This fully illustrated guide to the world's most-visited aviation and space museum is both an indispensable companion for visitors and a detailed history in itself of humanity's quest for flight. The Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum maintains the world's largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft plus an amazing assortment of other historic objects. Many fascinating items from the twenty-three galleries and two off-site facilities—including the Wright Flyer, Chuck Yeager’s Bell X-1, and the spacesuits worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin—are presented here in 200 full-color photographs, accompanied by their equally intriguing stories.

The major milestones in flight history illustrated from the collection of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - includes glossary and illustrated explanations of concepts behind the technology.

Experience the thrill of flying some of the world's most important airplanes and spacecraft. Best of the National Air and Space Museum provides unprecedented access to the most popular museum in the world. The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum hosts an average of seven million visits every year. The Udvar-Hazy Center—three football fields long and ten stories high—receives more than one million visits annually. Best of the National Air and Space Museum features the best of both museums, from the Challenger space shuttle and the Wright flyer to the Spirit of St. Louis and the stealth bomber. Robert Van der Linden, curator of aeronautics, has selected the most important, popular, and just plain impressive aircraft and spacecraft from the collections of both museums to be showcased in this beautiful book. Each page spread includes intriguing facts of the item's design, use, mission, specifications, and dimensions. A must-have for space and aviation buffs.

Printed to coincide with a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition, "At the Controls" is a photographic look at the cockpits of 40 aircraft and five spacecraft of historical note. Full color. 30 archival images.

A guide to the world of flight documents the milestones in aviation history that changed the world, from the development of ballooning to the mission to Mars.

Features the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), part of the Smithsonian Institution. NASM is based in Washington, D.C. Highlights the hours of operation and a calendar of events. Includes a FAQ section and information on tours and exhibits. Contains press releases and information on the educational programs. Provides information on the collections and the fellowship program. Links to other space and air resources.