Museum's Design Hangar workshop.

May 09, 2018

Engineering Challenges in the AAR Design Hangar

Story

We explore the real-world engineering process in the Design Hangar at the Museum in Washington, DC. Now, you can try out our design challenges at home with just a few kitchen supplies. 

Two middle school science teachers explore a Moon phase activity during the STEM Institute for Educators at the Museum in 2016.

May 08, 2018

Astronauts Thank the Teachers Who Helped Them Soar

Story

NASA astronauts thank the educators who helped inspire them to achieve their dreams. 

Expedition 54 crewmembers watched The Last Jedi on a special screen in the Unity module in December 2017.

May 04, 2018

The Star Wars Galaxy in Real Space

Story

How fans celebrate the Star Wars galaxy, whether it's at the National Air and Space Museum or aboard the International Space Station. 

Ellen Stofan, then NASA Chief Scientist, speaking at the Engaging Women and Girls in STEM through Data Science event on Wednesday, June 15, 2016.

April 30, 2018

Meet Our New Director Ellen Stofan

Story

Get to know Ellen Stofan, the National Air and Space Museum’s next John and Adrienne Mars Director.

Staff and volunteers outside of the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory.

April 27, 2018

The Volunteer Stars of the Public Observatory

Story

As part of our celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we asked some of our volunteers to share their experience working with visitors at the Museum.

Jon and Patricia Sharp stand next to their plane, Nemesis.

April 25, 2018

The King and Queen of Speed's Life in the Fast Lane

Story

Meet Jon and Patricia Sharp, the husband and wife duo behind Nemesis Air Racing. 

Tom Jones with <i>2001 A Space Odyssey</i> on Space Shuttle <i>Atlantis</i>

April 24, 2018

2001: A Space Odyssey in Orbit

Story | Air and Space Photos

When my STS-98 crew launched into orbit on February 7, 2001—the first human space launch of the millennium—I marked the milestone by carrying with me two personal mementos of the landmark Stanly Kubrick science fiction film, 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Portrait of William Powell

April 19, 2018

An Aviation Pioneer's Life in Documents

Story | From the Archives

The personal papers of William J. Powell, an early African American aviation pioneer, highlight his career with the American Expeditionary Forces and his work to support African Americans in aviation.