This month, the Smithsonian has been highlighting moments of ingenuity—trendsetters, groundbreakers, and individuals whose work embodies the spirit of innovation. As part of the Smithsonian Ingenuity Festival (Nov. 1-Dec. 30), the National Air and Space Museum celebrated the next generation of space and aviation pioneers, and those in history who paved the way.

Miss all the fun? Catch-up on our discussion with Kepler project scientist Natalie Batalha, take a look at NASA’s X-57 all-electric aircraft, and explore moments of ingenuity from the Museum’s collections. 

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The Wrights launched the world's first flight of a powered heavier-than-air flying machine in 1903. This was the moment that made air transportation a reality. 

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The X-15 is the world’s fastest aircraft, reaching Mach 6 speeds. It gathered data that made human spaceflight possible.  

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The Lunar Module allowed humans to visit and return from the Moon. It was the last problem to solve to make us a Moon-faring nation. 

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The Telstar satellite broadcast the first transatlantic television transmission in 1962, launching the world into a new era of global communication. 

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The St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line offered the world’s first scheduled flights, serving as a building block for today’s airline industry. 

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GPS (Global Positioning System) was invented through a combination of efforts in the 1960s by the U.S. Government. Today, satellites circling the Earth help tell your smartphone know where you are. 

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Humans have lived on the International Space Station continuously since 2000. Inventions that keep astronauts alive on the ISS also helped us on Earth, like water filtration systems. 

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Bessie Coleman was the first African American, male or female, to earn a pilot’s license. 

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Wiley Post helped develop the world’s first pressure suit.

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Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr., the first African-American U.S. Air Force general officer and commander of the 99th squadron, the first all-black air unit.

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Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world.

Related Topics Aviation Spaceflight Technology and Engineering
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