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October/November 2021

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Features

northern hemisphere of Venus

Journey to the Surface of Venus

Despite its caustic personality, the planet closest to Earth has answers these scientists want.

pilot refueling 1940 Waco on gravel strips

Got Gas?

Thanks to Carthage College students, pilots will always know.

ALIA 250 flying over island

How Far Away Is Your Air Taxi?

The new electric, vertical-lift designs might mean it’s closer than you think.

rendering of the NAtion of Speed gallery, with car on display

The Fast Frontier

A new gallery explores the American fascination with fast movers.

Celera

Good Egg

Don’t body shame the Celera 500L. It just may revolutionize business aviation.

model of the JWST

The Telescope That Will Change Astronomy

After years of delay and frustration, the James Webb Space Telescope is ready to launch.

prototype AirLander 10 airship

Airships Rise Again

Zero emissions and a million pounds of lift renew the appeal of these century-old giants.

Departments

Viewport

A Peek at the Future

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

Interview

Eagles Over Iraq

Flying the F-15 to victory in Desert Storm.

Sightings

Star Shooter

NASA’s first photographer created an intimate historical record.

I Was There

Return of the Caribou

The B-29 stayed in Greenland, but the caribou made it (barely) home.

Up to Speed

Electric Pulitzer

The fastest airplane wins in the 2022 Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Race.

One More Thing

'Star Wars' X-wing Starfighter

This full-size movie prop helped the Rebel Alliance defeat the Galactic Empire.