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November 2014

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Features

Bigger Than Saturn, Bound for Deep Space

Bigger Than Saturn, Bound for Deep Space

The new U.S. rocket is built to push humanity outward.

Class Stearman Santa Monica Airport

Can This Airport Be Saved?

The fight over the nation's busiest single-runway airport.

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X-ing Out Meigs Field

This former Chicago landmark is a cautionary tale for small airports everywhere.

Lockheed Vega 35th Pursuit Squadron

Lockheed's Shining Star

Loved by Earhart and Wiley Post, Vegas are museum pieces today—all but one.

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Untethered

The MMU may have been the coolest space vehicle ever. So why did its career end as soon as it began?

Missing Jet Airliner Africa

When Airliners Vanish

In the murky world of international aircraft deals, old airliners can end up on the dark side.

Mast Camera Mars Rover Curiosity

The Mars Dilemma

When astronauts finally reach Mars, will they be able to land?

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First, Land. Then, Live.

Both Mars and Earth are test beds.

P-80 Shooting Star

Kelly's Hero

From Lockheed’s famed design chief, the first U.S. jet to fight.

Departments

Soundings

From Pieces to Plane in a Week

Volunteers gather at Oshkosh to make a “Wonder” happen.

Soundings

Now Definitely No One Will See It

The airplane that doubled as a TV station.

Technically Speaking

Winner Take All

And some run out of both.

Above & Beyond

Reporting for Relief

In 2004, the USS Abraham Lincoln brought help to tsunami victims, and even to fellow rescuers.

Flights & Fancy

Maybe I Will Pass on That Coffee

Stuck in an F-16 with no bathroom in sight.

In the Museum

Paradise by Air

A new exhibit gives a rich account of the state’s aviation history.