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View of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center tower at sunset

One museum, two locations

Visit us in Washington, DC and Chantilly, VA to explore hundreds of the world’s most significant objects in aviation and space history. Free timed-entry passes are required for the Museum in DC.

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Apollo 11: Buzz Aldrin on the Moon

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space shuttle launch

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Women in Aviation and Space Family Day

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Bob Hoover Gives an Air Show Performance

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ISS Science

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  2. ISS Science

Showing 1 - 10 of 13

Astronaut in the International Space Station

Story

How Astronauts Return to Earth

Posted on Dec 12, 2017

If you were freefalling back to Earth from space, would you want to rely on a couple of parachutes and some rockets to protect you from crashing? As crazy as it sounds, that is what allows astronauts aboard the Russian Soyuz capsules to safely return to Earth.

A photo of an aurora over Scotland taken by NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik aboard the International Space Station.

Story

Photos from the ISS

Posted on Dec 04, 2017

Did you know that some of the coolest photos of Earth from space were not actually taken by satellites? Many were taken by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In fact, part of the astronaut training program focuses on how to take photos in space.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams exercising on a treadmill aboard the International Space Station, 2012.

Story

Staying in Shape in Space

Posted on Nov 21, 2017

Just like athletes everywhere, astronauts have to keep in shape both on Earth and in space. Due to the lack of gravity in space, astronauts experience a decrease in muscle mass and bone density. 

Astronaut in space.

Story

Microgravity Science Experiments

Posted on Nov 14, 2017

Just like you conduct experiments in your science class, astronauts do experiments while in space. The microgravity of space allows astronauts to carry out experiments that would not be possible in the gravity of Earth. There are more than 300 experiments currently happening aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The STS-130 Patch

Story

The Meaning of Mission Patches

Posted on Nov 07, 2017

When you think of an astronaut’s job description, art design may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the astronaut crews on each mission are in charge of designing their team's mission patch. 

STS-130 EVA - International Space Station Cupola

Story

Astronaut Lingo: What Is "Puffy Head Bird Legs?"

Posted on Oct 23, 2017

Have you ever hung upside down for a little while? Remember how it felt to have all the blood rush to your head? When astronauts get to space, they experience a very similar sensation, which they nickname "puffy head bird legs."

STS-130 EVA - International Space Station Cupola

Story

“Taternauts” and Spacesuits: How Astronauts Stay Safe in Space

Posted on Oct 05, 2017

The spacesuits that astronauts wear act as their own personal spacerafts--regulating their temperatures, and made to protect them from micrometeorites while outside of the International Space Station. Join the STEM in 30 team as they create their own "space suits" for some astronaut "Taternauts." 

STS-130 EVA - International Space Station Cupola

Story

How Extreme Temperatures Affect Spacewalks

Posted on Oct 03, 2017

In the latest episode of ISS Science, Astronaut Randy Bresnik explains some of the challenges astronauts face during spacewalks including extreme temperatures. Then, we stimulate the effects of extreme temperatures on metals here on Earth.

The International Space Station (ISS)

Story

The Challenge of Communication in Space

Posted on Sep 26, 2017

Communication is vitally important to astronauts while they are in space. Explore how experts communicate with the astronauts aboard the International Space Station in this week's STEM in 30.

Selfie taken with two people.

Story

Astronaut Shares How to Get to Space

Posted on Sep 12, 2017

Can you imagine your teacher being chosen to be a NASA astronaut? Students in Joe Acaba’s secondary math and science classes in Florida can. Acaba was one of 11 candidates selected for the 2004 astronaut class. The process to become an astronaut is one of the most competitive and highly selective processes in the world. Do you think you have what it takes?

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National Air and Space Museum

6th St. and Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20560

202-633-2214

Open daily
10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Free Timed-Entry Passes
Required

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, VA 20151

703-572-4118

Open daily
10:00 am - 5:30 pm
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