It’s Literally Rocket Science (Month)!
Did you know that before NASA sent astronauts to the Moon, American rocket pioneer and NAHF Enshrinee Robert H. Goddard launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket—in 1926 in Auburn, Massachusetts? It flew only about 41 feet and remained in the air for just 2.5 seconds, but that tiny flight helped launch the Space Age!
In celebration of Goddard’s achievement and the work of many other aerospace heroes, September’s Open Kids Labs will be all about rockets. Through hands-on activities, experiments, and engineering challenges, visitors will investigate how rockets fly, what makes them move, how they are designed, and how they have helped expand humanity’s reach beyond Earth. You can also explore a special “Rockets Through the Ages” photo exhibit highlighting the evolution of rocket technology.
- Open Kids Labs are every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10 am–2 pm.
- Come to Science Saturday on September 26, 1–3 pm!
The month will culminate with Rocket Day on a special Science Saturday. On September 26, you can explore rocket science through special hands-on experiences and activities in the Joe Clark Innovation Lab and throughout the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Can’t make it to the Lab this month? Wherever you are, you can still explore from home with our online games, experiments, and other activities. You can also learn how to build a paper rocket! And check out this video about women who changed aviation forever and this rocket launch compilation video.
We’re also very excited about the upcoming annual Girls in Aviation and STEM Day/Wings of Women event, on September 27, at the museum.
This free event is designed to inspire curiosity and confidence in young girls ages 6–17. They can explore careers in aviation and STEM through hands-on activities, meeting female role models in aviation, and learning about exciting career possibilities in aerospace. They’ll also be inspired by a special keynote from Joan Sullivan Garrett, founder of MedAire, who will share how her groundbreaking mission delivers lifesaving medical care in the air.
Enshrinee Spotlight: Robert H. Goddard & Peggy Chabrian
Robert H. Goddard, known as the father of modern rocketry, pioneered technologies that made spaceflight possible. In 1926, he launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket, proving that rockets could be powered and controlled using technologies that would eventually carry humans beyond Earth. His groundbreaking work in propulsion, guidance, and multi-stage rockets laid the foundation for the modern space program.
Today, the rockets that carry astronauts, satellites, scientific instruments, and spacecraft into space build on principles Goddard explored nearly a century ago. His legacy continues to influence the engineers, scientists, technicians, and innovators pushing the boundaries of exploration.
Peggy Chabrian, a pioneering advocate for women in aviation, opened doors and created opportunities for generations of women to pursue careers across the aviation and aerospace industries. As the founder of Women in Aviation International, she built a global network dedicated to encouraging women and girls to pursue aviation careers, providing mentorship, scholarships, education, and professional opportunities.
Today, women are pilots, engineers, astronauts, mechanics, air traffic controllers, aviation executives, researchers, and leaders across the aerospace industry. The opportunities available to them reflect the work of pioneers like Chabrian, who recognized that expanding aviation’s future means making sure everyone has the opportunity to participate.
