Elevating Aerospace Education
By Megan Bevins
Photo by Smithsonian’ s National Air and Space Museum.
The Smithsonian’ s National Air and Space Museum has been promoting education in spaceflight and aviation since 1946. With its main facility in Washington, D. C., and a second location— the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center— in Chantilly, VA, its collection exceeds 78,000 artifacts spanning every era of air and space history.
With the rapid development of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence( AI) and robotics, the museum offers guests a chance to view real-world innovations first-hand. Jeremy Kinney, associate director for research, collections and curatorial affairs at the museum, says one example is Robonaut 2, displayed at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. This is a humanoid robot assistant that was stationed at the International Space Station from 2011 to 2018 and performed functions such as flipping switches and handling tools.
“ We are interested in learning how the museum community may use AI to shape how cultural institutions do their work in terms of collections care, exhibits and research,” Kinney says.
The new“ Futures in Space” exhibit will further explore these potential technological developments. Emily Margolis, Ph. D., curator of contemporary spaceflight, says“ Futures in Space” will include artifacts representing past and present activities in space as well as a forum for visitors to engage in conversations about current spaceflight. It will also host a stage for live programming and a presentation screen used to feature current news stories and stream launches and other space events.
“‘ Futures in Space’ will be an exciting new gallery poised to capture space history as it continues to unfold,” Margolis says.
The museum also began a multi-year renovation of its National Mall Building in 2018, with the first eight galleries opening in 2022. There will be five new galleries opening in July 2025, and the fully renovated building will open in July 2026.
For those who cannot make it to either location in person, the museum has many digitized options to expand its knowledge to as many visitors as possible.
“ While it is true the museum houses many one-of-a-kind historic and significant artifacts that are a must see, we know that presenting our key objects in digital form increases access and, with that, knowledge of aerospace history,” Kinney says.
Photo by Smithsonian’ s National Air and Space Museum.
To promote hands-on education, the museum hosts on-site and virtual learning programs. Kinney says one example is the Aviation Explorers camp, which allows 60 camp goers each summer to meet with experts, participate in design challenges and possibly fly with a certified flight instructor. The museum also hosts story-time presentations, videos and monthly air and space programs for families.
“ Futures in Space” will feature a mockup of the Blue Origin New Shepard crew capsule that Science Communicator Emily Calandrelli flew to space last November. Margolis says the museum will feature the work of numerous public figures like Calandrelli who have helped expand the knowledge of space exploration over seven decades.
“ We hope everyone will come to the National Air and Space Museum to make a personal connection to aerospace history,” she says.
Photo by Smithsonian’ s National Air and Space Museum.
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