CURRENT ISSUE

February/March 2020

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Features

LOX tank model

To Build a Monster Rocket

Facing immense challenges, NASA bulls ahead with the Space Launch System.

Warbler 1946 Ercoupe

Omaha to Salt Lake City Without GPS

When he got lost, the author sought guidance from early airmail pilots.

searching for the doodlebug in Lynsted

Big Dig for a Buzz Bomb

Two amateur archaeologists scour the English countryside for remnants of Hitler’s vengeance weapons.

only flying Twin Mustang

Last of the Long-Distance Escorts

The Twin Mustang has evaded restorers…until now.

storming area 51

The Year of UFOs

In 2019, our eyes were on the skies.

Katie Stack Morgan

Land Right Here

The science team on NASA’s next Mars mission knows exactly where to go.

Middle East over airplane wing

Adventures Above the Oil Fields

In the 1930s Middle East, pilots faced long distances, primitive airfields, sandstorms, breakdowns, and a hostile population.

Departments

Viewport

A “Field” Day for Planetary Geology

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

Up to Speed

Her Majesty’s Jet Suit

A former Royal Marines reservist has transformed himself into a real-life Iron Man.

Up to Speed

K-9 Flight School

Up to Speed

Drivers Get Help From Above

A NASA spacecraft helps Air Force drivers avoid messy, and possibly dangerous, delays.

Up to Speed

Titan Unveiled

Interview

Mike Eilts

A former storm chaser, Eilts is a senior vice president at DTN, a company that helps commercial airline pilots avoid turbulence.

At the Museum

Tiny Rover, Big Impact

A new artifact for the future of spaceflight

I Was There

Space Junk

In orbit, taking out the trash is no minor chore.

Interview

The People Who Made Hubble Great

A spacewalking pioneer reports on the behind-the-scenes work that enabled the Hubble Space Telescope to wow the world.

One More Thing

Bücker Bü-133C Jungmeister

Flown by champions, it was the aerobatic showstopper of the 1930s and ’40s.