CURRENT ISSUE

December 2021/January 2022

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Features

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The Giant Falls

Airbus struggled to invent the world’s biggest airliner. In the end, it wasn’t technology—it was timing—that killed the beast.

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The Next Robots on the Moon

In the 1960s, the moon race was war. This time, it’s commerce.

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Pioneers

In flight’s first decade, the challenges—and the possibilities—were endless.

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Marsliner

Elon Musk’s giant Starship will leave the world behind.

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The Ugliest Airplane: An Appreciation

The Transavia AirTruk ain’t pretty, but it had purpose.

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Defend the Intrepid

It survived two wars, but now it faces another grave threat: the environment of New York City.

Clyde Romero, James Casher, Eldridge Johnson, and Bob Farris in military green

The Condors Quartet

Operation Lam Son 719 changed them. Then they waited for the world to catch up.

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They Couldn’t Stop Amelia Earhart

The famous American’s attempt to fly around the world was nearly thwarted by British officialdom.

Departments

Viewport

When an Idea Takes Hold

From the Acting Director of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

Up to Speed

U.S. Marines on a Japanese Carrier

A few degrees in the turn toward Asia

Up to Speed

A New Qantas Airline Long-Distance Record

How was your flight? Long!

Up to Speed

Spudis Crater

A lunar landmark gets a new name to honor a distinguished scientist.

I Was There

Skyhawk Homecoming

Dad wanted to be impressed, and he paid dearly for the privilege.

Reviews & Previews

The Patient Astronaut

Bruce McCandless waited almost two decades for his first space flight.