Publications
Our staff write books on a wide variety of aviation- and space-related topics, including our exhibitions; the collection; the history of science and technology; and planetary science.
Curators also edit other titles, from the Smithsonian History of Aviation and Spaceflight series to children's books on flight. In addition, Museum curators edit book series with Cambridge University Press (Cambridge Centennial of Flight series), Palgrave Macmillan (Palgrave Studies in the History of Science Technology), Texas A&M University Press (Centennial of Flight series), and the University of Missouri Press (Sports and American Culture).
You can explore more peer-reviewed articles, stories, and more with Smithsonian Research Online.
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Milestones of Flight: The Epic of Aviation with the National Air and Space Museum
From the moment the Wright Brothers first took flight in 1903 to the modern-day reliance on stealth aircraft and drones, there have been significant advances made in aviation. Milestones of Flight celebrates each era of advancements by showcasing the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's world-class aircraft collection.
Art of the Airport Tower
Art of the Airport Tower is a photographic journey to airports in the U.S. and around the world. This book, the companion volume to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum exhibition of the same name, explores 85 historic and contemporary airport towers through more than 100 fine art photographs by Carolyn Russo.
First Flight Around the World: The Adventures of the American Fliers Who Won the Race
First Flight Around the World documents the exciting journey of four American planes and their crews on a race around the world.
Virginia Aviation
This book depicts the rich technological heritage of Virginia, featuring 200 B&W images from local, state, and national archives—nearly all previously unpublished. Images of Aviation series.
Predator: The Secret Origins of the Drone Revolution
The untold story of the birth of the Predator drone, a wonder weapon that transformed the American military, reshaped modern warfare, and sparked a revolution in aviation. Author was NASM Verville Fellow.
America's Hangar: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Fourth Edition
Souvenir book for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center
X-15: The World's Fastest Rocket Plane and the Pilots Who Ushered in the Space Age
A concise, yet detailed, introduction to the X-15 that is definitive and beautifully illustrated.
Airlines of Asia since 1920
First published by Brassey's: Putnam Aeronautical; first American edition, 1997.
Airlines of the United States since 1914
Originally printed by Putnam, 1972; revised reprinting by Smithsonian Institution Press, 1982; reprinted Paladwr Press, 1998.
Airlines of Latin America since 1919
Originally published by Putnam, 1983; reprinted by Smithsonian Institution Press, 1984; reprinted by Paladwr Press, 1997.