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.
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The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, is open and required timed tickets. The museum's location in Washington, DC, is temporarily closed. 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.
On December 1, 2020, the instrument platform at the Arecibo Observatory collapsed following extensive damage to the telescope. Arecibo is incredibly important to the science community in Puerto Rico. In a new blog, four Puerto Rican scientists share their reflections on Arecibo, its importance to PR, and its legacy: https://s.si.edu/37a6Bld
Moments after ignition on December 12, 1965, one of Gemini VI's engines suddenly shut down. Astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford waited tensely in the cockpit for a plan to get them out of the life threatening situation. Read about it in a new blog: https://s.si.edu/3qR2geM
Before the Apollo 17 astronauts' second EVA, they had to create a replacement fender for the Lunar Roving Vehicle, using only materials they had with them on the Moon. Luckily, they had brought duct tape along. Read more on our blog: https://s.si.edu/2OfkBld
Apollo 17 landed on the Moon today in 1972. It was the last crewed lunar mission to have done so and the third Apollo mission with a lunar roving vehicle (LRV). The astronauts on this mission traversed the greatest distance in comparison to the previous Apollo missions.
These images show an Apollo 17 astronaut on an LRV and a map of the full traverse.
On this day in 1954, the Sonic Wind No. 1 rocket sled let loose 40,000 pounds of thrust and propelled United States Air Force flight surgeon Colonel John Stapp more than 3,000 feet in a few seconds. Although bruised and badly shaken, Colonel Stapp survived without permanent injury and walked away with the world land speed record, 632 miles per hour. Learn more: https://s.si.edu/2W1QRdy
Earth is just about the perfect environment for fostering life. But is it possible that we could find signs of life — or even potentially habitability — on other worlds in our solar system? This illustration breaks it all down. Learn more: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/news/1665/life-in-our-solar-system-meet-the-neighbors/
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Lizbeth B. De La Torre
For 75 years, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have been wowing crowds around the world. Their amazing flight demonstrations showcase the professionalism, excellence, and teamwork found throughout the armed forces. Join members of the Blue Angels as they answer your questions of Facebook Live.
Tune in December 10 at 1 pm ET on Facebook Live by going to the National Air and Space Museum or STEM in 30 pages, or at http://facebook.com/airandspace/live.
This live chat is part of the Museum's STEM in 30 program for middle school students. Watch the latest episode "The Need for Speed: TOPGUN and Naval Aviation" here: https://s.si.edu/36NkPXV
Can't use Facebook in your classroom? You can watch the live chat on our website: https://s.si.edu/3lCcbko
One of the greatest pilots of the Greatest Generation passed away yesterday. We reflect on the life and legacy of World War II ace and famed test pilot Chuck Yeager in a new blog: https://s.si.edu/36YgWAJ
The story of the Tuskegee Airmen is linked directly to the life and career of Tuskegee Airman General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Davis led the 99th and later the 332nd Fighter Group in Europe during World War II. His inspired and disciplined leadership played a major role in the Tuskegee Airmen's success, and he earned a number of honors during his lifetime. Today in 1998, he received his fourth star from President Bill Clinton.
We mourn the passing and celebrate the life and legacy of a pilot who truly had the right stuff, General Chuck Yeager. In 1947, Yeager broke the sound barrier and proved that we can always keep pushing further and faster.
On this day in 1972, Gene Cernan, Ron Evans, and Harrison Schmitt launched on Apollo 17, the last lunar landing mission of the Apollo program. Learn more about the mission: https://s.si.edu/2BLgAPi
Today in 1941, carrier-based Japanese aircraft staged a surprise attack on the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The next day, the United States officially entered World War II. The only aircraft in our collection that survived Pearl Harbor is the Sikorsky JRS-1. The JRS-1 is one of only three airplanes still in existence that were at Pearl Harbor during the attack. Learn more on our blog: https://s.si.edu/2i1uFfg
Before Discovery, there was Enterprise. The Space Shuttle Discovery is a defining item at the museum, but it is not the only space shuttle to have made its home at the National Air and Space Museum. Space Shuttle Enterprise, the first space shuttle orbiter ever built, was once displayed where Discovery is today. On this day in 1985, NASA transferred the title of Space Shuttle Enterprise to the museum. It went on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center in 2003 and stayed there until April 2012, when Enterprise was transferred to The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. That’s also when we welcomed a new celebrity: Space Shuttle Discovery.
When Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on this day in 2001, it had important cargo on board. Because it would be in space during the 3-month anniversary of the September 11th attacks, a number of items were flown to honor the heroes and victims of that day. This included 6,000 small United States flags that would be distributed to heroes and families of the victims of the attacks after the shuttle returned to Earth; a U.S. flag that was found at the World Trade Center site after the attacks; a U.S. flag that had flown above the Pennsylvania state capitol; a U.S. Marine Corps Colors flag from the Pentagon; a New York Fire Department flag; and a poster that included photographs of firefighters lost in the attacks.
Today in 1996, Mars Pathfinder launched. When it landed on the Red Planet seven months later, it became the first spacecraft since Viking in 1976 to land on the surface of Mars.
Image: Mars Pathfinder Lander and Sojourner Rover from our collection: https://s.si.edu/2iMHfDN
On this day in 1973, Pioneer 10 became the first spacecraft to fly by Jupiter: https://s.si.edu/2iFh0zc
📸: Artist rendering of Pioneer at Jupiter
Join us for a live discussion with astronaut Victor Glover, who is currently orbiting 200 miles above us on the International Space Station. In a live downlink from the ISS, Glover will discuss his experience as an astronaut, the importance of the ISS, and so much more!
This program is part of a collaboration between the Smithsonian and Victor Glover to celebrate his historic first trip to the ISS. When Glover arrived at the ISS as part of the SpaceX Crew-1 launch, he became the first Black astronaut to live on board the space station as part of a long-term mission. Learn more about the collaboration: https://s.si.edu/3pq8WzC
The first servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope was launched today in 1993, as Space Shuttle Endeavour took-off on STS-61.
This image shows astronaut Kathryn C. Thornton at work during the fourth extravehicular activity of the eleven-day mission.
Our educational programs, digital content, and exciting exploration of aviation and space history is made possible by generous supporters like you. This #GivingTuesday, consider a gift to the Museum to help us reach further than ever before: https://s.si.edu/2KQQXPJ
Join us for a live discussion with astronaut Victor Glover, who is currently orbiting 200 miles above us on the International Space Station. In a live downlink from the ISS, Glover will discuss his experience as an astronaut, the importance of the ISS, and so much more!
This program is part of a collaboration between the Smithsonian and Victor Glover to celebrate his historic first trip to the ISS. When Glover arrived at the ISS as part of the SpaceX Crew-1 launch, he became the first Black astronaut to live on board the space station as part of a long-term mission. Learn more about the collaboration: https://s.si.edu/3pq8WzC
On this day in 1954, an Alabama woman, asleep on her couch, was hit by an 8.5 lb meteorite in the first modern case of a meteorite striking a human. (She was bruised, but ok.)
Today in 1988, this McDonnell F-4S Phantom II arrived at Dulles International Airport to join our collection. When assigned to the Marine Corps, the aircraft (then F-4J) was extensively modernized and designated an F-4S. More on its history: https://s.si.edu/2fI8hEx
Throughout history, aviation has been shaped by daring Native American women who were pioneers in flight and innovation. Here’s a review of a few of their groundbreaking stories we’ve highlighted throughout #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth: https://s.si.edu/2mZLj4J
This is the Pitcairn PA-5 Mailwing, a trim, fighterlike, open-cockpit biplane developed for use in airmail in the late 1920s. Today in 1927, it was first used by Texas Air Transport on Contract Air Mail Route 21. Learn more: https://s.si.edu/2HIXIFv #AirSpacePhoto
On this day in 2011, the @MarsCuriosity rover launched on board a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on its 8 month journey to the Red Planet. It landed in August 2012 and has been exploring the surface of Mars ever since: https://s.si.edu/2KVHrLz
Happy Thanksgiving from the National Air and Space Museum!
📷: Chromolithographic postcard c.1910 (National Air and Space Museum Archives)
50 years ago today, the M2-F3 made its first powered flight. But how did it become the F3? After the M2-F2 was severely damaged upon landing on its 16th flight (as seen in the iconic opening of the Six Million Dollar Man), it was rebuilt and redesignated the M2-F3. NASA pilots said the M2-F2 had lateral control problems that led to the crash, even though it had a stability augmentation control system. The M2-F3 was modified with an additional third vertical fin - centered between the tip fins - to improve control characteristics: https://s.si.edu/2r3Cjtq
A moment on the Moon, complete with a lunar lander, an astronaut shadow, and a lens flare. Did you know Apollo astronauts took photo panoramas? Here's a digitally stitched image of the Apollo 12 landing site, via NASA and USGS: https://s.si.edu/2zoJx0L
Our first U.S. Navy Blue Angels aircraft has joined the Air and Space collection. Hear from the pilot who flew the F/A-18C Hornet on its final flight to the Udvar-Hazy Center, Museum deputy director and naval aviator Chris Browne, and curator of U.S. Navy history Laurence Burke on this exciting new member of our collection.
On this day in 2002, John Herrington launched on STS-113 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. A member of Chickasaw Nation, he was the first enrolled member of a Native American tribe in space and took with him a flag, a traditional flute, and other items to honor his heritage. More from NASA: https://s.si.edu/2KLrNlS #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth
On this day in 1989, Frederick D. Gregory became the first African American shuttle commander on STS-33 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. This photo is from a later spaceflight (STS-44, which he also commanded.)
On this day in 1783, the first human beings to take to the air in free flight did so aboard a Montgolfier balloon from the garden of the Chateau de la Muette. It began a phenomenon known as Balloonamania: https://s.si.edu/2HjSAY4 #IdeasThatDefy
On this day in 2013, astronaut Sally Ride was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Dr. Ride was the first American woman in space and was passionate about STEM education and gender equality. After her time with NASA, she built a career in science and math education, founded a company dedicated to young learners, and wrote various children’s books about space. Learn more on our blog: https://s.si.edu/2m3X9t0
The Hubble Space Telescope. The Hubble Constant. The Hubble tuning fork diagram. Have you ever wondered, who’s this Hubble person anyway?
Born on this day in 1889, Edwin Hubble was a leading astronomer in the 20th century. His achievements include discovering that galaxies exist beyond the Milky Way galaxy, like the Andromeda Galaxy. He also published data in 1929 that helped convince the scientific community that the universe expands uniformly. His astounding career changed the way we view the universe and our place in it, and his spirit of discovery can be seen in his famous quote: “...man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science.” 🔭🌌⭐ #HappyBirthday Hubble! (📷: The Franklin Institute)
Closure Notice: Due to rising regional and national cases related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and all other Smithsonian museum will temporarily close to the public starting Monday, November 23. The Museum in DC had not yet reopened and remains closed. We are not announcing a reopening date at this time. While we are closed, you can always experience the museum online through Air and Space Anywhere: airandspace.si.edu/anywhere.
Independence Ave At 6th St, SW
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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.
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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.
This week, scientists announced that they have detected phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus. On Earth, that gas is produced by microbial life. While we don’t know what is causing its presence on Venus, life may not be required to explain its presence. Join us as we discuss this discovery with Dr. Sukrit Ranjan, one of the co-authors of the paper. This live chat is part of our What's New in Aerospace series and is made possible by the support of Boeing.
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.
On July 23, 1999, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory was placed in orbit by Space Shuttle Columbia STS-93. Chandra is a telescope designed to detect X-ray emission from very hot regions of the universe like exploded stars, clusters of galaxies, and matter around black holes. Join us for an an Air and Space Live Chat featuring astronaut Eileen Collins, who was commander of STS-93, and scientists who work with Chandra data.
What's special about the Mars 2020 rover Perseverance? Well for starters, it has a helicopter! In the latest episode of #EZScience, Dr. E and Dr. Z talk about the technological advancements of the newest Mars rover. ABOUT THE SERIES: In our #EZScience video series with the National Air and Space Museum, NASA's associate administrator for science Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen and Museum director Dr. Ellen Stofan talk about the latest in planetary science and exploration.
NASA's latest Mars rover, Perseverance, is scheduled to launch this summer. Join us for an Air and Space Live Chat about Mars exploration and this exciting new mission. Bring your questions for NASA JPL engineers Kobie Boykins and Christina Hernández, and Museum curator Matthew Shindell.
The history of exploration can't be viewed without looking at social, political and historical events that were happening at the same time. We're launching a conversation, and we want you to be part of it. Learn more and share your memories: https://s.si.edu/2BDLUB8
Join us for an Air and Space Live Chat about space junk — the thousands of human-made objects cluttering up Earth orbit. We'll be joined by Moriba Jah, an aerospace engineer with a specialty in space object detection, tracking, identification, and characterization. Bring your questions about orbital debris and what we can do about it.
Join us for an Air and Space Live Chat about how scientists at the Smithsonian explore the solar system. Planetary scientists Sharon Wilson Purdy, Mariah Baker and Emily Martin from our Center for Earth and Planetary Studies will answer your questions about their research on Mars and the icy moons of our solar system.
In 2018, Southwest pilot Tammie Jo Shults made a one-engine emergency landing after the aircraft she was piloting suffered a blown engine. In this Air and Space Live Chat, Shults and museum curator Dorothy Cochrane will discuss that day, the history of women pilots and the challenges they faced, and what kind of training it takes to have nerves of steel. *Note: This week's live chat will take place at 3:30 pm.
Join us for an Air and Space Live Chat featuring inspiring pilots to talk about their path to aviation and their passion for flight: Shaesta Waiz, a pilot and founder of Dreams Soar, who became the youngest woman to circumnavigate the globe solo in a single-engine aircraft in 2017, inspiring girls and boys to pursue STEM fields and aviation careers along the way, and Maj. Kristofer W. Duckett, an Active Duty pilot in the US Air Force, who belongs to the selective group of pilots who have flown the U-2 spy plane. Watch on Facebook Live on the National Air and Space Museum and STEM in 30 pages.
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 SWArmy Medical Museum and Library
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Building, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 13th St. and Fern Pl.Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Independence Avenue at Seventh Street, SWMitsitam Cafe at the National Museum of the A
4th St & Independence Ave SW
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
600 Maryland Ave SW
Warner Theatre (Washington, D.C.)
513 13th St NW
