Topic: Air and Space Museum (DC): Milestones of Flight
sev8n Member
Posts: 234 From: Dallas TX USA Registered: Jul 2012
posted 09-19-2014 02:41 PM
quote:Originally posted by Hart Sastrowardoyo: Well, the fictional starship Enterprise led to the first shuttle being named Enterprise. So one could argue that the model does have a place in the Smithsonian.
The Star Trek starship was named after a long line of US Navy ships. Does that mean we should expect an aircraft carrier in the Smithsonian's Milestone of Flight?
Hart Sastrowardoyo Member
Posts: 3445 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
posted 09-19-2014 05:40 PM
Not any more than the sailing ships named Columbia, Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour should be in the Smithsonian.
The starship Enterprise is unique, however, in that fans of the show in which it appeared caused the name of OV-101 to be changed. Long before iPhones and Twitter and Facebook, it was perhaps the first "big" public involvement in the US space program.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-16-2015 12:38 PM
National Air and Space Museum release
National Air and Space Museum Lowers "Spirit of St. Louis" to Ground Level
Premier Artifact Remaining on View During Conservation
For the first time in more than 20 years, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has lowered Charles Lindbergh's Ryan NYP "Spirit of St. Louis" to the floor. The famous aircraft will remain on the floor at eye level for visitors to see for approximately five months while it undergoes preservation work before being suspended once again. It is one of several major icons being prepared for an updated exhibition in the museum's central space, the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall.
This is a unique opportunity to see the "Spirit of St. Louis" from a different perspective since it has not been lowered to the gallery floor since 1992. Visitors will also be able to observe the museum's conservation staff while they clean and preserve the artifact.
"This is a rare chance for us to get a close-up look at the plane and to give it a thorough preservation treatment that will last decades into the future," said Malcolm Collum, chief conservator at the museum.
The "Spirit of St. Louis" is one of the museum's most popular artifacts and is showcased in the Milestones exhibition because of its impact to the world of aeronautics. On May 20, 1927, Lindbergh took off alone from New York and arrived in Paris 33 hours and 30 minutes later. He was greeted by a crowd of more than 100,000 eager to glimpse the 26-year-old who had just completed the first solo transatlantic flight. The plane was presented to the Smithsonian by Lindbergh in 1928, soon after the milestone-setting flight. It was initially on display in the Smithsonian's Arts and Industries Building and then came to the National Air and Space Museum when it opened in 1976.
The Milestones exhibition, which is the museum's central and largest space, has looked much the same since the museum opened. During the renovation, the museum will stay open to the public. Although some smaller artifacts have already been moved, the lowering of the "Spirit of St. Louis" is the first of many major changes visitors will notice in the hall. The renovation will be completed in time for the museum's 40th anniversary in 2016 and will give the hall a streamlined "21st century" look and will feature themes and displays suited to today's visitors.
328KF Member
Posts: 1234 From: Registered: Apr 2008
posted 01-16-2015 04:48 PM
With this and the spacewalking exhibit upstairs, I feel like I picked the wrong year to move out of the D.C. area! Maybe a return visit is in order.
The book "Lindbergh" by A. Scott Berg is a great read and deals at length with C.A.L.'s complicated life after the flight. It's a huge book but much less intimidating on the e-reader of your choice. Great insight into how dangerous not just the trans-Atlantic flight was, but all flying done in those early days.
APG85 Member
Posts: 306 From: Registered: Jan 2008
posted 01-17-2015 05:54 AM
I always felt that Lindbergh's flight in the Spirit of St. Louis was the pivotal point in aviation. He changed everything and woke the world up to the potential future of the air. His tour of the US in the NYP made him the most "seen" individual on the planet up to that time and he galvanized the population. His later life was marred by tragedy and controversy but his contributions to aviation were profound and his importance is still being studied and analyzed today.
The Spirit of St. Louis is probably one of the most important aviation artifacts in existence. If you haven't read the book (by Lindbergh himself) or seen the plane, it is well worth your time.
woodg2 Member
Posts: 133 From: Madison AL Registered: Feb 2010
posted 01-20-2015 08:16 PM
I strolled into the museum today. Not only is the Spirit of St Louis at ground level, but they have also removed GT-4 from it's semi-upright display. It is horizontal and eye level. Best of all the plastic cover has been removed so it is easier to see and you can take some very detailed photos.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-20-2015 09:06 PM
quote:Originally posted by woodg2: Not only is the Spirit of St Louis at ground level, but they have also removed GT-4 from it's semi-upright display.
From the museum:
In December of 2014, we took the plexiglass cover off the Gemini IV capsule and moved it to a temporary spot in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall at the Museum in Washington, DC.
See John Glenn's "Friendship 7" capsule in a new way. Last week, we took the plexiglass cover off the capsule in which Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. The Mercury "Friendship 7" capsule is now in a new location in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall at the Museum in Washington, DC, and you can see it uncovered while we renovate this exhibition.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
SpaceShipOne, the world's first privately-built piloted spacecraft, has touched down after a decade in 'Flight.'
The historic spaceplane, which flew three suborbital flights in 2004 and then was donated to the Smithsonian the year later, was lowered to the ground on Friday (March 27) after spending ten years suspended in the Milestones of Flight hall at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
"It's hard to believe it's been here ten years already," said Valerie Neal, chair of the museum's space history division and curator responsible for SpaceShipOne, in an interview with collectSPACE.
ejectr Member
Posts: 1751 From: Killingly, CT Registered: Mar 2002
posted 03-30-2015 09:04 AM
Darn! Wish I lived closer.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-29-2015 06:28 PM
National Air and Space Museum release
National Air and Space Museum Lowers Bell X-1 to Floor Level
"Glamorous Glennis" Joins Conservation Project in Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has lowered the Bell X-1 to the floor for the first time in the museum's history. The aircraft will be on view to the public while it is undergoing conservation to prepare it for display in the museum's renovated central exhibition, the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall. It is the last major aircraft to be temporarily lowered to the floor in the gallery. For the next few months, three of the Hall's premier artifacts will be on view at eye level—the "Spirit of St. Louis," SpaceShipOne and the Bell X-1.
On October 14, 1947, the Bell X-1 became the first airplane to fly faster than the speed of sound. Piloted by U.S. Air Force Capt. Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager, the X-1 reached a speed of 1,127 kilometers (700 miles) per hour, Mach 1.06, at an altitude of 13,000 meters (43,000 feet). Yeager named the airplane "Glamorous Glennis" in tribute to his wife.
This is a rare opportunity for visitors to see the Bell X-1 up close and side by side with two other milestone artifacts. The plane was acquired by the museum in the 1950s and it has been suspended on display since the museum opened its doors in 1976. Visitors can observe museum staff working to clean and conserve the plane before it is rehung in the Hall.
oly Member
Posts: 905 From: Perth, Western Australia Registered: Apr 2015
posted 04-30-2015 06:17 AM
I was privileged enough to be able to visit both NASM museums early this month and as a self confessed aerospace nut must admit I was blown away by both locations. At the time I noted that the X1 was missing the main landing gear and doors and also the nose landing gear was extended and without nose wheel. It appears that the nose wheel fork has been cut off, is anyone aware why this has been done?
pupnik Member
Posts: 114 From: Maryland Registered: Jan 2014
posted 04-30-2015 11:04 AM
A quick guess would be to reduce stress on the vehicle while its on the ground. It's the same way how many planes on the ground for display are actually sitting on jacks (not wheels) and how the Spirit of St. Louis is currently sitting on temporary modern wheels while its on the ground.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-04-2015 03:41 PM
National Air and Space Museum update:
See the Apollo 11 Command Module uncovered! We are preparing for its move from the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall at our Museum in Washington, DC in a few months.
bwhite1976 Member
Posts: 281 From: Belleville, IL Registered: Jun 2011
posted 06-05-2015 12:29 PM
Does anyone have any idea how long the Apollo 11 command module will actually be uncovered? Going to be in Maryland at the end of June, and would love to see it without that covering. Thanks.
LM-12 Member
Posts: 3208 From: Ontario, Canada Registered: Oct 2010
posted 06-05-2015 01:35 PM
Hope they can keep the souvenir hunters away with the CM exposed like that.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-05-2015 01:42 PM
Like the lowered aircraft and other uncovered spacecraft now on the floor of the gallery, Columbia is behind a barrier, out of reach of visitors.
quote:Originally posted by bwhite1976: Does anyone have any idea how long the Apollo 11 command module will actually be uncovered?
Last I heard, the covering is not returning (at least not in the form that it was).
JBoe Member
Posts: 960 From: Churchton, MD Registered: Oct 2012
posted 06-06-2015 09:57 AM
That's good to know about the Apollo 11 capsule being made available for viewing without the covering. Please let us know if this changes!
MrSpace86 Member
Posts: 1618 From: Gardner, KS, USA Registered: Feb 2003
posted 06-08-2015 01:35 PM
I am jumping that barricade and flying into the CM. Maybe I will be able to unscrew the panel that is signed by Collins
bwhite1976 Member
Posts: 281 From: Belleville, IL Registered: Jun 2011
posted 07-11-2015 09:40 AM
We visited the Air and Space Museum the first week of July and Apollo 11 is in the same spot as pictured a few posts above and still without any plastic covering. Gemini IV and Friendship 7 are off to the side of the Milestones of Flight hall and are without their coverings as well. I visited on two separate occasions while there and enjoyed seeing all of the people grouped around these spacecraft taking interest.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-30-2015 11:32 AM
After several months of conservation work, the Spirit of St. Louis has once again been suspended above the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall:
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-13-2015 12:37 PM
For the first time 40 years, the Apollo 11 command module is now upright:
Houston, the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia has landed! Last night, we moved Columbia off its exhibition stand as part of ongoing renovations to the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall.
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 08-13-2015 04:31 PM
Columbia is at Stable One again.
MrSpace86 Member
Posts: 1618 From: Gardner, KS, USA Registered: Feb 2003
posted 08-13-2015 09:30 PM
I visited the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and would like to report that Gemini IV and Friendship 7 are there now. They are without the covering, very dusty, and not accessible to the public. They are in the restoration facility and can only be viewed from above by where Discovery is.
It's nice because both spacecraft are side by side; I am hoping they do undergo some sort of restoration.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-20-2015 09:41 AM
From the museum:
The capsules, which were displayed in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall, have been moved to the Center for cleaning, inspecting, and conservation treatment. In addition, new stands will be fabricated, which will fit into their new cases when they return to the gallery in 2016.
posted 08-20-2015 10:40 AM
I would like to see them in large glass display cases rather than the form fitting models they have used. It make it difficult to take photos in the form fitting cases.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-25-2015 05:15 PM
As reported back in March, SpaceShipOne will be displayed with its feather deployed when it is re-suspended in the new Milestones of Flight Gallery.
Swapping places with the Bell X-1 that Chuck Yeager flew to become the first to break the sound barrier, SpaceShipOne will be hung in a perpetual landing, with its unique "feathers" deployed in the shuttlecock form that set it apart from previous vehicles.
As it turns out, deploying the feather — and keeping it deployed — wasn't as simple as just unlocking and pushing it up, as this blog entry by restoration specialist and artifact rigger Tony Carp describes:
...while in operation, the feather is held in the raised position by air pressure only; there are no "up" locks. Since we will display the artifact in the reentry configuration for years, we needed to provide a mechanical means of keeping the feather deployed. Gary Gordon, our collections department in-house machinist, fabricated aluminum collars that fit over the actuator pistons to keep them from retracting back into their cylinders should a loss of system pressure occur over time. We performed two trial deployments of the feather to ensure the proper design and fit of the collars, and we also verified the volume of space the aircraft needs in the gallery to be suspended in this configuration. The artifact takes up about 6 meters (20 feet) of vertical height in the new configuration.
We operated the feather system by following the normal flight procedure using levers and gauges in the cockpit. This meant pressuring the system via a quick-connect service port, which services all four onboard air bottles simultaneously. However, I did not recognize the quick-connect fitting as standard aerospace hardware. As it turns out, and owing to the experimental nature of the craft, the fitting is the same type as used for a paintball marker!
golddog Member
Posts: 210 From: australia Registered: Feb 2008
posted 08-25-2015 07:48 PM
Can anyone tell me what the large four bladed propeller (with metal spinner) seen behind Columbia is from?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-25-2015 07:57 PM
That would be one of the new additions to the gallery: a full-scale wind tunnel fan:
...one of a pair built by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA, the predecessor to NASA) in 1931 and used at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA to test aircraft and spacecraft.
golddog Member
Posts: 210 From: australia Registered: Feb 2008
posted 08-25-2015 08:01 PM
Excellent, thank you. It looked enormous and I could not place it to any aircraft I could think of.
MarylandSpace Member
Posts: 1337 From: Registered: Aug 2002
posted 08-25-2015 08:07 PM
Is a new "floor plan" (floor and in the air) for the Milestones of Flight Gallery available?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-25-2015 08:15 PM
I haven't seen a new floor plan, but here is a list of the artifacts that will be on display.
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 08-26-2015 08:22 AM
Sad that Columbia will not be in the renovated Milestones gallery to greet people like it did for so many years, but it will be the center attraction of the new Destination Moon gallery to open in 2020.
I'm sure it will be as successful and popular as the Wright Flyer is in its own gallery at the museum.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-09-2015 09:10 AM
Allan Needell shared on Facebook these photos, showing that the lunar module's ascent stage has now been moved into the Milestones gallery, with the descent stage to follow:
pupnik Member
Posts: 114 From: Maryland Registered: Jan 2014
posted 09-09-2015 06:26 PM
A lot of things removed from the descent stage (insulation, ladder, etc.) although I believe those might have been parts not original to the craft (added by Grumman/Smithsonian for display).
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-09-2015 06:29 PM
The Lunar Module, which is LM-2, is being redressed to match the appearance of LM-5, better known as Apollo 11's "Eagle," for its new exhibit in Milestones.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
The Apollo 11 lunar module, or what will soon be a close representation of it, was moved into the National Air and Space Museum's "Boeing Milestones of Flight" gallery this week in preparation for its conservation, modification and display debuting with the hall's re-opening in July 2016.
"The Lunar Module [LM] will act as a striking welcome to visitors as they enter the museum and [will] represent the 'milestone' of America's first moon landing in July 1969," Smithsonian officials said in a statement.
MarylandSpace Member
Posts: 1337 From: Registered: Aug 2002
posted 09-17-2015 05:11 PM
quote:Originally posted by onesmallstep: Sad that Columbia will not be in the renovated Milestones gallery...
I, too, will miss Columbia (Apollo 11) being in the main gallery. The Columbia and the Wright Flyer displayed the greatness of American workers and inventors. They are true gems.
Space Cadet Carl Member
Posts: 199 From: Lake Orion, Michigan Registered: Feb 2006
posted 09-18-2015 10:18 AM
Many of you just read that LM-2 at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is being relocated for the first time since 1976. It was mentioned that LM-2 will be further restored to be as close to an exact match of LM-5 "Eagle" as possible. Who is doing this restoration?
Are any of the veteran crew at Grumman in Bethpage involved? If any of you have seen the restoration work those guys did on LM-18 at the Cradle Of Aviation museum on Long Island, you know the excellent work they did there.
Editor's note: Threads merged.
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 09-18-2015 01:19 PM
Actually, the Lunar Module on display at the Cradle of Aviation is the former LM-13, intended for the cancelled Apollo 18 mission.
mode1charlie Member
Posts: 1169 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010
posted 09-18-2015 03:36 PM
I, for one, am glad to the the LM getting the respect it deserves by going into a place of greater prominence.
posted 09-19-2014 02:41 PM
advertisement