NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, commander of the upcoming Artemis II mission to the moon, recently remarked that flying during the United States' 250th anniversary has definitely got him and his crew "fired up."
Wiseman was referring to the excitement that their flight is adding to the already milestone year, but as it turns out, he could have been speaking literally. As NASA revealed this week, the two side-mounted motors that will provide the majority of the thrust during the Artemis II crew's launch have been adorned with the nation's logo marking the 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56645 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
The towering image of a full-size Saturn V moon rocket returned to the face of the Washington Monument on New Year's Eve, this time to mark 250 years since the founding of the United States.
The iconic black and white booster, along with other scenes from NASA and U.S. history, were projected onto the obelisk — the tallest landmark in the nation's capital — as a special "birthday candle" for the country. The "Illumination of America," as the show was titled according to the White House, marked only the second time in history that the 555-foot-tall (169-meter) Washington Monument has been been lit as such.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56645 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-20-2026 05:06 PM
NASA video
For 250 years, America has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. From the earliest days of exploration, to the first steps on the Moon and the missions shaping our future, NASA represents the spirit of discovery that defines our nation.
As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial, Freedom 250 highlights how innovation, courage, and scientific leadership have carried America forward — and how NASA continues to expand the frontier for the next generation.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56645 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-22-2026 10:18 AM
NASA photo release
X-59 Adds Freedom 250 Logo
NASA's X-59 is helping the nation celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence with an update to its livery – its official paint job and insignia. The X-59 has sported a Freedom 250 logo on its engine since its second flight, and it will continue showing off the new detail with every upcoming test flight.
The experimental supersonic jet is designed with technology that reduces the loudness of a sonic boom to a gentle thump. NASA will fly the X-59 over select U.S. communities and take surveys to record what people think of the quieter sonic thumps. The human response data will be delivered to U.S. and international regulators, who will consider setting new rules that allow supersonic flight over land.
Above: The X-59's tail and jet engine feature a new marking — a Freedom 250 logo celebrating the nation's 250th birthday in 2026. (NASA/Carla Thomas)
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56645 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-20-2026 10:46 AM
Fisher Space Pen release
Introducing America 250!
Two hundred and fifty years ago, the Founding Fathers signed their names into history and helped shape the future of a nation still being written today.
The America 250 Collection from Fisher Space Pen honors the innovators, explorers, and hardworking Americans who helped shape the nation's legacy. Inspired by the American flag, it represents the resilience, unity, and determination that continue to drive American progress. Available for a limited time while supplies last.
For nearly 80 years, Space Pens have traveled with astronauts, explorers, workers, and pioneers pushing forward into the unknown. America's story has always belonged to those willing to build, create, discover, and leave their mark.
America's story is still being written.
Sign your name in history with Fisher Space Pen.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56645 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-22-2026 09:18 AM
The Boeing Store has a line of America 250 products, including collectible 8x10 prints featuring the space shuttle and the Space Launch System.
KSCartist Member
Posts: 3118 From: Titusville, FL Registered: Feb 2005
posted 05-26-2026 05:50 PM
First launch in 1977 for the space shuttle doesn’t match the image.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56645 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-26-2026 08:11 PM
I don't think the text is intended to be a caption (in the same way the SLS pictured is from Artemis II, not Artemis I in 2022).
randyc Member
Posts: 981 From: Highlands Ranch, CO USA Registered: May 2003
posted 05-26-2026 09:40 PM
First launch in 1977? STS-1 launched on April 12, 1981.
There were test flights of Enterprise starting in 1977 but being carried on and released from a 747 isn't a 'launch'. And if it's referring to the start of the program I believe that was in 1972.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56645 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-26-2026 10:34 PM
I think it is clear that the "launch" they are referring to is Enterprise's first free flight in 1977. Boeing's role in the shuttle program is through its acquisition of Rockwell, which is why they are highlighting the space shuttle orbiter.
As for the terminology, one of the last calls before Enterprise separated from NASA 905 on Aug. 12, 1977 was "Launch ready."
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56645 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-29-2026 11:56 AM
From the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex—
250 Space Dreams: July 1–31, 2026.
featuring a giveaway of 250 prizes to guests, highlighting America’s 250th anniversary and the spirit of exploration, innovation and the dreamers who dared to push beyond Earth’s boundaries.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 56645 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-05-2026 12:43 PM
As part of the National Aviation Heritage Area and the Ohio History Connection, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio, is offering limited-edition ink stamps for the National Park Service and Ohio History Passports.
The America 250 stamps are only here for 2026, so plan your museum visit and add to your collection!