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National Air and Space Museum

This American flag was left on the International Space Station by the crew of STS-135, the last space shuttle mission, with the intention of it being retrieved by the next crew to launch from American soil.

Launching Astronauts from American Soil: Why is it Important?

Curator Margaret Weitekamp reflects on the return of human spaceflight from US soil, and the implications of that capability throughout history.

Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley walk through Crew Access Arm in SpaceX spacesuits during a dress rehearsal for the first crewed SpaceX launch.

SpaceX Dragon Launch and Entry Suits

Spacesuit curator Cathleen Lewis explores what we know — and don't know — about SpaceX's Crew Dragon launch and entry suits.

Space X's Crew Dragon spacecraft, which is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

Redefining How NASA Gets into Space

On the eve of SpaceX's first Crew Dragon launch, space history curator Jennifer Levasseur examines how NASA's relationship with the contractors that build its spacecraft has changed since the first days of human spaceflight.

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in the days before the first crewed launch of the Crew Dragon spacecraft.

Launch Complex 39: From Saturn to Shuttle to SpaceX and SLS

Space history curator Michael Neufeld explores the history of Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39, which has seen launches of the Apollo program and Space Shuttle, and will see the return of crewed launches from American soil in May 2020.

U.S. Army Air Force technical sergeant Ben Kuroki, who served in the Europe and Pacific theaters during World War II.

Ben Kuroki: A Story We All Need to Know

National Air and Space Museum chief curator Peter Jakab shares the story of Japanese American World War II veteran Ben Kuroki.

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