Air & Space Magazine covers the magic of flight and the mystery of space. It’s published by The Smithsonian Institution, whose National Air and Space Museum is the single most popular museum in the world, so we can take you behind the scenes to explore the history, culture, and technology of flight in a way that no one else can. From Burt Rutan’s futuristic designs (37 planes and one spaceship) and what’s next for Mars to why the U-2 spy plane still flies, come and meet the people and celebrate the stories with us. This is a magazine for all who are curious about the great aerospace achievements of the past century and flight’s exciting future. It was created to delight readers with a wealth of detail about their favorite hobby. In more than 25 years of publishing, the magazine has built a reputation for excellence in part by reflecting the grand scope of the Museum, encompassing every era of aviation and space exploration. Your order includes an Air and Space Associate membership in the Smithsonian Institution. Member benefits include Air & Space Magazine, shopping discounts with Smithsonian, and more.

The Generation Ships • From the Director of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

Air & Space

LETTERS

LET US HEAR FROM YOU!

The Baby Boom Rolls Out

Blood and Medicine Delivered STAT • A drone that could deliver life-saving supplies passes a crucial test.

Voyager Enters Thick Space

CELEBRATING A LOCAL HERO

Born to Ballooning

Shh! Quiet Flight Zone

FAREWELL TO THE “QUEEN OF THE SKIES”

HOME IMPROVEMENT

How to Weave a Satellite

Christopher Goyne • Fascinated by hypersonic flight, this university professor has spent years studying exotic forms of propulsion.

Remember. Honor. Serve. • JUMPING INTO THE PAST WITH THE WORLD WAR II AIRBORNE DEMONSTRATION TEAM

MUSEUM EVENTS • Events hosted by the National Air and Space Museum December 2020-January 2021

THE SPACE FORCE TURNS ONE • THE NEWEST BRANCH OF THE U.S. ARMED SERVICES PITCHES ITS TENT ON A VAST BATTLEFIELD.

The Sentinels

America by Air • THE NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM TELLS THE EPIC STORY OF AIR TRAVEL.

Jack Northrop’s ‘Beautiful Ship’ • IN 1931, A SIX-PASSENGER AIRPLANE HINTED AT THE MANY AERONAUTICAL WONDERS TO COME.

The People Behind the Pilots • THE NEW AMERICA BY AIR GALLERY TELLS STORIES OF THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT THE AIRLINES. HERE ARE THE STORIES OF THE PEOPLE WHO KEEP THEM RUNNING TODAY.

A MORE SUPER SUPER HORNET • THE NAVY’S BOUNCER HAS BULKED UP.

The WEIRDEST OBJECTS in the UNIVERSE • WITH A NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA, SEEKERS FOR INTELLIGENT LIFE ASK ASTRONOMERS TO REEXAMINE THE SKY.

800 MPH IN A JET-POWERED CAR • BLOODHOUND LSR RIDES THE HIGHWAY TO THE DANGER ZONE.

SPACE • ACCORDING TO BILL INGALLS

THE MUSEUM THAT FELL FROM THE SKY • AN OHIO NATIVE PRESERVES THE STORY OF THE NAVY’S FIRST RIGID AIRSHIP.

Winter Takes Flight • THESE PILOTS KNOW BETTER THAN ANYONE HOW TO CHILL.

To Boldly Go • A science experiment shows Earthlings what it’s like to live on another planet.

Flying Tiger Ace

PREVIEW

CONTRIBUTORS

Baldwin “Red Devil” • DESCENDED FROM A GLENN CURTISS DESIGN, THIS SPEEDSTER HAD A SHORT RUN.