Washington D.C. Trip – Part 3: The National Air and Space Museum

Washington D.C. Trip – Part 3: The Space Museum

​The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is one of the most visited museums in the world, offering a glimpse into the history of aviation and spaceflight.

Upon entering, life-size aircraft fill the ceiling and exhibition spaces, impressing visitors with its sheer scale.
The "America by Air" exhibit traces the evolution of American aviation, from early aircraft to modern passenger aircraft.
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In addition to aircraft, the museum features a diverse collection of aerospace artifacts, including rockets, space probes, and spacesuits, offering a captivating experience for both children and adults.
Being part of the Smithsonian Institution, admission is free, and its vast collection is so vast that a full day is not enough to fully explore.

​However, although admission is free, you must download a free ticket from the website and show it to enter.

​The below  is Apollo 11's Command Module, Columbia.
This is the very module that carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins back to Earth in 1969, the first human to land on the moon.
The scorching and discoloration on its exterior surface clearly demonstrate the extreme heat and friction experienced during re-entry into the atmosphere.
It's incredibly moving that three astronauts completed their historic mission and returned safely within this small space.
Seeing it firsthand, you're reminded of the grandeur of space exploration, as well as the remarkable feats of human courage and technology.

​The exhibit in the photo is a plaster hand cast of Neil Armstrong's left hand.
It was modeled after the "neutral position" of the hand for the creation of spacesuit gloves, and his hand shape is preserved intact.
Because I draw, I'm particularly drawn to the shape and structure of the hand. The length of the knuckles, the curvature of the palm, the direction of the wrinkles—all of these reveal a person's personality and the marks of their professional life.
Since "hands" will be a major topic in my class this semester, I've been spending a lot of time examining this exhibition.
Seeing the hand of the first man to set foot on the moon so closely was not just a simple exhibition experience for me, but a moment of creative inspiration.

​When I visit the Museum of Science, the paintings that always capture my attention the most, even among the various exhibits, are the ones.

The first, titled "Wilbur Wright Greets Lady Liberty," depicts Wilbur Wright flying around the Statue of Liberty in New York City in 1909. The soft sky, the majestic figure of the Lady Liberty, and the delicately rendered structures of the early aircraft are striking.

The second painting depicts a vibrant celebration of aviation during the era of aviation, meticulously capturing the crowds gathered around the aircraft and the diverse array of aircraft. The people's expressions, their clothing, and the small details in the scene vividly convey the atmosphere of the era and the passion for technology.
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As an artist, I find in these works more than mere historical records. The colors, the composition, the placement of the figures, and even the direction of the brushstrokes—all embody the atmosphere and emotions of a time.
Perhaps this is why I find myself drawn to the paintings that tell the stories surrounding the aircraft, even before the aircraft itself.

​The exhibit in the photo features a restored model of an early flying device from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It featured a human body suspended directly from the wing structure, allowing it to soar through the sky.
These attempts, made within the limitations of the technology and materials of the time, were extremely risky, and many inventors lost their lives during test flights.
The wooden frame, extended like airfoils, and the thin fabric wings seem shabby and reckless compared to today's massive metal aircraft.
However, these very attempts accumulated to advance aviation technology, and today, we live in an era where we can safely travel across continents.
This scene reminds us that human progress is not achieved in an instant, but rather is the result of repeated failures and challenges.

​The two spacesuits in this photo demonstrate at a glance how much technology has advanced over the generations.
The orange spacesuit on the left is thick and robust, featuring multi-layered structures and complex devices to ensure survival in extreme environments.
In contrast, the blue flightsuit on the right is much lighter and slimmer, utilizing the latest technology to provide both protection and comfort.
It's remarkable that while space travel once required heavy, claustrophobic equipment, we can now safely complete our missions in such a thin suit.
This change isn't simply a matter of materials and design evolution; it demonstrates how sophisticated and efficient humanity's journey to space has become.

​This is a capsule exhibit from Blue Origin, a private space company founded by Jeff Bezos. This capsule is designed for "suborbital" flights, allowing tourists to ascend to the edge of space and return to Earth. This scene highlights the nearness of the era of commercial space travel.

On the right is a life-size model of R2-D2, the popular droid from the Star Wars movies. This character, found in a corner of the science museum, symbolizes how science fiction films have inspired real-world technological advancements.

Viewing the two exhibits side by side creates an interesting contrast: one presents the ongoing "real space travel" and the other presents the "future space stories" that have long captivated humanity's imagination.

​Visiting the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. was more than just a sightseeing experience—it was a journey through humanity’s relentless pursuit of the skies and beyond. From the fragile early flying machines to the sleek spacecraft of today, every exhibit told a story of courage, ingenuity, and perseverance. Standing before these artifacts, I was reminded that progress is built on countless trials, dreams, and the determination to go further than ever before. This museum is not only a tribute to our past achievements but also an inspiration for the future of exploration.