The National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington, DC and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA display the world’s largest collection of aviation and space artifacts.
(40331)
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, is open. Free timed entry passes are required and can be reserved on our website: https://s.si.edu/2EvDzyhe. The Museum in DC is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum maintains the world's largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts, encompassing all aspects of human flight, as well as related works of art and archival materials. This page represents both the National Mall location in Washington D.C, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. Together, these facilities welcome more than eight million visitors a year, making it the most visited museum in the country. We encourage you to share your visits using #airandspace. Please feel free to share thoughts about our posts, ask us questions, or tell us about your visit.
Last call on #MarsHelicopter merch! Our Mars Ingenuity Collection pop-up ends TONIGHT. Don't miss your chance to celebrate Ingenuity with exclusive limited edition merch benefiting the Smithsonian: https://s.si.edu/370Gk8D
Last call on #MarsHelicopter merch! Our Mars Ingenuity Collection pop-up ends TONIGHT. Don't miss your chance to celebrate Ingenuity with exclusive limited edition merch benefiting the Smithsonian: https://s.si.edu/370Gk8D
It's more than just a shiny observatory. The Hubble Space Telescope forever changed how we understand the universe.
Today in 2009, Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on STS-125, which was the fifth and final Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission. The crew conducted five spacewalks, repaired two instruments on the telescope, and installed two new instruments. Their mission prolonged the life of Hubble and at the time, NASA believed it would work at least until 2014. Over 30 years after it’s initial launch, the telescope is still helping us discover more about the universe!
It's more than just a shiny observatory. The Hubble Space Telescope forever changed how we understand the universe.
Today in 2009, Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on STS-125, which was the fifth and final Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission. The crew conducted five spacewalks, repaired two instruments on the telescope, and installed two new instruments. Their mission prolonged the life of Hubble and at the time, NASA believed it would work at least until 2014. Over 30 years after it’s initial launch, the telescope is still helping us discover more about the universe!
On this day in 1967, pilot Bruce Peterson survived a crash of a M2-F2 lifting body (yes, this was the same M2-F2 crash from the intro to "The Six Million Dollar Man"). The M2-F2 was rebuilt as the M2-F3, which is in our collection: https://s.si.edu/3hdBTgr
Today we announced a $3 million dollar gift from Daniels Fund to the upcoming "Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air" gallery. The gift, made by Daniels Fund in honor of World War II veteran Bill Daniels, will support the Carrier War section of the exhibition. Discover what's in store for the new gallery: https://s.si.edu/3o59zOH
Today we announced a $3 million dollar gift from Daniels Fund to the upcoming "Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air" gallery. The gift, made by Daniels Fund in honor of World War II veteran Bill Daniels, will support the Carrier War section of the exhibition. Discover what's in store for the new gallery: https://s.si.edu/3o59zOH
Celebrate Mars helicopter Ingenuity in style! Only a few more days left to buy merch from our Mars Ingenuity Collection. Items are only available through Tuesday, May 11. Shop now: https://s.si.edu/370Gk8D
Happy Mother's Day!
Of the Wright brothers' parents, it was their mother Susan that had considerable mechanical aptitude. She encouraged her sons to explore their intellectual interests and curiosity — and gave them mechanical assistance and advice along the way: https://s.si.edu/2rfkaZU
Happy Mother's Day!
Of the Wright brothers' parents, it was their mother Susan that had considerable mechanical aptitude. She encouraged her sons to explore their intellectual interests and curiosity — and gave them mechanical assistance and advice along the way: https://s.si.edu/2rfkaZU
On this day in 1945, the Allies celebrated Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) after the surrender of N**i Germany. Explore the role aviation played in victory: https://s.si.edu/2YYvVGw
📷: Supermarine Spitfire, P-61 Black Widow, P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning
60 years ago today, President John F. Kennedy presented Alan Shepard with NASA's Distinguished Service Medal after his Mercury-Redstone 3 (MR-3) flight that made him the first American in space.
Trying to visit the Udvar-Hazy Center? As a reminder, free timed entry passes are required and must be reserved in advance. There are no more passes available for this weekend, but you can reserve passes for future visits now: https://s.si.edu/2EvDzyh
Trying to visit the Udvar-Hazy Center? As a reminder, free timed entry passes are required and must be reserved in advance. There are no more passes available for this weekend, but you can reserve passes for future visits now: https://s.si.edu/2EvDzyh
Tech Sgt. Ben Kuroki was the only Japanese American to serve in air combat in the Pacific and one of very few soldiers at all to have fought in both the European and Pacific theaters. We reflect on his service: s.si.edu/3cdSgEz
Tech Sgt. Ben Kuroki was the only Japanese American to serve in air combat in the Pacific and one of very few soldiers at all to have fought in both the European and Pacific theaters. We reflect on his service: s.si.edu/3cdSgEz
Today in 1992, Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on its first mission, STS-49—pictured here.
Authorized by Congress in August 1987 as a replacement for the orbiter Challenger, Endeavour arrived at Kennedy Space Center's shuttle landing facility on May 7, 1991, exactly one year before it launched.
Today in 1992, Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on its first mission, STS-49—pictured here.
Authorized by Congress in August 1987 as a replacement for the orbiter Challenger, Endeavour arrived at Kennedy Space Center's shuttle landing facility on May 7, 1991, exactly one year before it launched.
Did you know? There were many aerial firsts before the Wright brothers.
Today in 1896, Smithsonian Secretary Samuel Langley had his first genuine success when his Aerodrome No 5 made the first flight of an unpiloted, engine-driven, heavier-than-air craft of significant size. His successful flights of his model Aerodromes Number 5 and Number 6 led to plans to build a full-sized, human-carrying airplane. Unfortunately for Langley, the aerodynamics, structural design, and control system of the smaller aircraft were not adaptable to a full-sized version. His design would not work with a pilot on board.
Did you know? There were many aerial firsts before the Wright brothers.
Today in 1896, Smithsonian Secretary Samuel Langley had his first genuine success when his Aerodrome No 5 made the first flight of an unpiloted, engine-driven, heavier-than-air craft of significant size. His successful flights of his model Aerodromes Number 5 and Number 6 led to plans to build a full-sized, human-carrying airplane. Unfortunately for Langley, the aerodynamics, structural design, and control system of the smaller aircraft were not adaptable to a full-sized version. His design would not work with a pilot on board.
On May 5, 1961, Mercury “Freedom 7” capsule—pictured here and on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center—parachuted into the Atlantic, after attaining a maximum velocity of 5,180 mph. The feat made Alan Shepard, a Navy test pilot and NASA astronaut, only the second human to fly in space. His flight was an American triumph. Read the blog: https://s.si.edu/2Rqu646
60 years ago today, Alan Shepard became the first American in space when he launched on a suborbital mission aboard his Mercury "Freedom 7" spacecraft. The mission lasted 15 minutes and 22 seconds. More on Shepherd's history making flight: https://s.si.edu/3b17Zbp
60 years ago today, Alan Shepard became the first American in space when he launched on a suborbital mission aboard his Mercury "Freedom 7" spacecraft. The mission lasted 15 minutes and 22 seconds. More on Shepherd's history making flight: https://s.si.edu/3b17Zbp
Look what’s arrived in the shop for a tune up. 👀
This full-sized X-wing Starfighter was used in filming of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” flown by Oscar Isaac’s Poe Dameron. It is undergoing conservation in our Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar and will go on display at the Museum in DC in 2022. Learn more: https://s.si.edu/33blKjs #MayThe4thBeWithYou
Third time's a charm.
On this day in 1923, U.S. Army Air Service pilots Lt. John Macready and Lt. Oakley Kelly, on their third attempt to fly across the country nonstop in their Fokker T-2, successfully completed the first nonstop transcontinental flight: https://s.si.edu/2VUf5Ye
Third time's a charm.
On this day in 1923, U.S. Army Air Service pilots Lt. John Macready and Lt. Oakley Kelly, on their third attempt to fly across the country nonstop in their Fokker T-2, successfully completed the first nonstop transcontinental flight: https://s.si.edu/2VUf5Ye
🌸🌕 A brilliant image deserves a brilliant fact. April's full lunar phase occurred with the Moon near perigee. Perigee is the point in an orbit when an object orbiting the Earth is closest to the center of the Earth. (Image Credit: Alice Ross)
🌸🌕 A brilliant image deserves a brilliant fact. April's full lunar phase occurred with the Moon near perigee. Perigee is the point in an orbit when an object orbiting the Earth is closest to the center of the Earth. (Image Credit: Alice Ross)
Space Shuttle Constitution does have a certain ring to it.
Today in 1979, Space Shuttle Orbiter Enterprise was rolled out from Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39 at @NASAKennedy. It was originally going to be named Constitution in celebration of the U.S. Constitution's Bicentennial. But that changed when #StarTrek fans urged the White House to name the shuttle Enterprise. 🖖
Space Shuttle Constitution does have a certain ring to it.
Today in 1979, Space Shuttle Orbiter Enterprise was rolled out from Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39 at @NASAKennedy. It was originally going to be named Constitution in celebration of the U.S. Constitution's Bicentennial. But that changed when #StarTrek fans urged the White House to name the shuttle Enterprise. 🖖
20 years ago this week, in 2001, Dennis Tito became the first space tourist when he launched aboard Soyuz TM-32 to the ISS. Tito paid the Russians a reported $20 million for the adventure and wore this Sokol KV-2 spacesuit.
20 years ago this week, in 2001, Dennis Tito became the first space tourist when he launched aboard Soyuz TM-32 to the ISS. Tito paid the Russians a reported $20 million for the adventure and wore this Sokol KV-2 spacesuit.
Today in 1954, test pilot James F. "Skeets" Coleman made the first tethered flight in the Convair XFY-1 Pogo, a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft: s.si.edu/31aXLPY #IdeasThatDefy
Today in 1954, test pilot James F. "Skeets" Coleman made the first tethered flight in the Convair XFY-1 Pogo, a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft: s.si.edu/31aXLPY #IdeasThatDefy
"As an astronaut, Michael Collins had occasion to look out at both the Moon and Earth, and know that all of humankind and all its history was in his forward field of view. As we move on without Mike, better for having known him, the future is in our forward view and it’s our turn to carry the fire."
Read a reflection from our director on the life and legacy of Michael Collins: https://s.si.edu/2QDW9wY
"As an astronaut, Michael Collins had occasion to look out at both the Moon and Earth, and know that all of humankind and all its history was in his forward field of view. As we move on without Mike, better for having known him, the future is in our forward view and it’s our turn to carry the fire."
Read a reflection from our director on the life and legacy of Michael Collins: https://s.si.edu/2QDW9wY
We mourn the passing and celebrate the life of our former director and astronaut Michael Collins. His vision and extraordinary achievements helped define our museum, and his wit, warmth, and wisdom will always be a part of our work.
We mourn the passing and celebrate the life of our former director and astronaut Michael Collins. His vision and extraordinary achievements helped define our museum, and his wit, warmth, and wisdom will always be a part of our work.
Sixty years ago, Alan Shepard became the first American to venture into space. Since that time humans have walked on the Moon, flown over one hundred space shuttle missions, and taken the first commercial spaceflights. As NASA prepares to put the first woman and next man on the Moon, learn about the history of American spaceflight and get your questions answered by our panel of experts, including former NASA astronaut Mike Mullane; his son and author Patrick Mullane; and acting NASA historian Brian Odom.
Can't use Facebook in your classroom? You can watch the live chat on our website: https://airandspace.si.edu/events/60-years-american-human-spaceflight
Today in 1972, the Apollo 16 splashed down in the Pacific after a successful lunar landing mission. All three of the main parachutes successfully deployed to slow the spacecraft's rate of descent for a safe water landing. Once landed, the crew was picked up by a helicopter from the prime recovery ship USS Ticonderoga.
Today in 1972, the Apollo 16 splashed down in the Pacific after a successful lunar landing mission. All three of the main parachutes successfully deployed to slow the spacecraft's rate of descent for a safe water landing. Once landed, the crew was picked up by a helicopter from the prime recovery ship USS Ticonderoga.
In April 1964, Geraldine Mock became the first woman to pilot an aircraft around the world in her Cessna 180 "Spirit of Columbus." The Cessna, which is in our collection, was modified for long-distance flight by installing a new 225 hp engine, autopilot, a new compass, two extra fuel tanks in place of passenger seats, and other modifications. Learn more: https://s.si.edu/3x5cMBV #AirSpacePhoto
In April 1964, Geraldine Mock became the first woman to pilot an aircraft around the world in her Cessna 180 "Spirit of Columbus." The Cessna, which is in our collection, was modified for long-distance flight by installing a new 225 hp engine, autopilot, a new compass, two extra fuel tanks in place of passenger seats, and other modifications. Learn more: https://s.si.edu/3x5cMBV #AirSpacePhoto
Today in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was placed in orbit from Space Shuttle Discovery, the day after it launched. This image was captured at the moment of release from the Shuttle.
Today in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was placed in orbit from Space Shuttle Discovery, the day after it launched. This image was captured at the moment of release from the Shuttle.
On this day in 1990, Space Shuttle Discovery launched on STS-31 with the Hubble Space Telescope as cargo. That’s a pretty important payload, wouldn’t you say?
On this day in 1990, Space Shuttle Discovery launched on STS-31 with the Hubble Space Telescope as cargo. That’s a pretty important payload, wouldn’t you say?
“Fly me to the moon. Let me play among the stars. Let me see what spring is like on A-Jupiter and Mars.”
We can’t help but think of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” with this concept art by Rick Guidice showing Pioneer 10 crossing the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars. Pioneer 10 was NASA’s first mission to the outer planets. The mission launched in March 1972 and was an impressive success, completing a number of firsts.
“Fly me to the moon. Let me play among the stars. Let me see what spring is like on A-Jupiter and Mars.”
We can’t help but think of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” with this concept art by Rick Guidice showing Pioneer 10 crossing the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars. Pioneer 10 was NASA’s first mission to the outer planets. The mission launched in March 1972 and was an impressive success, completing a number of firsts.
We are excited to announce that our Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, will reopen Wednesday, May 5. All visitors must have a free timed entry pass and face coverings will be required. Learn more about our safety measures and request your pass: https://s.si.edu/2EvDzyh
Our location in Washington, DC, will remain closed.
We are excited to announce that our Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, will reopen Wednesday, May 5. All visitors must have a free timed entry pass and face coverings will be required. Learn more about our safety measures and request your pass: https://s.si.edu/2EvDzyh
Our location in Washington, DC, will remain closed.
Independence Ave At 6th St, SW
Washington D.C., DC
20560
Metrorail/Metrobus (www.wmata.com) and DC Circulator (www.dccirculator.com) stops are located near the Museum. Metrorail: The Museum is located two blocks from the L'Enfant Plaza Metrorail station (Blue/Orange and Yellow/Green lines). Metrobus stops at the Independence Avenue entrance of the Museum. DC Circulator stops on the 7th Avenue side of the Museum.
Welcome to our page! Please feel free to share thoughts about our posts, ask us questions, or tell us about your visit. We hope you’ll contribute to this interactive forum and to our ongoing conversation about the work we do to further the Smithsonian's mission to increase and diffuse knowledge. While on-topic discussion is encouraged, we ask that you express yourself in a civil manner and treat other users with respect. The Smithsonian also monitors and may remove posts consistent with its terms of use, as described at http://si.edu/Termsofuse#user-gen. For our Privacy Policy: http://www.si.edu/Privacy
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution:
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is scheduled to touch down on the asteroid Bennu on October 20, 2020, for its first sample collection attempt. To kick off the second season of #EZScience, director Dr. Ellen Stofan and NASA associate administrator for science Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen discuss this exciting and innovative mission to return samples from an asteroid to Earth and the scientific opportunities it opens up.
Today, we remember those lost on September 11. On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four airliners and flew two into the World Trade Center (American Airlines 11 and United Airlines 175) and one into the Pentagon (American Airlines 77). A fourth (United Airlines 93) crashed in rural Pennsylvania. Following the attacks, the FAA closed US airspace for the first time in history. In just a matter of hours, all commercial air traffic was grounded. This video shows the rapid grounding of air traffic across the U.S., and redirection of incoming international traffic.
STEM in 30, our webcast series for middle school students, just launched a new season! The first episode focuses on World War II, victory of Japan, and the Pacific theater! Watch now for more how you can learn about World War II with museums and resources near you.
Mars rover Perseverance is ready to launch to Mars! In this “On the Go” episode of #EZScience, our director Ellen Stofan catches up with NASA's Thomas Zurbuchen, who's at Kennedy Space Center with the rocket that will take the Perseverance rover and the Ingenuity helicopter to Mars.
On Thursday, NASA's newest rover Perseverance will launch to Mars. Once there, it will look for signs of ancient life on the Red Planet. In the latest episode of #EZScience, Museum director Ellen Stofan and NASA's Thomas Zurbuchen talk about the science of the Perseverance mission.
NASA's latest Mars rover was named through an essay contest for K-12 students, and seventh grader Alex Mather's suggestion Perseverance won. In this video, student reporter @Jaden Jefferson interviews Alex about his role naming NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover and what inspired him to choose that name.
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum maintains the world's largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts, encompassing all aspects of human flight, as well as related works of art and archival materials. This page represents both the National Mall location in Washington D.C, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. Together, these facilities welcome more than eight million visitors a year, making it the most visited museum in the country. We encourage you to share your visits using #airandspace. Please feel free to share thoughts about our posts, ask us questions, or tell us about your visit.
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Capital Gallery, 600 Maryland Ave SW, Suite 3000Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives, Smithsonian
600 Maryland Ave SWSmithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
600 Maryland Ave SW
Smithsonian Libraries and Archives
10 St at Constitution Ave, NW
U.S. Capitol Historical Society Gift Shop
200 Maryland ave 4th Floor
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fu
444 E St NW
Air Force Historical Studies Office
Joint Base Anacostia Bolling, Bldg 94
Luce Foundation Center for American Art
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F Streets, NW