Air and Space Photos

Maj. Robert C. “Bob” Mikesh, United States Air Force (ret.), died in February 2022, less than two weeks short of his 94th birthday. Bob was a combat pilot, Smithsonian curator, accomplished author, and a builder of museum-quality aircraft models.

A set of prosthetic ear tips made for Leonard Nimoy to portray Mr. Spock in “Star Trek: The Original Series” have been donated to the Museum by his son Adam Nimoy.

Jackie Cochran’s record-setting T-38 Talon is now on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Discover the relationship shared between these two aviation icons.

With the most recent restoration efforts complete, Apollo 11 command module Columbia was carefully wrapped in multiple layers of protective cover as it prepared to leave the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center to journey home. Director Chris Browne reflects on transporting Columbia to the Museum on the National Mall.

"Thirty-six years flying fighters!” The Museum reflects on the life of one of the most highly regarded military pilots who passed away on July 24, 2021.

Earl Swift sought out the full story of the LRV’s origins, development, and traverses  in his new book “Across the Airless Wilds.” In this interview, he tells us he believes the LRV changed everything about the Apollo program.

The new Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air gallery is being carefully planned to provide a poignant and exciting perspective on World War II aviation for new audiences.

On May 5, 1961, a Redstone rocket hurled Alan Shepard’s Mercury capsule, Freedom 7, 116 miles high and 302 miles downrange from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Freedom 7 parachuted into the Atlantic just 15 minutes and 22 seconds later, after attaining a maximum velocity of 5,180 mph. Shepard, a Navy test pilot and NASA astronaut, became the first American to fly in space.

Ingenuity, the small, four-pound autonomous aircraft, will attempt the biggest of feats. The Wright brothers lifted their 1903 Flyer off the ground over a century ago and now the Mars Helicopter will attempt the same. Ginny is set to take off from the surface of the Red Planet no earlier than April 14.

The National Air and Space Museum marks an important milestone in its renovation project. Moving artifacts back into the west end of the Museum, which has been under renovation for two years.