All Stories

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is fortunate to care for and display examples of some of the most historically significant human spacecraft, from NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, Apollo capsules, to Space Shuttle Discovery and Scaled Composite’s SpaceShipOne. Soon, the Museum will welcome another important vehicle, which represents a new way of accessing space for non-professional astronauts.

Arthur Van Haren Jr. became one of the most decorated naval aviators to come from Arizona, and one of the most decorated Latino pilots of World War II.  He embodied many Americans who entered the war with no previous military experience, yet through training, skills, and bravery, performed above what could have been imagined.

During WWII one plane survived more missions than any other in Europe. Named 'Flak-Bait,' this medium bomber was saved from the scrap heap after the war and immediately donated to the Smithsonian. However, public display and outdated restoration techniques have taken a toll on the plane.

Humankind has known about them for thousands of years. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are all visible in the night sky with the unaided eye. As such, these planets have been known for thousands of years and there is no one person who can be credited with discovering these planets. These planets appear as bright objects that do not shimmer, like stars do. 

The rocks on the surface of Mars are one of the main resources we have for learning about the Red Planet. How similar are the rocks on Earth compared to Mars? It turns out they are very similar, but Mars is missing a few.

What if there are intelligent lifeforms elsewhere in the universe? And what if all we need to do to find them is to listen to the right radio frequency at the right time?

Gemini’s paraglider wing.

Aviation archaeology is primarily the locating and documenting of old aircraft crash sites.

An Interview with Capt. Theresa Claiborne, the first African American woman pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

The National Air and Space Museum’s World War I: The Birth of Military Aviation gallery will highlight the war's central role in defining the nature of military aviation and the remarkable experiences of World War I aviators.