posted 04-07-2014 12:39 PM               

With that said, they did a fantastic job creating the shuttle in spirit! It is a top notch display that has room to grow.

I enjoyed the simulators and the ability to get just about inside the display.

posted 06-04-2014 02:15 AM               

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force breaks ground on new fourth building

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force broke ground today on a new $35.4 million building that will house aircraft from the museum's Presidential, Research and Development (R&D) and Global Reach collection, as well as a new and expanded Space Gallery.

The 224,000 square foot building, which is scheduled to open to the public in 2016, is being privately financed by the Air Force Museum Foundation, a non-profit organization chartered to assist in the development and expansion of the museum's facilities.

According to Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, the museum's fourth building will provide increased public awareness of the Air Force mission by giving visitors greater access to our legacy of aircraft, missiles, cyber expertise and other elements of Air Force heritage.

"As the Air Force's window to the public, the museum is where the people come to learn about the history, mission and evolving capabilities of America's Air Force and about the Airmen who are truly the foundation of everything we do," said James. "In today's Air Force, we not only cherish our legacy; we live it every day with integrity, service, and excellence. These core values guide our actions and make us the best Air Force in the world. I thank the Air Force Museum Foundation for their support and assistance in making this facility a reality."

In December 2013, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, awarded the contract for the building to Turner Construction Co. of Washington, D.C. Since then a significant amount of planning and design work has taken place to meet the museum's requirements for the fourth building, said Turner Construction Co. Vice President and General Manager Kyle E. Rooney.

"Since the fourth building is similar in size and shape to the museum's three existing hangars, we had some good templates to work from, but we also have some unique challenges to navigate through as well," said Rooney. "Innovative solutions are part of what we do, so we are looking forward to getting started with the construction phase."

Although the construction phase is set to begin, the Air Force Museum Foundation will continue fundraising toward their campaign goal of $46 million, which would provide for further options such as theatrical lighting, a west tow path, and an additional café, as well as educational requirements including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Learning Nodes and wireless capability in the building," said Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. Chairman Fran Duntz.

"We're extremely pleased to assist the Air Force with financing for the fourth building, and we're fully committed to achieving our campaign goal so that the entire potential of the fourth building can be realized," said Duntz.

Included among the many benefits of the fourth building will be the relocation of the popular Presidential and R&D Gallery aircraft including SAM 26000 (Air Force One), which served eight presidents from President Kennedy to President Clinton, and the only remaining XB-70, from a controlled-access portion of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to the main museum campus where they will be accessible to all visitors. In addition, the museum will be able to display some artifacts that had previously been kept in storage such as the Titan IV launch vehicle, or kept outside such as the C-141 Hanoi Taxi and the C-130E.

For Museum Director Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jack Hudson, the educational possibilities including those involving STEM is what is really exciting to envision.

"When you look at the various aircraft, the unique spacecraft and unparalleled technology that will be on display in the fourth building, then you can begin to see why it will be the perfect setting for educational programs - especially those that inspire and motivate our youth toward an Air Force or STEM career," Hudson said. "Many museums may focus largely on the achievements of the past, but at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, we also are a catalyst for the achievements of the future."

The Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. was established in 1960 as a philanthropic, non-profit organization to assist the Air Force in the development and expansion of the facilities of the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and to undertake and advance programs and activities supporting the museum. The Foundation raises funds through its membership program, the Air Force Museum Theatre, Museum Store, flight simulators and Valkyrie Café, as well as from direct donations.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the service's national institution for preserving and presenting the Air Force story from the beginning of military flight to today's war on terrorism. It is free to the public and features more than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 17 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year about one million visitors from around the world come to the museum.

posted 08-26-2014 06:37 PM               

Air Force museum to restore retired rocket

A massive retired military rocket is about to undergo a museum restoration and its curators are now seeking help to ensure it is displayed correctly.

The National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio announced Tuesday (Aug. 26) plans to begin restoring the 18-story-tall Titan 4B space launch vehicle that it's had in its collection since 2005. The towering rocket, which has been stored in gigantic pieces in a World War II era hangar at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, will be exhibited on its side when placed in the museum's new fourth building, set to open in 2016.

"This is the largest artifact we have ever restored," Greg Hassler, a supervisor in the museum's restoration division, said in a statement. "We've moved all the pieces into our restoration hangars, and now our staff is cataloging parts and planning the best way to tackle this massive project."

posted 11-13-2014 07:54 AM               

Missile and Space Gallery to close temporarily for fourth building construction

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force's Missile and Space Gallery will close temporarily beginning Dec. 8 for approximately five months for construction linking the gallery to the museum's new fourth building.

Plans for the fourth building project design call for the Missile and Space Gallery's exterior wall panels to be removed on the south side to form new entrances on the first floor and mezzanine levels. Once completed, the 224,000 square foot fourth building, which is scheduled to open to the public in the spring of 2016, will offer the public both ground and upper level views of all the new galleries (Presidential Aircraft, Research and Development, Space and Global Reach).

Artifacts and exhibits listed here will not be accessible while the gallery is closed, except for the Apollo 15 Command Module, Dyna-Soar X-20A, Aeroject Aerobee Rocket and the Gen. T.D. White and "Five Stars in Space" exhibits.

Although the public will not have direct access to most of the artifacts in the Missile and Space Gallery during the closure, a video featuring those exhibits will be available for view at the gallery entrance.

The public is also encouraged to explore the gallery online by visiting the museum's Virtual Tour. The virtual tour allows visitors to take a virtual, 3-D, self-guided tour of the entire museum. Visitors can navigate from gallery to gallery either by using a drop-down map or by following navigational arrows connecting the individual nodes. Icons indicate hotspots where the visitor can get additional information such as videos, audio and links to online resources.

According to Museum Director Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jack Hudson, although the closure of the Missile and Space Gallery creates a short-term inconvenience, the long-term benefits are well worth the wait.

"The fourth building will bring many advantages including the relocation of the popular Presidential and R&D Gallery aircraft from a controlled-access portion of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to the main museum campus where they will be accessible to all visitors along with the Global Reach Gallery and an expanded Space Gallery," said Hudson. "In addition, we will be able to display some artifacts that had previously been kept in storage such as the Titan IV launch vehicle, or kept outside such as the C-141 Hanoi Taxi and the C-130E."

The $35.4 million fourth building is being privately financed by the Air Force Museum Foundation, a non-profit organization chartered to assist in the development and expansion of the museum's facilities.

With construction well under way, the foundation continues to fundraise toward their campaign goal of $46 million, which would provide for further options and requirements such as the west tow path, west tow path extension, theatrical lighting, Titan 4B stand, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Learning Nodes and wireless capability in the building, said Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. Chairman Fran Duntz.

"We remain steadfast in working toward our campaign goal so that the vast capabilities of the fourth building can be utilized, and we greatly appreciate everyone who has contributed to make this happen," said Duntz.

posted 01-03-2015 05:55 PM               

The rocket building is closed during construction as well as most of the link going to it. Many "space" items are not viewable as of right now.

posted 05-21-2015 04:08 PM               

Space Shuttle Exhibit and STEM Learning Node to close Aug. 3 to prepare for move to fourth building

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force's Space Shuttle Exhibit and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Learning Node will close beginning Aug. 3 in preparation for its move to the fourth building.

Plans call for the Space Shuttle Exhibit to be disassembled, transported to the fourth building, re-assembled, and re-opened when the fourth building opens in spring 2016.

The current STEM Learning Node will be moved to the fourth building's Global Reach Gallery, and two new additional STEM Learning Nodes will be constructed, with one located between the new Space and Research & Development Galleries and another in the new Presidential Gallery.

Aircraft and exhibits located near the current exhibit in the Cold War Gallery, including the AC-130, EF-111A, F-111F and F-117A, will be unavailable starting Aug. 3 for approximately three months as the work to dismantle the Space Shuttle Exhibit takes place.

According to Museum Director Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jack Hudson, although the closure of the Space Shuttle Exhibit will be inconvenient during the busy summer visitor season, the new Space Gallery will definitely be worth the wait.

"The new Space Gallery in the fourth building will be phenomenal," said Hudson. "We'll finally be able to display all of our space-related aircraft and launch vehicles, including the Titan 4B, in one location, and along with the exhibits and newly designed STEM Learning Node, we'll be able to provide an immersive experience that inspires and educates visitors of all ages about the important role of our Air Force in space."

The $35.4 million fourth building, which will also house the new Presidential, Research & Development and Global Reach Galleries, is being privately financed by the Air Force Museum Foundation, a non-profit organization chartered to assist in the development and expansion of the museum's facilities.

With construction well under way, the foundation continues to fundraise toward their campaign goal of $46 million, which would provide for further options and requirements such as the STEM Learning Nodes and wireless capability in the building.

posted 06-11-2015 01:15 PM               

Missile and Space Gallery to re-open July 3

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force's Missile and Space Gallery will re-open on July 3 after being closed for nearly seven months for construction linking the gallery to the museum's new fourth building.

As exhibits are prepared for final placement and others are transitioned for display in the fourth building, occasional intermittent closures of the gallery may still occur. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum's website for the latest updates.

According to Museum Director Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jack Hudson, the re-opening of the Missile and Space Gallery during the busy summer travel season has been highly anticipated.

"We know that many of our visitors have been eagerly awaiting the re-opening of the Missile and Space Gallery, and we are extremely pleased to be able to re-open it and provide access to the Cold War Gallery overlook once again," said Hudson.

The 224,000 square foot fourth building, which is scheduled to open to the public in the spring of 2016, will house four new galleries - Presidential, Research and Development, Space and Global Reach, along with three science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Learning Nodes.

The museum also recently announced that the Space Shuttle Exhibit and current STEM Learning Node will close beginning Aug. 3 in preparation for their move to the fourth building.

In addition, the C-141 Hanoi Taxi, in the Air Park, and Long-EZ, X-5 and X-15 in the R&D Gallery are scheduled to be moved to the museum's restoration area in late June for refurbishment prior to their move to the fourth building.

"This is an exciting time at the museum as we move forward toward completion of our new fourth building and the grand opening in spring 2016," Hudson said.

posted 10-03-2015 01:50 PM               

Museum rolls first aircraft into new fourth building

Restoration crews at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force moved the North American X-15A-2 into the museum's new fourth building on Oct. 2. The X-15, which will be displayed in the expanded Space Gallery, is the first of many aircraft to move into the building.

The 224,000 square foot fourth building, which is scheduled to open to the public in June 2016, will house four galleries – Research and Development, Space, Global Reach and Presidential, along with three science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Learning Nodes.

The public will be able to view aircraft as they move into the fourth building from a designated area on the museum grounds. Information on the move schedule will be updated regularly on the museum's website. A map of the viewing area and additional information about the expansion also are available on that page.

posted 10-16-2015 10:09 AM               

Space Shuttle Exhibit and STEM Learning Node to begin move to fourth building

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force's Space Shuttle Exhibit and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Learning Node will soon be launched into the museum's new fourth building.

Turner Construction Company was recently awarded a $434,133 contract modification by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, to disassemble the Space Shuttle Exhibit and STEM Learning Node in the museum's third building and transport them to the fourth building, where they will be re-assembled. The Space Shuttle Exhibit and STEM Learning Node will re-open when the fourth building opens in June 2016.

Aircraft and exhibits located near the current exhibit in the Cold War Gallery, including the AC-130, EF-111A, F-111F and F-117A, will be unavailable starting Oct. 19, and the work to begin disassembling the Space Shuttle Exhibit and STEM Learning Node will start later this year.

The Space Shuttle Exhibit featuring NASA's first Crew Compartment Trainer and Teal Ruby satellite will be part of a new and expanded Space Gallery. The gallery will also include a massive Titan IVB space launch vehicle and satellite booster rocket that weighs 96 tons; Mercury, Gemini and Apollo spacecraft; and a range of other rockets, satellite launch vehicles, and space-related artifacts.

The current STEM Learning Node will be moved to the fourth building's new Global Reach Gallery, which will include select cargo aircraft such as the C-21A, C-82A, C-130E and C-141C Hanoi Taxi. The Air Force's airlift and aeromedical evacuation missions will also be explained in this gallery.

Future plans call for two new additional STEM Learning Nodes to be constructed in the fourth building with one located between the new Space and Research & Development Galleries and another in the new Presidential Gallery.

The $40.8 million fourth building is being privately financed by the Air Force Museum Foundation, a non-profit organization chartered to assist in the development and expansion of the museum's facilities.

posted 10-24-2015 01:11 PM               

Museum restoration staff moved the NASA Crew Compartment Trainer (CCT) and the Teal Ruby satellite this week. The Space Shuttle Exhibit featuring NASA’s first Crew Compartment Trainer and Teal Ruby satellite will be part of a new and expanded Space Gallery. Plans call for the museum's new fourth building to open to the public in June 2016.

Here is a time-lapse of the CCT being moved into the fourth building.

posted 11-10-2015 12:26 PM               

The Space Shuttle Exhibit is being reassembled in the expanded Space Gallery in the new fourth building, which opens to the public in June 2016.

posted 12-13-2015 06:21 PM               

Restoration crews moved sections of the solid rocket motor upgrades from the Titan IVB into the museum's new fourth building this week. The impressive space launch vehicle, with roots going back to the early days of U.S. Air Force and civil space launch, is significant as the museum looks to share the story of the USAF space mission in the new fourth building Space Gallery which opens to the public in June of 2016.

posted 01-13-2016 01:45 PM               

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force fourth building to open June 8

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force's new $40.8 million fourth building including aircraft such as SAM 26000 (Air Force One) and the only remaining XB-70 Valkyrie, will open to the public on June 8, 2016.

The 224,000 square foot building, which was privately financed by the Air Force Museum Foundation, will house more than 70 aircraft, missiles, and space vehicles in four new galleries — Presidential, Research and Development, Space and Global Reach, along with three science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Learning Nodes.

Construction of the building first began in July 2014 and will be completed in January 2016 by the Columbus office of Turner Construction Company and overseen by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District.

The museum's restoration division is currently moving aircraft into the building and assembling other artifacts for display such as the massive Titan IVB space launch vehicle and satellite booster rocket weighing 96 tons.

According to Museum Director Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jack Hudson, visitors can now begin making their summer travel plans and include a visit to see the museum's new fourth building.

"We're extremely excited to open the fourth building with some of our most popular aircraft at the beginning of the summer vacation season," Hudson said. "The museum is within a day's drive of more than 60% of the U.S. population so we're not too far from many of the places folks will be travelling to, and with free admission and parking it is well worth a stop to see the new additions at the Air Force's national museum."

Although the building will open to the public on June 8, special weekend activities and demonstrations are being planned to continue celebrating the building opening, June 11-12. More information on these events will be released as it becomes available.

posted 03-18-2016 09:14 PM               

Air Force Research Laboratory engineers and technicians from the Structural Validation Branch of the Aerospace Vehicles Division, Aerospace Systems Directorate, partnered with museum restoration crews to assemble a 60 foot tall payload fairing from the Titan IVB space launch vehicle between Feb. 29 and March 2, 2016.

The impressive Titan IVB, with roots going back to the early days of U.S. Air Force and civil space launch, is significant as the museum looks to share the story of USAF and USAF-enabled space operations in its Space Gallery. The Titan IVB will be on display in the new fourth building at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force which opens to the public on June 8.

Photos credit: U.S. Air Force/Ken LaRock

posted 03-18-2016 09:14 PM               

Check out this week's photos of the Titan IVB solid rocket motor upgrades (SRMUs) being raised into their final position.

Orbit Industrial Contractors, Consolidated Machinery Movers, and museum restoration crews worked together using various lifts and a gantry crane system. The Titan IVB will be on display in the new fourth building which opens to the public on June 8.

posted 05-17-2016 03:37 PM               

National Museum USAF fourth building to open with public ribbon cutting June 8

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force visitors are invited to be a part of history during a ceremonial ribbon cutting event that will officially open the museum's fourth building to the public on June 8 at 9:15 a.m.

The new $40.8 million, 224,000 square foot fourth building, which was privately financed by the Air Force Museum Foundation, will house four galleries – Presidential, Research and Development, Space and Global Reach, along with three science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Learning Nodes.

Among the stories found in the fourth building will be the VC-137C Air Force One (SAM 26000), which was used by eight presidents - Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Clinton; the only remaining XB-70 Valkyrie; the C-141C Hanoi Taxi, which airlifted the first American prisoners of war out of North Vietnam in February 1973; and the massive 96-ton Titan IVB space launch vehicle.

Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and the first 100 individuals (at least 16 years of age) will receive a $10 Air Force Museum Foundation gift card upon entering the museum. Gift cards can be used at either the museum store, theatre or simulators, and will be valid for a period of five years.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Director Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jack Hudson and Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. Chairman, Board of Trustees, Philip L. Soucy will cut the ribbon to open the gallery along with two lucky young visitors who will be selected on the day of the event.

Once the ribbon has been cut, visitors will be able to see more than 70 aerospace vehicles including 10 presidential aircraft and a world-class collection of flight test aircraft, along with exciting space artifacts and huge cargo planes. Visitors can climb aboard the Space Shuttle Exhibit, walk through four presidential and three cargo aircraft, or try out the Air Force Museum Foundation's new suite of simulator rides, including the Pulseworks' Virtual Reality Transporter, the first of its kind in North America, featuring an exclusive Space Voyage experience.

Although the building will open to the public on June 8, special weekend activities for all ages will take place June 11-12, including educational demonstrations; special costumed characters like Stormtroopers and aliens; various performances by the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight; and interactive displays. In addition, the Air Force Research Laboratory will offer several interactive experiences including one that teaches programming within a Minecraft-type environment, and an Aeromedical Evacuation crew and a Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT) will simulate how they provide combat casualty care on a global scale.

Outside the museum that weekend, visitors can check out the Vapor Special Ops Supercar. A team of highly-specialized Airmen partnered with car mechanics and customizers from Galpin Auto Sports to create a fully customized Dodge Challenger showcasing stealth technology. A trailer near the car gives visitors the chance to engage in interactive experiences, such as the touch-screen game "Airman Challenge."

posted 06-08-2016 08:15 AM               

Air Force museum opens expanded space gallery in new hangar

The largest military aviation museum in the world now has the "space" to tell the full story of the United States Air Force's ongoing efforts to extend beyond Earth's atmosphere.

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, officially opened its fourth building with a ceremony Tuesday (June 7) and a ribbon cutting on Wednesday morning. More than a decade in the making, the $40.8 million, 224,000 square-foot (21,000 sq. meter) hangar encompasses four different galleries, including a large exhibit area dedicated to the Air Force's contributions to spaceflight and exploration.

"Our aim is to tell the whole Air Force space story — from shortly after the second World War to the present, and with peeks into the future," Doug Lantry, museum curator, said. "At present, the gallery is opening with what we call "macro artifacts."

posted 06-14-2016 05:41 PM               

The Titan IVB was the U.S. Air Force's largest and most powerful expendable single-use rocket. It was a space launch vehicle used to place satellites into orbit. Titan IVB rockets boosted payloads into low earth orbit, polar orbit, or geosynchronous (stationary) orbit from either Cape Canaveral, Fla., or Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

This Titan IVB is on display in the museum's new fourth building.

posted 06-14-2016 05:43 PM               

Former astronaut Mark Brown spoke to us about his time with the Crew Compartment Trainer and the Space Shuttle Exhibit on display in the new fourth building.

posted 06-14-2016 05:46 PM               

Here restoration and exhibit crews move the Apollo 15 Command Module into the fourth building. Apollo 15 was the fourth successful moon landing mission and the only Apollo mission with an all-U.S. Air Force crew.

Fourth building grand opening weekend highlights at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

posted 07-10-2020 08:54 AM               

National Museum USAF adds new GPS, DSP Satellite Exhibit

New exhibits detailing the Air Force's involvement in managing Global Positioning System (GPS) and using Defense Support Program satellites are now on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Above: The new GPS exhibit, titled "Global Positioning System and its Impact!" occupies nearly 700 sq. ft. of floor space and takes the shape of a full-size current replica GPS satellite. Displayed on a very large floor graphic of the Earth, the central satellite unit includes eight interpretive panels where the satellite's solar panels would be. (USAF/Ken LaRock)

Originating in the early 1960s as a military navigation and missile targeting tool, GPS is managed by the Department of the Air Force, and is a free, satellite-based service that provides extremely accurate position, navigation, and timing information for both military and civilian applications. It enables everything from cell phones to military weapons to work, and delivers precise timing that helps many technologies including bank machines, farm equipment, and even the national electrical power grid to run efficiently.

Twenty-four GPS satellites (plus at least six spares) orbit twice a day at about 12,550 miles above the Earth, and at least four are "visible" to GPS receivers all the time over most of the Earth. As long as a minimum of four GPS satellites are "visible" above the horizon, cars, boats, ships, planes, and people with GPS receivers—like sports watches, cell phones, or car navigation units—can pinpoint their positions.

Above: The "Global Positioning System and its Impact!" exhibit focuses on the U.S. Air Force role in the management of GPS satellite systems. (USAF/Robert Memering)

The new GPS exhibit, titled "Global Positioning System and its Impact!" occupies nearly 700 sq. ft. of floor space and takes the shape of a full-size current replica GPS satellite. Displayed on a very large floor graphic of the Earth, the central satellite unit includes eight interpretive panels where the satellite's solar panels would be.

Another display that was recently completed is titled "IUS-DSP Booster and Satellite: A Winning Combination." The Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) and Defense Support Program (DSP) were two systems that rode into space together on a rocket such as the Titan IVB. Once in space, the IUS took over to boost the satellite even higher. IUS vehicles placed DSP satellites in "geosynchronous" orbits – stationary spots above the Earth – about 22,300 miles high.

The Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) was an unpiloted upper-stage booster rocket developed for the U.S. Air Force that was used from 1982–2004. IUS vehicles were launched aboard rockets such as the Titan IVB, and Space Shuttles, and once in space they lifted satellites into high orbits or sent probes on their way through space. Separating from the rocket about nine minutes after launch, the IUS would carry its satellite for 6-7 hours and place it in a geosynchronous orbit about 22,300 miles above the Earth.

Above: Museum restoration crews work with contractor Schumacher Crane Rental Inc. on the installation of the Northrop Grumman Defense Support Program Satellite(DSP) in the Space Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (USAF/Ken LaRock)

The Air Force employed DSP satellites in response to the growing threat from Soviet and Chinese nuclear ballistic missiles in the 1960s. These satellites were designed to detect missile launches and nuclear detonations by using infrared sensors to "see" heat from launches and explosions. After the Cold War, DSP satellites kept working, detecting Iraqi Scud missile launches during OPERATION DESERT STORM in 1991. Scientists have also used DSP infrared sensors for early warning of natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires.

The DSP satellite on display is a full-sized (non-functional) structural test vehicle that was used to verify and test satellite configuration, and came to the museum from Northrop Grumman in August 2010.

According to National Museum of the U.S, Air Force Historian and Curator, Dr. Doug Lantry, GPS and the IUS/DSP systems were both great examples of Air Force ingenuity.

"Satellite and orbital boost systems illustrate the Air Force's reach and mission over the years," said Lantry. "GPS has changed our everyday lives, DSP has kept our nation safe for decades, and IUS has enabled high-orbit satellite operations and deep-space probes that will inspire generations of explorers."

Above: Northrop Grumman Defense Support Program Satellite on display in the Space Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (USAF/Ken LaRock)

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world's largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year more than 800,000 visitors from around the world come to the museum.

posted 09-17-2020 02:30 PM               

The Apollo 15 Command Module is on the move this morning to its new location next to the DSP satellite.

posted 10-19-2020 12:51 PM               

National Museum USAF selected for Air Force Heritage Award for Space Suit exhibit

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force was recently selected by the U.S. Air Force History and Museums Program as a recipient of a 2020 Air Force Heritage Award for its Space Suit exhibit.

The award recognizes outstanding achievements by Air Force History and Museums personnel that foster a better understanding and appreciation of the Air Force, its history and accomplishments.

Above: Overhead view of the Mercury Space Suit and Gemini G4C Space Suit reproductions, Mercury Spacecraft and Gemini Spacecraft on display in the Space Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (USAF/Ken LaRock)

Located in the museum's Space Gallery, the multi-part Space Suit exhibit was unveiled in 2019 for the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, and features seven reproductions of space suits spanning the era of American spaceflight - including Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle. Each suit represents the ones worn by U.S. Air Force astronauts on historic missions and allows visitors to see how space gear evolved over time.

Air Force astronauts whose individual suits are featured as reproductions in the exhibit include Gordon Cooper (Mercury-Atlas 9), Michael Collins (Apollo 11), and David Scott (Apollo 15). Other USAF astronauts featured through images and text include Thomas Stafford, Edward White, Buzz Aldrin, Catherine Coleman, Susan Helms, and Mark Lee.

Above: Overhead view of the Model A7L Space Suit and Model A7LB Extravehicular Mobility Unit reproductions and the Apollo 15 Command Module on display in the Space Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (USAF/Ken LaRock)

The exhibit's innovative design features six stand-alone cases, which allow for 360-degree views, along with a suspended space suit simulating a space-walk against the gallery ceiling's black background. Interpretive text and images accompany each suit as well.

According to National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Director Mr. David Tillotson, receiving the 2020 Air Force Heritage Award for the Space Suit exhibit is a significant honor for the museum.

"This award recognizes the great pride we take in telling the Air Force story to a global audience, and an important chapter of that story is the USAF involvement with the space program" said Tillotson. "The Space Suit exhibit not only illustrates what astronauts historically wore, but also explains key aspects of their missions and perhaps even serves as a catalyst to spark the imaginations of our younger visitors by inspiring them to pursue careers with the Air Force, Space Force, or NASA."