Soar through a massive hangar of spacecraft and jets at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Stand by a real space shuttle or see the fastest plane ever built!
THE ULTIMATE PARENT’S GUIDE
Visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: A Family Guide
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- WOW! The main exhibition hangar is so big that you could fit 3 football fields inside it!
- HOLY COW! The museum houses more than 3,000 aviation and space artifacts, including the fastest airplane ever built!
- SUPER COOL! The Space Shuttle Discovery traveled nearly 150 million miles in space – that’s like going to the moon and back 288 times!
- FIRE! The museum’s IMAX theater screen is as tall as a 6-story building!
- AWESOME! Some of the airplanes hanging from the ceiling weigh as much as 10 elephants!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Space Shuttle Discovery Get Ready for the Space Shuttle Discovery : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Stand face-to-face with a real spacecraft that’s traveled millions of miles in space and completed 39 missions!
INTERESTING FACT! The Space Shuttle Discovery is covered with over 24,000 heat-resistant tiles that protected it from burning up when returning to Earth. Each tile is unique, like a fingerprint!
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Space Shuttle Says” – like Simon Says but with astronaut movements: “moonwalk,” “float in space,” or “collect space rocks.”
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could pack one special thing to take to space, what would it be and why?
DISCUSS: Astronauts on Discovery could only bring a small shoebox-sized container of personal items into space because every ounce of weight matters!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Space is like a giant playground with no gravity! Astronauts had to velcro their food trays down so their lunch wouldn’t float away. They slept in sleeping bags attached to the wall, and even had to catch floating water bubbles with their mouths when drinking. Some astronauts brought small toys to see how they would behave in space, and many brought family photos to feel closer to home.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think astronauts go to the bathroom in space?
DISCUSS: The Space Shuttle’s toilet used special fans to make sure everything went in the right direction since there’s no gravity in space!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Living in space means doing everyday things differently. Astronauts had to learn to brush their teeth without letting the toothpaste float away, wash their hair with special no-rinse shampoo, and exercise using special machines to keep their muscles strong. They even had to wear special suits that recycled their sweat into drinking water!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Count how many windows you can spot on the Space Shuttle Discovery.
HINT: Look carefully at both the front and sides of the shuttle – some windows are easier to spot than others!
OBJECTIVE: Find the Canadian flag on the shuttle’s robotic arm.
HINT: Look for the long mechanical arm on the side of the shuttle – it has a special marking showing which country helped build it.
SR-71 Blackbird Get Ready for the SR-71 Blackbird : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Meet the world’s fastest airplane that could fly so high and fast, it could outrace missiles!
INTERESTING FACT! The Blackbird got so hot while flying that it had to be filled with special fuel that wouldn’t freeze at high altitudes or boil at high temperatures.
COOL ACTIVITY! Use your arms as wings and practice “flying” like the Blackbird – start low and slowly raise your arms higher as you imagine climbing to 85,000 feet (that’s three times higher than regular airplanes fly!)
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think they painted this airplane black?
DISCUSS: The black paint helped release heat from the airplane’s super-hot skin, which could reach temperatures of 500°F – hot enough to bake cookies!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The SR-71’s special paint contained iron bits that helped the airplane stay hidden from radar. Think of it like playing hide-and-seek – the paint helped the airplane become nearly invisible! The plane would actually stretch and grow longer by several inches during flight because of the heat, just like how a metal spoon gets longer when you heat it up. The gaps between the plane’s parts were designed to seal up only when the airplane got hot, which meant it actually leaked fuel while sitting on the ground!
ASK YOUR KIDS: How fast do you think this airplane could fly?
DISCUSS: The Blackbird could fly at over 2,200 miles per hour – that’s faster than a speeding bullet and could travel from New York to Los Angeles in just over an hour!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: At top speed, the SR-71 was so fast it could outrun the Earth’s rotation! The pilots had to wear special space suits because if they had to escape at high altitude, it would be as cold as the North Pole. The plane’s engines made special sonic booms that sounded like thunder, and it could cross the entire United States in less time than it takes to watch a movie. The heat from flying so fast would make the windows hot enough to fry an egg!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Look for the special “pressure suit” the pilots wore – it looks like a spacesuit!
HINT: Check near the cockpit display – you’ll see what looks like an astronaut outfit.
OBJECTIVE: Find the “chines” – special wing-like edges that run along the sides of the airplane.
HINT: Look at the front of the airplane and follow the sharp edges that run all the way to the back.
Boeing 707 Prototype “Dash 80” Get Ready for the Boeing 707 Prototype “Dash 80” : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? See the airplane that changed how we travel forever – it’s the grandparent of almost every big passenger plane today!
INTERESTING FACT! The pilot once did a complete roll in this airplane (turned it upside down and back) to show how safe it was – something that would never be allowed today!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create paper airplanes and test different wing shapes, just like the engineers who designed this plane. Try folding the wings up, down, or straight out to see which flies best.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How many windows do you think a regular airplane needs, and why?
DISCUSS: The Dash 80 started with just a few windows, but airlines wanted more so passengers could see outside and feel less scared about flying. Today’s airplanes have about 90 windows on each side!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Windows on airplanes are actually three layers thick to keep everyone safe and comfortable. The outer window keeps the cold out (it’s -60°F outside at flying height!), the middle window is there just in case the first one breaks, and the inner window protects the others from being scratched. Think of it like wearing three jackets – each one has a special job! The windows are also oval-shaped because round corners are stronger than square ones, just like how a soap bubble is always round.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were designing an airplane, what would you add to make passengers more comfortable?
DISCUSS: The Dash 80 was the first airplane to have special air conditioning that could keep passengers comfortable while flying above the clouds where the air is very thin.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Modern airplanes are like flying hotels, but they started with this plane! Today’s planes have special air systems that replace all the air in the cabin every three minutes – that’s fresher air than most homes! The seats can hold special entertainment systems, and the kitchens (called galleys) can serve hundreds of meals at 35,000 feet. The cargo hold underneath can carry as much as five elephants worth of luggage, and special computers help the pilot fly smoothly through clouds and storms.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the “Boeing” name painted on the side of the airplane and count how many letters it has.
HINT: Look for big letters along the fuselage (the main body of the plane).
OBJECTIVE: Spot the landing gear (wheels) and count how many there are.
HINT: Look underneath the airplane – some wheels might be hidden, but you can see where they fold up into the plane.
Observation Tower Get Ready for the Observation Tower : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Climb up to a real airport control tower where you can watch actual planes taking off and landing at Dulles International Airport!
INTERESTING FACT! The tower gives you a 360-degree view, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are more than 30 miles away.
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Air Traffic Controller” – take turns spotting planes and giving them permission to land using phrases like “cleared for landing” or “proceed to runway.”
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think air traffic controllers keep all the airplanes from bumping into each other?
DISCUSS: Controllers use special radar screens that show every airplane as a tiny dot with important information like its speed and height – it’s like having a giant video game screen that helps keep everyone safe!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Air traffic controllers are like orchestra conductors, but instead of directing musicians, they direct airplanes! They use special codes to talk to pilots, and each plane gets a unique call sign, like a secret nickname. The radar can show planes that are hundreds of miles away, and controllers have to remember where each one is going, just like keeping track of many friends playing in different areas of a playground. They even use special colored lights to guide planes at night, like a giant lighthouse in the sky.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think the control tower is so tall?
DISCUSS: The observation tower is 164 feet tall – that’s as high as 16 giraffes stacked on top of each other!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Height is super important for control towers because controllers need to see everything happening at the airport. From up high, they can spot weather changes coming, watch for wildlife on the runways (even deer sometimes try to cross!), and make sure all the planes have enough space. The windows in the tower are slanted at a special angle to prevent glare from the sun, just like wearing sunglasses. The tower has backup power systems and special weather instruments that can tell if it’s safe for planes to fly, even when it’s cloudy or rainy.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Try to spot and count different types of clouds from the tower.
HINT: Look for puffy clouds (cumulus), flat clouds (stratus), and high, wispy clouds (cirrus).
OBJECTIVE: Find the wind sock that shows pilots which way the wind is blowing.
HINT: Look for something that looks like a giant orange sock near one of the runways.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center:
Sully Historic Site: Step back in time at this 1794 house where you can explore beautiful gardens and learn how people lived long ago. Perfect for young history explorers!
Frying Pan Farm Park: Meet friendly farm animals, see antique farm equipment, and enjoy wagon rides at this working farm that shows what farming was like in the 1930s.
Cox Farms: (seasonal) Experience giant slides, hayrides, and farm fun at this family-friendly adventure spot with tons of outdoor activities for little ones.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- My First Book of Airplanes and Rockets by Sophie Bordet-Petillon
- The Space Shuttle’s Last Flight by Heather R. Scott
- Amazing Airplanes by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker
- If You Decide to Go to the Moon by Faith McNulty
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is a companion facility to the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., showcasing thousands of aviation and space artifacts.
- WOW! The main exhibition hall is so huge that you could fit three football fields inside it!
- HOLY MOLY! The museum houses the only surviving German Arado Ar 234 B Blitz jet bomber from World War II!
- SUPER COOL! The center’s archive contains the largest collection of aviation and space photographs in the world – over 1.75 million images!
- MIND BLOWING! The museum’s restoration hangar is visible to visitors, letting you watch real experts repair historic aircraft!
- INCREDIBLE! The building is named after Steven F. Udvar-Házy, who donated $65 million to help build this amazing facility!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Space Shuttle Discovery Get Ready for the Space Shuttle Discovery : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Stand face-to-face with a real spacecraft that flew 39 missions into space and spent 365 days orbiting Earth!
INTERESTING FACT! The black tiles covering Discovery’s belly can protect it from temperatures up to 2,300°F during reentry – hot enough to melt steel!
COOL ACTIVITY! Count the tiles on Discovery’s nose (there are over 24,000 tiles total on the shuttle). Compare the sizes of different tiles and discuss why some areas might need bigger or smaller tiles for protection.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think the Space Shuttle is shaped like an airplane if it goes into space?
DISCUSS: The Space Shuttle is the only spacecraft ever built that could glide back to Earth like an airplane, landing on a runway instead of splashing into the ocean!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The shuttle’s unique design allowed it to carry cargo both to and from space. Its wings helped it maneuver in the atmosphere, while its streamlined shape protected it during the fiery reentry. The shuttle could carry up to seven astronauts and cargo as heavy as five adult elephants into space!
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could bring one experiment to do on the Space Shuttle, what would it be?
DISCUSS: Astronauts on Discovery conducted over 800 experiments in space, including growing crystals and observing how fire behaves in zero gravity!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: In space, experiments behave differently because of microgravity. Water forms perfect spheres that float in the air, flames burn in a ball shape instead of pointing upward, and plants grow in unusual directions because there’s no “down” in space.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the “scorch marks” on Discovery’s tiles from its reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.
HINT: Look at the black tiles on the shuttle’s underside – some areas appear lighter or more worn than others.
OBJECTIVE: Locate the Canada Arm in the cargo bay.
HINT: Look for a long, folded mechanical arm that astronauts used to deploy satellites and grab objects in space.
SR-71 Blackbird Get Ready for the SR-71 Blackbird : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? See the world’s fastest air-breathing aircraft that could outrun missiles!
INTERESTING FACT! The SR-71’s titanium body would stretch several inches during flight due to extreme heat from friction with the air.
COOL ACTIVITY! Measure your height against the massive engines and calculate how many of you it would take to equal the length of the aircraft.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think they painted the SR-71 black?
DISCUSS: The black paint wasn’t just for looks – it contained special materials that helped radiate heat and keep the plane cool while flying at over three times the speed of sound!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The SR-71 flew so fast that friction with the air heated the exterior to over 600°F. The special black paint, called radar-absorbent material, not only helped manage heat but also made the aircraft nearly invisible to radar. The plane would actually leak fuel while on the ground because its panels were designed to expand and seal tight only when heated during high-speed flight.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think pilots stayed cool in a plane that got hot enough to cook food?
DISCUSS: Pilots wore special pressurized suits similar to astronaut spacesuits to survive the extreme conditions at 85,000 feet – higher than most commercial airplanes fly today!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: At such high altitudes, the air is so thin that a normal person’s blood would boil without protection. The cockpit was kept pressurized like an airplane, but pilots wore their suits in case of emergency. The suits also helped them stay cool despite the intense heat generated by the aircraft’s speed.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the special windows used by the reconnaissance systems.
HINT: Look for dark strips along the bottom of the aircraft where cameras once peered through.
OBJECTIVE: Locate the “chines” – the sharp edges along the body of the aircraft.
HINT: Look for the blade-like structures running along both sides of the fuselage from nose to wing.
Enola Gay Get Ready for the Enola Gay : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? See the actual B-29 Superfortress that changed world history on August 6, 1945, when it dropped the first atomic bomb.
INTERESTING FACT! The plane was named after the pilot’s mother, Enola Gay Tibbets.
COOL ACTIVITY! Compare the size of this B-29 to modern aircraft nearby and discuss how bomber design has evolved over time.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think this single airplane became one of the most famous aircraft in history?
DISCUSS: The Enola Gay was specially modified to carry its atomic payload and had to be stripped of unnecessary weight to carry the 9,700-pound bomb nicknamed “Little Boy.”
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The B-29 was the most advanced bomber of its time, featuring a pressurized cabin, computer-controlled guns, and the ability to fly higher than most other aircraft. The crew had to wear special tinted goggles during the mission to protect their eyes from the blast. The plane flew many other missions but is remembered for this historic flight that helped end World War II.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think pilots navigated such long-distance flights before GPS and modern technology?
DISCUSS: The navigator used the stars, special calculators, and maps to find their way across the Pacific Ocean, often flying for hours without seeing land!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Navigation in World War II required incredible skill and mathematics. Navigators used tools like sextants (similar to what sailors used), drift meters, and complex charts. They had to account for wind speed, weather patterns, and fuel consumption while maintaining radio silence. One small calculation error could mean missing their target by miles or running out of fuel over the ocean.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate the distinctive nose art and lettering on the aircraft.
HINT: Look for the carefully restored original paint and markings near the cockpit.
OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of the plane’s defensive armament systems.
HINT: Look for the gun turrets positioned around the aircraft’s fuselage.
Concorde Get Ready for the Concorde : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Marvel at the only supersonic passenger aircraft that flew regular transatlantic routes for over 27 years.
INTERESTING FACT! The Concorde’s nose could tilt down during takeoff and landing to give pilots better visibility.
COOL ACTIVITY! Use the museum’s measuring tools to calculate how many regular passenger planes could fit in the space it takes for Concorde to make its characteristic “sonic boom” turn.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think the Concorde was designed with such a pointy nose and swept-back wings?
DISCUSS: The Concorde flew so fast that its body would heat up and stretch by about 6 inches during flight!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Concorde’s distinctive design was crucial for supersonic flight. The pointed nose reduced air resistance, while the delta wings created the perfect balance of lift and stability at both high and low speeds. The aircraft could cruise at Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound), making it possible to have breakfast in London and arrive in New York in time for breakfast the same day, thanks to the time difference!
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design a future supersonic passenger plane, what features would you include?
DISCUSS: The Concorde’s windows were small because they had to withstand extreme pressure differences and heat – they were actually warm to the touch during flight!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Modern engineers are working on new supersonic passenger planes that are quieter and more efficient than the Concorde. They’re using advanced materials and computer modeling to solve problems like sonic booms and fuel efficiency. Some designs even include virtual windows using cameras and screens to give passengers a better view while maintaining structural integrity.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the “droop nose” mechanism and understand how it worked.
HINT: Look for the hinges and hydraulic systems near the cockpit that allowed the nose to move.
OBJECTIVE: Locate the special thermal protection features on the windows and body.
HINT: Notice the small window size and the special panels designed to handle extreme temperatures.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center:
Sully Historic Site: Step back in time at this 1794 house museum where you can explore life in colonial Virginia and see beautiful period gardens.
Frying Pan Farm Park: Experience a working farm from the 1930s, complete with heritage breed animals, antique equipment demonstrations, and hands-on farming activities.
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: Discover 650 acres of natural and cultural resources, featuring hiking trails, a nature center, and historic buildings perfect for outdoor exploration.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- Space Shuttle Discovery: Celebrating 30 Years of NASA’s First Space Shuttle by Piers Bizony
- The World’s Fastest Aircraft by John Hamilton (perfect for learning about the SR-71 Blackbird)
- How Things Work: Inside Air and Space Museum by the Smithsonian Institution
- The Story of Flight: From the Wright Brothers to the Supersonic Jet by Jakob Whitfield
- Download the Smithsonian’s Air and Space mobile app for interactive exhibits and behind-the-scenes content
- Watch “STEM in 30” episodes on the museum’s YouTube channel
- Explore the museum’s virtual tours on their website
- Review the “Stories of Aviation” section on the museum’s website for fascinating historical accounts
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center houses thousands of aviation and space artifacts in its massive 760,000-square-foot facility.
- HOLY COW! The main aviation hangar is so large that you could fit 3 football fields inside it!
- MIND-BLOWING! The museum houses the only surviving X-35B test aircraft, which can take off vertically like a helicopter!
- SUPER COOL! The Center’s archive contains the largest collection of aviation and space photography in the world!
- INCREDIBLE! The building’s architecture was specifically designed to accommodate a Space Shuttle – before NASA even decided which orbiter would be displayed here!
- WOW! The restoration hangar is a working facility where visitors can watch real conservators preserve historic aircraft!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Enola Gay Get Ready for the Enola Gay : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This B-29 Superfortress changed world history as the aircraft that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, marking the dawn of the nuclear age.
INTERESTING FACT! The Enola Gay was named after pilot Paul Tibbets’ mother, and the aircraft was specially modified with fuel-injected engines and stripped of armor and guns to carry its heavy payload.
COOL ACTIVITY! Using your phone, compare the size of the B-29 to modern aircraft by researching their specifications. Calculate how many school buses would fit inside its wingspan (141 feet).
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were President Truman in 1945, what factors would you consider in deciding whether to use the atomic bomb?
DISCUSS: The Enola Gay’s crew didn’t know their exact mission until hours before takeoff, and they were given cyanide pills in case of capture.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The decision to use atomic weapons remains one of history’s most debated choices. The Manhattan Project involved over 130,000 people, cost $2 billion (equivalent to $29 billion today), and was kept so secret that even Vice President Truman didn’t know about it until he became President. The bombing immediately ended WWII but sparked the nuclear arms race and forever changed international relations.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think modern precision-guided weapons compare to the technology available in 1945?
DISCUSS: The Enola Gay had to drop its bomb from 31,000 feet using mechanical bombsights, while modern smart bombs can hit targets within 3 feet from 15 miles away.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The evolution of military technology raises important ethical questions about warfare. Today’s drones can be controlled from thousands of miles away, using AI-assisted targeting systems. This precision reduces civilian casualties but also makes warfare more remote and potentially easier to initiate. The development of nuclear weapons led to the doctrine of “mutually assured destruction,” which has prevented major world powers from engaging in direct conflict since WWII.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate the special modifications made to the aircraft for its atomic mission.
HINT: Look for removed gun turrets and special engine modifications.
OBJECTIVE: Find the bomb bay and imagine how the “Little Boy” atomic bomb was carried.
HINT: Notice the size and special configuration of the bomb bay doors.
Space Shuttle Discovery Get Ready for the Space Shuttle Discovery : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Discovery flew 39 missions, spent 365 days in orbit, and deployed the Hubble Space Telescope, making it NASA’s most accomplished orbiter.
INTERESTING FACT! Each black heat shield tile could be heated to 2,300°F on one side while remaining cool enough to touch on the other side.
COOL ACTIVITY! Count the tiles visible on one small section of the orbiter and calculate approximately how many of the 24,300 tiles cover the entire spacecraft using basic geometry.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think NASA chose to make the Space Shuttle reusable when all previous spacecraft were single-use?
DISCUSS: Each Space Shuttle launch cost about $450 million, but reusability saved billions compared to building new vehicles for each mission.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Space Shuttle revolutionized space travel by functioning like a space truck. It could carry up to 65,000 pounds of cargo, deploy satellites, and return large items to Earth. The program advanced materials science significantly – the thermal protection system was so effective that a 1-inch tile could protect from temperatures that would melt steel. The Shuttle’s main engines were the most efficient ever built, operating at temperatures hotter than the boiling point of iron while their pump turbines spun faster than any automobile engine.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do modern commercial space companies like SpaceX compare to the Space Shuttle program?
DISCUSS: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launches cost about $62 million compared to the Shuttle’s $450 million, and can be turned around for reuse in just 50 days versus the Shuttle’s typical 180 days.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Space Shuttle program provided crucial lessons for modern commercial spaceflight. Today’s reusable rockets land vertically instead of gliding, which saves fuel and complexity. The Shuttle’s sophisticated but complex systems led to two tragic accidents, pushing modern designers toward simpler, more robust solutions. Commercial companies have also developed automated docking systems, whereas Shuttle astronauts performed delicate docking maneuvers manually.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate and identify the three main engines and compare their size to a car engine.
HINT: Look at the rear of the orbiter and notice how the engines are clustered.
OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of the intense heat of reentry on the thermal protection system.
HINT: Look for variations in the black tiles’ appearance, especially on the underside.
SR-71 Blackbird Get Ready for the SR-71 Blackbird : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? The world’s fastest air-breathing aircraft, reaching speeds over Mach 3.2 (2,200+ mph), this spy plane could outrun missiles during the Cold War.
INTERESTING FACT! The SR-71’s titanium body would expand up to 6 inches during flight due to heat, requiring special design considerations including loose-fitting panels at takeoff.
COOL ACTIVITY! Use your phone’s compass to measure the aircraft’s heading and calculate its theoretical time to different global cities at Mach 3.2 speed (roughly 1 mile every 1.6 seconds).
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why did the SR-71’s fuel tanks leak on the ground but seal perfectly at high altitude?
DISCUSS: The Blackbird’s fuel tanks were intentionally designed to leak on the ground because the intense heat of high-speed flight would cause the titanium airframe to expand and seal the tanks.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The SR-71’s design solved incredible engineering challenges. Its special fuel (JP-7) had such a high flash point that you could extinguish a lit match in it. The aircraft’s surface reached 600°F during flight, and the special quartz windows had to be made of high-temperature glass that cost more per square inch than diamonds. The pilots wore pressurized suits similar to astronauts because at typical cruising altitudes of 85,000 feet, blood would literally boil without protection. The aircraft’s sonic boom was so powerful it could be heard over 50 miles away.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think modern satellite and drone technology compares to the SR-71’s reconnaissance capabilities?
DISCUSS: The SR-71’s cameras could photograph 100,000 square miles per hour and distinguish automobile makes and models from 80,000 feet.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The SR-71’s mission of high-altitude reconnaissance has largely been replaced by satellites and drones, but each has trade-offs. Satellites are predictable in their orbits, allowing targets to hide their activities. Drones can loiter for long periods but are much slower and vulnerable to air defenses. The SR-71’s combination of speed, altitude, and flexibility made it uniquely effective – no Blackbird was ever shot down by enemy fire during its entire operational history. Modern hypersonic aircraft are just now approaching the speeds the SR-71 achieved in the 1960s.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate the special “chines” (sharp edges) that provided 20% of the aircraft’s lift.
HINT: Look along the sides of the fuselage where it meets the wing.
OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of the special high-temperature paint that gave the aircraft its black appearance.
HINT: Notice how the paint appears different from conventional aircraft paint, especially near engine areas.
Concorde Get Ready for the Concorde : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? The only supersonic passenger aircraft to achieve sustained commercial service, Concorde represents the pinnacle of luxury air travel, crossing the Atlantic in just 3.5 hours.
INTERESTING FACT! Concorde’s body would heat up and stretch by about 6-10 inches during flight, and the windows were warm to the touch at cruise altitude due to air friction.
COOL ACTIVITY! Calculate the cost per minute of a typical Concorde flight – with tickets costing around $12,000 in today’s money for a 210-minute flight, passengers paid about $57 per minute of flight time.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think we don’t have supersonic passenger planes today, even though Concorde proved it was possible?
DISCUSS: Concorde burned about 2 tons of fuel just taxiing to the runway, and approximately 1 ton of fuel per passenger on a transatlantic flight.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The economics of supersonic flight reveal fascinating trade-offs. Concorde’s high operating costs meant tickets cost about 30 times more than economy class on regular flights. The sonic boom restricted it to oceanic routes, as supersonic flight over land was prohibited in most countries. Modern aircraft manufacturers are developing new supersonic designs that create quieter sonic booms and use less fuel. The “boom” from these new designs is expected to sound more like a car door closing rather than Concorde’s thunderous crack.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How did Concorde’s pilots deal with the challenges of flying at twice the altitude of regular airliners?
DISCUSS: At Concorde’s cruise altitude of 60,000 feet, pilots could see the curvature of the Earth and the dark blue of space above them.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Flying at the edge of space presented unique challenges. The high altitude meant exposure to twice the radiation of conventional flights, requiring special monitoring equipment. The aircraft’s aluminum skin would heat to 127°C (260°F) at cruise speed, causing the cabin to expand so much that a gap would appear between the flight engineer’s panel and the bulkhead. The special “droop nose” design was necessary because the aircraft’s high angle of attack during landing would have made it impossible for pilots to see the runway otherwise.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate the “droop nose” mechanism and understand how it worked during takeoff and landing.
HINT: Look at the cockpit area and try to spot the hinge mechanism.
OBJECTIVE: Find the special engine intakes that helped Concorde achieve supersonic flight efficiently.
HINT: Notice the complex shape of the engine intakes and the moving ramps inside them.
Boeing Aviation Hangar Observation Tower Get Ready for the Boeing Aviation Hangar Observation Tower : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This 164-foot-high tower offers a spectacular 360-degree view of Dulles International Airport operations and the entire museum floor, plus hands-on experience with real air traffic control equipment.
INTERESTING FACT! The tower’s location provides views of both arriving and departing aircraft at Dulles, and on clear days, you can see the Blue Ridge Mountains 40 miles away.
COOL ACTIVITY! Use the provided binoculars to track aircraft movements and try to identify different airline liveries and aircraft types. Keep a log of how many different countries’ airlines you can spot.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do air traffic controllers manage to keep thousands of aircraft safely separated in busy airspace?
DISCUSS: Controllers must maintain minimum separation distances between aircraft – typically 3-5 miles horizontally or 1,000 feet vertically – while managing up to 15 aircraft simultaneously.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Modern air traffic control is a complex dance of technology and human expertise. Controllers use sophisticated radar and computer systems that can predict conflicts up to 20 minutes in advance. Each major airport handles hundreds or even thousands of flights daily, with controllers choreographing a precise ballet of takeoffs, landings, and overhead traffic. The job requires intense concentration – controllers typically work for only 90-120 minutes before taking mandatory breaks. The system is so well-designed that the chance of an accident due to air traffic control error is less than one in a billion.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What impact will autonomous aircraft have on the future of air traffic control?
DISCUSS: Modern aircraft can already land themselves in zero visibility conditions, and some drones can navigate complex airspace without human intervention.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The future of air traffic control is rapidly evolving. Artificial intelligence is being developed to help controllers manage increasingly crowded skies. Urban air mobility vehicles (flying taxis) will require new systems to manage low-altitude traffic in cities. Space traffic management is becoming crucial as more satellites and commercial spacecraft enter orbit. Despite automation advances, human controllers remain essential for handling unexpected situations and making critical decisions that require judgment and experience.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate and identify the different runway configurations at Dulles Airport.
HINT: Look for the parallel north-south runways and the crosswind runway.
OBJECTIVE: Find examples of different types of aircraft ground equipment in use at the airport.
HINT: Look for fuel trucks, baggage trains, and mobile boarding bridges.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center:
Sully Historic Site: Explore this 1794 house and grounds where you can experience life on an 18th-century farm and learn about early American history.
Frying Pan Farm Park: Step back in time at this working farm that preserves and presents agricultural history of the 1920s-1950s, featuring historic buildings, farm animals, and demonstrations.
Reston National Golf Course: For golf enthusiasts, this challenging 18-hole public course offers a perfect way to unwind after a day at the museum.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- “Space Shuttle Discovery: Missions & Crews” – Available on NASA’s website, this comprehensive guide details Discovery’s remarkable 27-year career.
- “Faster Than Sound: The Story of Supersonic Flight” by Ted Wilbur – Perfect for understanding the science behind the SR-71 and Concorde.
- “The Making of the Atomic Bomb” by Richard Rhodes (for older teens) – Provides crucial context for understanding the Enola Gay’s historical significance.
- Download the Smithsonian’s Air & Space mobile app for interactive exhibits and augmented reality experiences.
- Watch “The SR-71 Blackbird: The Fastest Plane Ever” documentary on YouTube’s Smithsonian Channel.
LOCATION SUMMARY
Imagine soaring through a massive hangar filled with real spacecraft and airplanes suspended from the ceiling as if frozen in mid-flight! The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington D.C. is like stepping into a giant’s toy box where every aircraft tells an amazing story. Have you ever wondered what it feels like to stand next to a real space shuttle or see an airplane that can fly faster than the speed of sound?
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