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May 2011

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Features

Ready for its closeup: The first demilitarized Global Hawk debuts in 2009 at NASA’s Dryden center in California, where scientists will use it to study hurricanes, pollution, and other atmospheric disturbances.

“That’s Professor Global Hawk”

A remote-piloted warrior starts flying for science.

It lacks the glamour of Canaveral, but for Cal State students, an engine test stand in the desert beats the classroom.

The Mojave Launch Lab

A community of alternative rocketeers who may one day dominate the space biz.

The Lockheed U-2 ushered in a new age of spying and new requirements for photo interpretation.

Project Equine

...And the high-tech horse it rode in on.

<b>Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a</b> Its initials stand for Scout Experimental, but the S.E.5a was one of the most effective fighters of World War I. At about 135 mph, it was faster than most airplanes it came up against and was flown by four of the Unite

Biplanes and Us

25 years later, it's a complicated relationship.

When they weren’t operating Norden bombsights (center), B-25 nose gunner/bombardiers enjoyed splendid views.

Take a Ride in a B-25

From engine fumes to exhilaration, here’s what to expect

<i>Ciao!</i> Italy’s military precision jet team, Frecce Tricolori (“Tricolor Arrows”), makes its first visit to North America with performances on August 2 and 3 at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 34th Fly-in Convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The

1986

The year we were born.

Malachowski-631.jpg

What Were They Doing at 25?

Some were already heroes. Others were nowhere near where you would have expected them to be.

A Boeing 767-300 lands on Los Angeles International Airport’s runway 25L.

The Power of 25

Think of it as a crash course in aeronautical trivia.

After World War II, Yuri’s father Alexei disassembled the family home and moved it to Gzhatsk (now Gagarin), where it is a museum.

The Family He Left Behind

Fifty years ago, Yuri Gagarin left earth. When he came back, everything changed.

Departments

Viewport

Viewport: The Great Collector

Viewport: The Great Collector

J.R. Dailey
In the Museum

In the Museum

Paul Garber: Eyewitness to History

Above & Beyond

Above and Beyond

Mission: Cuba. Status: Top secret.

James Storie
Flights & Fancy

Last Bathroom for 200 Miles

When an astronaut's gotta go...

Jeremy Davis
Moments and Milestones

Moments and Milestones: Now, That’s Good Mileage

Moments and Milestones: Now, That’s Good Mileage

Don Porter