America's Hangar

The National Air and Space Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, stands as a testament to humanity’s extraordinary journey from the early days of flight to the remarkable achievements of space exploration. The museum, which is now the most visited in the world, offers an immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to get up close to the objects that have defined our ability to soar through the skies and reach beyond Earth. In this captivating tour, Smithsonian Networks takes you on a journey through aviation history, placing you right in the cockpit, providing a unique and engaging perspective on the technological advancements that have shaped air and space travel.

From its humble beginnings, the museum has grown into a sprawling institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the artifacts and stories that chronicle the evolution of flight. The history of humanity’s struggle to leave the ground is vividly captured in the machines on display, which have made it possible for us to conquer the skies and explore the final frontier. The collection is rich and diverse, spanning the early attempts at flight, such as the Wright brothers’ first successful flight, to the cutting-edge technology used in modern spacecraft.

The HD cameras featured in the Smithsonian Networks’ tour offer an up-close view of the iconic objects housed within the museum. These cameras act as your eyes, transporting you into the heart of the story of aviation and space exploration. As you explore the museum’s exhibits, you will encounter an array of aircraft and spacecraft that represent the milestones of human achievement in these fields.

Among the highlights of the museum’s collection are the famous artifacts from the Cold War-era "space race," which saw the United States and the Soviet Union vying for supremacy in space exploration. Notable items include the Sputnik satellite, launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, which marked the beginning of the space age and ignited the competition that would lead to incredible advancements in space technology. Visitors can also see a replica of the Apollo 11 Command Module, the spacecraft that carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins on their historic journey to the Moon in 1969. These artifacts are not only symbols of technological triumph but also of the human spirit’s relentless drive to explore and discover the unknown.

The museum’s exhibits also highlight the innovative aircraft that have shaped aviation history. From the Wright brothers' 1903 Wright Flyer to the sleek, advanced aircraft of today, the museum showcases the evolution of flight through its extensive collection. Visitors can marvel at early aviation pioneers’ ingenuity and witness firsthand the incredible machines that enabled humans to take to the skies with increasing speed, precision, and safety.

As the most visited museum in the world, the National Air and Space Museum offers an unparalleled experience for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone fascinated by the wonders of human achievement. The artifacts on display serve as a reminder of how far we have come and how much further we may go in our quest to explore the skies and beyond. Whether you're drawn to the first flight, the space race, or the future of aerospace technology, the museum’s exhibits offer a comprehensive look at the history of human flight and space exploration. This tour allows visitors to appreciate the groundbreaking innovations that have shaped the past century of aviation and to look ahead to the exciting possibilities of the future.

Genre: Documentary

Cast: Terry MacDonald