Behind the Wings

Today, in celebration of National Volunteer Month, we are excited to speak with Wings Over the Rockies volunteer, Phil Mentesana. Phil shares personal stories about his time as an Electronic Warfare Officer on the B-52, flying the F-4 in Vietnam, and his time as a captain for United Airlines. He has many firsts in his career including being a part of the first B-52 missions to engage in combat during Operation Arc Light in Vietnam, leading Operation Linebacker I in the F-4, and so much more. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways:Phil wanted to be a pilot but elected to go to Navigation training first, earning a spot as an Electronic Warfare Officer onboard the B-52 Stratofortress.While stationed on the B-52, he was a part of the first B-52 combat missions in Vietnam, flying in Operation Arc Light. On the first mission, two B-52s collided in the middle of a storm when trying to refuel.Phil finally got his chance to fly when he was reaching the age limit for pilot training. After training, his fighter pick was the F-4 Phantom.Phil went back to combat in Vietnam, this time flying the F-4. While there, he led the F-4 squadrons in Operation Linebacker I and had 14 SAMs shot at him in less than 15 minutes.After he retired from the Air Force, he went on to pilot for United Airlines. He flew every plane model they had at the time.Phil came to volunteer at Wings Over the Rockies to give back to the aviation career that treated him so well.Resources:Operation Linebacker Operation Arc Light 

A first-of-its-kind virtual reality spacewalk experience.  Space Explorers: THE INFINITE is a captivating immersive journey inspired by NASA missions aboard the International Space Station. Join us as we hear from creator Félix Lajeunesse who tells us how THE INFINITE project got started, how they filmed and created this experience, working with astronauts, and the unique challenges they faced making virtual reality content on the International Space Station. This one is going to be cool!Key Takeaways:THE INFINITE experience gives audiences breathtaking 360-degree views of Earth, displays scenes from life aboard the ISS, and allows guests to perform their very own spacewalk, all through virtual reality technology.This project is the first virtual reality experience filmed in space onboard the ISS.THE INFINITE faced many challenges while filming, needing to consider camera temperatures, radiation, and so much more.In this experience, you can interact with astronauts who helped film such as spacewalking, experimenting, and even having dinner.The Overview Effect is a common experience among astronauts when traveling to space. The term, first coined by author Frank White, describes a cognitive shift commonly experienced when someone sees the Earth from space for the first time. People often describe feeling a sense of one-ness, that the Earth is precious, and sheer awe in the Earth’s beauty, all of which can be experienced in THE INFINITE.Félix Lajeunesse aims to continue filming with NASA to document and create more experiences on the Moon and beyond.You can visit Space Explorers: THE INFINITE in Denver until May 5th, 2024!Resources:Félix Lajeunesse: What it’s like to film VR on the ISS ‘The Infinite’ Virtual Reality Exhibit Offers a Taste of Life in Outer Space THE INFINITE Experience Denver 

In celebration of Women's History Month, dive into the story of the first female Air Force pilots and their roles during World War II. Today's episode tells us about the lives and history of The Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP. The WASP helped the United States domestic war effort by ferrying aircraft, towing targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice, simulating strafing missions, transporting cargo, and so much more. Plus, hear a special story about the first two women to fly the B-29 Superfortress. This one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways:Pilot Jacqueline "Jackie" Cochran and test-pilot Nancy Harkness Love wanted to help the war effort in the United States and worked with the military to start the Women's Flying Training Detachment (WFTD) and the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS). Eventually, both programs were merged to form the WASP.Even with strict requirements to enter the WASP, more than 25,000 women applied, 1,830 were accepted, and 1,074 graduated.The WASP trained in Sweetwater, TX at Avenger Field where they stayed on base in the barracks and trained most days.Two WASP, Dorthea Johnson and Dora Dougherty, were chosen by General Hap Arnold to fly the newly arrived B-29 Superfortress in a demonstration for future male pilots. The male pilots didn't want to fly this airplane due to engine concerns, and the WASP was meant to show that "if a woman can do it, so can a man." They flew the B-29 successfully several times.In 1944, the WASP were shut down to make room for men returning from war who needed the jobs.Years later, in the 1970s, the Women Airforce Service Pilots were finally given military and veteran status, officially cementing their history.Resources:Women Fly the B-29: PBS Women Airforce Service Pilots Wiki Deanie Parish WASP SpeechThe WASP of World War 2: Radio DiariesV. Scott Gough Collection: Library of Congress Margaret Ray Ringenberg Collection: Library of CongressNell S. Bright Collection: Library of Congress

Fly to all fifty states in this in-depth conversation about a record-breaking flight and airplane.Today, we are excited to speak with world-record-holding pilot, Michael Combs. Michael tells us about his death-defying moment, his record-breaking flight to all fifty states, and why you should never give up on your dreams. We will also hear about his light sport aircraft, Hope One, which is living out retirement in Wings Museum. This one is going to be cool!Key Takeaways:In 2003, Michael had a life-threatening health problem that caused him to temporarily die and lose most of his memory.Michael knew he wanted to be a pilot since he was a kid, and while healing in the hospital, that goal kept him going.The Flight for the Human Spirit was a project meant to inspire people by showing that the impossible is possible and that you are never too old to start chasing your dreams.Michael's goal was to fly his Remos GX light sport aircraft, Hope One, to all fifty states, something that had never been done before. He completed his goal in Hawaii when he got to fly in an air show with the Blue Angels, the Red Bull stunt plane, and Jacquie B Airshows.After his flight, Michael was still making headlines by breaking even more records with Hope One.Hope One is now retired and living in Wings Over the Rockies' hangar. The cockpit is left in the same condition as when Michael flew it for the last time.Resources:The Story Behind the Flight for the Human Spirit Hope One Arrives In Denver 

The first Black astronaut candidate talks about his experiences with the astronaut program in this in-depth conversation about his pioneering space journey.Welcome to Season 4 of Behind the Wings, which means 10 new episodes coming your way! It’s February, and in celebration of Black History Month, we are excited to speak with the first Black astronaut candidate, Ed Dwight Jr. In 1961, just 3 years after NASA started, our guest was making waves as a test pilot in aviation and training to be one of the first astronauts. Ed talks about his incredible journey, his time in the Air Force and the space program, and how, in an instant, the dream of space flight was taken away. Ed’s resume reads: Air Force Test Pilot, America’s First Black Astronaut Candidate, IBM Computer Systems Engineer, Aviation Consultant, Restaurateur, Real Estate Developer, Construction Entrepreneur, and Sculpture Artist. There's a lot to learn in this episode!Key Takeaways:Ed first got into flying as a kid when pilots at the nearby airport in Kansas paid him to help clean their aircraft.Dwight signed up for the Air Force after seeing a newspaper featuring a Black fighter pilot on the cover.To get Black voters, Kennedy promised to get a Black candidate into the astronaut program.After quickly rising through the ranks in the Air Force, Dwight was the only Black pilot to meet the strict requirements to become an astronaut.Ed trained with 16 others in the astronaut program headed by Chuck Yeager.After Kennedy's assassination, it was clear that Ed was being ousted from his astronaut training. He resigned from the Air Force shortly after.His time in the Air Force didn't discourage him. He went on to become a very successful sculpture artist, creating memorials and art representing the accomplishments and history of Black people in America.Resources:Ed Dwight’s Website Ed Dwight’s Wiki The Almost Moon Man – New York Times I Was Poised to be the First Black Astronaut. I Never Made it to Space. | 'Almost Famous' by Op-Docs – New York Times Ed Dwight Jr. Was Set to Become America’s First Black Astronaut - YouTube 

The Behind the Wings Podcast is back this February with Season 4 and 10 new episodes! Hear from Ed Dwight Jr, the first Black astronaut candidate, world record holder Michael Combs, and dive into topics like The Mental Health Pilot Parodox and the history of The Women Airfare Service Pilots (WASP).New episodes come out every other Monday, starting February 19th. Subscribe wherever you listen, because we've got a lot to explore!You can find the Behind the Wings podcast wherever you listen. For past episodes and show notes visit: WingsMuseum.org/podcast.

An American MiG-23 pilot reveals long-held secrets in this in-depth conversation about a declassified program, Constant Peg. On today's show, we’ll meet John Mann who flew in the first-of-its-kind adversary training program, Constant Peg, and take a deep dive into some of the most popular questions we got from you, our listeners. Established in 1977, this top-secret program aimed to train American pilots against the very same MiGs they may one day see in combat. Mann was an instructor who flew the MiG-21 and 23, and co-host John Barry flew in the program as a trainee. This one is going to be cool!If you missed Part One, check that out on Wings Over the Rockies YouTube channel: America's Secret MiG-23s | Behind the Wings - YouTube.Episode 30 marks the end of Season 3 of the Behind the Wings Podcast. We'll be taking a short break and will be back in the new year for Season 4.Key Takeaways:John Mann served 24 years in the US Air Force where he had the opportunity to fly many aircraft, including the F-4, F-15, MiG-21, and MiG-23.Mann first flew as a trainee at Constant Peg and later flew the MiGs as a trainer.The MiG-23 was a very fast, beefy airplane, but it didn't turn well.Pilots would attend to overcome "Buck Fever", learn how the MiGs flew, and practice dogfighting.The maintainers at Constant Peg were the backbone of the program, facing specific challenges sourcing parts, with no maintenance book, and often receiving aircraft that were in a compromised condition.John Mann's advice: There are lots of opportunities in aviation. Go pursue your dreams!Resources:Red Eagles: America’s Secret MiGs by Steve DaviesCONSTANT PEG: Secret MiGs in the Desert > National Museum of the United States Air Force™ > Display (af.mil)Red Eagle BriefMikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 MLD "Flogger" | Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum (wingsmuseum.org)Dark Eagles : a history of top secret U.S. aircraft programsAF Declassifies Elite Aggressor Program (archive.org)

This episode will dive into the history of some of the world’s first astronomers, exploring how their knowledge has been passed down for more than 60,000 years. We are going to the southern hemisphere to learn about Australia’s Indigenous astronomy, and the impact it has on our world today. Our guest today is Peter Swanton! Peter is a Gamilaraay man from Mackay, Queensland, an astrophysics graduate, and cultural astronomer. He is actively involved in Indigenous astronomy, outreach, and research, and has a passion for the challenging yet critical subject of dark sky preservation. Peter will highlight the scientific importance of Indigenous star knowledge and the challenges and opportunities in preserving that history. Join us as we hear the stories of Australia’s Indigenous Peoples, why constellations and star clusters are so impactful, and how issues like light pollution threaten the very field of astronomy itself. There is a LOT to learn in this episode!Key Takeaways:The Indigenous Peoples of Australia didn’t have a written language, they were only able to pass along information via spoken word, song, dance, and stories. There are an estimated 273 different language groups across Australia. While not all stars can be viewed from both hemispheres, all the zodiac constellations are viewable from either. Although, they will be upside down depending on which hemisphere you are familiar with.The Emu in the Sky is a popular example of how astronomy was used practically by the Indigenous Peoples. Depending on what direction the Emu was facing, it helped give insight towards Emu life patterns. Creation stories are stories that are passed down that talk about the physical existence as well as store important information. A popular story about Australia’s constellation the Southern Cross tells the story of the first person to die on Earth. A songline is one of many paths across the land (or sometimes the sky). Embedded within traditional song cycles, dance rituals, stories, and artistic expressions, these pathways enable individuals to traverse vast distances while reciting the songs that describe landmarks, water sources, natural features, and sometimes stars and constellations. These routes serve as crucial connections between Native group ancestral lands, carrying intricate geographical, mythological, and cultural information giving directions on how to travel across Australia to visit other Indigenous groups. Light pollution is quickly starting to impact our dark skies. Due to light from cities and satellites, it is harder than ever before to see the stars and galaxies with the naked eye. Light pollution is not only affecting dark sky preservation, but is also adversely affecting our vision, bird migration patterns, and newborn sea turtles.Peter's message to younger generations is to pursue what makes you happy.Resources:Aboriginal AstronomySonglines: Tracking the Seven Sisters | National Museum of Australia (nma.gov.au)Songlines: The art of navigating the Indigenous world - Australian National Maritime Museum (sea.museum)Australia's First Astronomers

The Tuskegee Airmen were an experiment by the US Army Air Corps to determine whether Black pilots could handle military flying. It turns out they could! But the Tuskegee Airmen fought a second battle – one against racial discrimination.With an impressive combat record and war accomplishments, the success of the Tuskegee Airmen helped influence then-President Harry Truman's decision to desegregate the armed forces in 1948.Our Guests today are Bill Shepard and Col. James Harvey. Bill is the former Vice President of Education for the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), and former CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader. On today’s show, he explores with us the path that led him to proudly fly the P-51C Mustang for the CAF Red Tail Squadron. We will also hear from Col. James Harvey who was a Tuskegee Airman, and his personal journey as one of the first Black Aviators in the US military.From Bill's journey with aviation, to the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, there’s a LOT to explore in this one!Key Takeaways:Bill earned his US private pilot’s license at age 16 while still in high schoolThe 6 Tuskegee principles are: Aim High, Believe in Yourself, Use Your Brain, Be Ready to Go, Never Quit and Expect to WinThe Tuskegee Airmen helped influence President Harry Truman to sign Executive Order 9981 on July 26, 1948, mandating the desegregation of the U.S. military.Lt. Col. James H. Harvey III was a pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group, known as the Tuskegee Airmen. He later piloted on the team that won the military’s first ‘Top Gun’ contest in 1949.The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) was a U.S. Army Air Forces program that tasked some 1,100 civilian women with noncombat military flight duties during World War II.Bill's advice: Dream big, work hard, and never give up!Resources:Home | CAF RISE ABOVEBlacks in the Army Air Forces During WWII: The Problems of Race Relations (defense.gov)The Air Force Integrates 1945-1964 (defense.gov)The Tuskegee Flight Surgeons (defense.gov)

This episode will dive into the cutting-edge realm of AI in aviation, with a particular focus on its military applications. From autonomous wingmen drones to predictive maintenance, we will explore the opportunities and risks of AI as it transforms the landscape of aerial warfare. Our guest today is Col Tucker Hamilton, callsign “Cinco”. As the Chief of AI test and operations for the USAF, Col Hamilton is at the cutting edge of researching, testing, and implementing artificial intelligence in the realm of military aviation. Col. Hamilton began his career as an operational F-15C pilot, supporting Red Flag exorcises, and real-world Operation Noble Eagle missions, at times escorting Air Force One and the U.S. President. He served as a Chief Instructor, Test Pilot, and has more than 2,000 flying hours in the F-35, F-15, F-18, F-16, A-10, and more than 20 additional aircraft. Is there anything he hasn’t done? We’re about to find out! Join us as we unravel the intricate web of AI technologies shaping the future of aviation, while gaining unique perspectives from a seasoned military leader at the forefront of this transformative field. There’s a LOT to explore! Key Takeaways:The Hollywood Bias makes AI seem scarier than it actually is. AI is just software and math that has to follow very narrow rules that humans establish. Its computer code trained with guardrails set in place by the programmers. AI cannot learn the way that we learn.Cinco is most excited about the future of humans and AI working together in all industries. For example, AI could aid radiologists in finding cancer, or assist pilots by managing more tedious tasks.With AI starting to become more widely available, the ethics surrounding it becomes a huge topic. As we move forward with this new technology, ethics will continue to be a part of the conversation.AI will likely never be fully autonomous because the programing would be biased. Since humans are inherently biased in one way or another, so would AI technology, meaning humans will always need to be present when AI is involved.The five parts of the DOD AI Ethics code are Being Responsible, Equitable, Traceable, Reliable, and Governable.DARPA ran a competition between AI trained software and actual pilots. They went head to head in a simulator and the AI won by a landslide. This advancement is exciting because it means that we can create AI tutors to help train pilots at every level.Resources:A.I. Brings the Robot Wingman to Aerial Combat - The New York Times (nytimes.com)AFRL AI agents successfully pilot XQ-58A Valkyrie uncrewed jet aircraft > Air Force > Article DisplayAir Force Wants $5.8 Billion to Build AI-Powered Unmanned Aircraft (businessinsider.com)

On today’s show we’re getting an inside look at the design, testing and manufacturing processes at Honeybee Robotics, as they build a key component for the Orion Spacecraft, and a new lunar drill.Don your bunny suits, because we are excited to bring you inside a clean-room and experience first-hand how space hardware is made from prototype through manufacturing! Tune in to hear from Andrew Maurer and Isabel King of Honeybee, as we get a behind the scenes tour at their production facility in Longmont, CO. THIS is going to be cool!We’ve explored the Artemis program on the show before, if you missed those episodes go back and give a listen to episode 10 to hear from an Orion spacecraft engineer, and episode 21 as we compare Apollo and Artemis with former NASA Astronaut Harrison Schmitt, and historian Dr. Teasel Harmony-Muir. Key Takeaways:The Artemis Project aims to land near the southern pole of the Moon so that we can investigate and bring back samples of lunar ice. We can then test it and see how it got there and if it’s drinkable! Orion is the name of the spacecraft that will take astronauts to space, and Artemis is the name of the overall mission. Honeybee’s products are rigorously tested before being sent to NASA. Vibration, thermal, and human testing are just a few that help ensure safety and efficiency. They even have astronauts test and give their input! The lunar drill that Honeybee is creating will enable astronauts to drill about 3 meters into the Lunar Surface and collect several rock and ice samples.Resources:Design and Test of the Orion Crew Module Side HatchNASA Selects 12 New Lunar Science, Technology Investigations | NASAApollo to Artemis: Drilling on the Moon | NASAHoneybee Robotics

This episode will dive into the world of hypersonic flight, and how new methods of heat management could help usher in a new era for high-speed flight. Join us as we look through the lens of a heat management company, Reaction Engines who is pushing the limits of technology in engines, to enable the next generation of hypersonic flight.Hypersonic flight refers to speeds of more than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5. Once you start talking about hypersonic speeds, there are lots of challenges that come into play from propulsion limitations to materials that can withstand high temperatures, economic feasibility, communications, physics, and more. Adam Dissel, President of Reaction Engines, helps us dive into many of these topics today, to get a better sense of the state of hypersonic flight, and where the cutting-edge of aerospace is headed.Be sure to strap in, because there is a LOT to learn in this high-speed episode!Key Takeaways: Hypersonic flight refers to speeds of more than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5, which is about 1 mile per second. With hypersonic flight there are lots of challenges from propulsion limitations to heat, economic feasibility, communications, physics, and more. The Silbervogel was the first hypersonic weapon, developed by German scientists in the 1930s. During the first manned orbital flight in April 1961, Russian Major Yuri Gagarin became the first human to reach hypersonic speeds. Also in 1961, Air Force Major Robert White reached speeds exceeding Mach 6 as he piloted the X-15 research aircraft. A scramjet is a variant of a ramjet airbreathing jet engine in which combustion takes place in supersonic airflow. Extracting and repurposing heat from jet engines could increase efficiency and speed. Microtubes with coolant inside help to maximize surface area and cooling capability. Reaction Engines test their cooling technology at Colorado Air and Space Port using the General Electric J-79 turbo jet engine. There are many potential spinoff applications for this cooling technology including in Formula 1 cars, and manufacturing. Resources: Reaction Engines - Making Beyond Possible Hypersonics: Past, Present, and Potential Future (jhuapl.edu)

Explore the pivotal role of aviation in the Vietnam War alongside former USAF Chief of Staff General Ron R. Fogleman (Ret).Join us as we talk with Ron Fogleman, who takes us along his personal journey to becoming Chief of Staff and helps us uncover the strategic importance of aircraft during the Vietnam War. Ron has over 8,500 hours of flight time, including 315 combat missions where he logged 806 hours. During one of those missions, he was shot down while flying the F-100 Super Sabre and was rescued by clinging to the side of an AH-1 Cobra. Ron retired as Chief of Staff in 1997, after 34 years in the Air Force. He shares with us his pathway to becoming Chief of Staff, lessons he’s learned from the cockpit, and insight about aviation during the Vietnam War. THIS is going to be cool!Key Takeaways:General Ron Fogleman served for 34 years before retirement, holding positions such as Fighter Pilot, Commander of the Air Mobility Command, Deputy Commander in Chief, Chief of Staff, and more.Ron graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1963, and later became the first graduate to advance to Air Force Chief of Staff.Ron flew the F-100 Super Sabre in Vietnam as a Misty Forward Air Controller (FAC). Forward Air Controllers during the war acted as close air support for troops on the ground, helping with aerial defense, rescues, patrols, and more.Vietnam was the first war where helicopters played a pivotal role. The AH-1 Cobra was invented during this time, and was one of the first gunships to be used in Vietnam. Other helicopters acted as troop transport, medical evacuation, and more.Ron was shot down while flying a mission in his F-100. He was rescued by an AH-1 Cobra by clinging to the side of the helicopter. At the time, the Cobra was prohibited from landing anywhere in enemy territory. Luckily, the pilots did not face any disciplinary action for their heroism.As Chief of Staff in 1995, Ron created the Air Force Core Values, “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.” These values are still in use today.From 1974-1975, Ron was stationed at Lowry Air Force base. The same hangar our museum uses today!Resources:Ron Fogleman | National Air and Space Museum Ron Fogleman Air Force Bio Ron Fogleman Wiki Forward Air Controllers (FAC) 

This episode will dive into the world of orbital infrastructure – both the challenges and opportunities - through the lens of an on-orbit spacecraft refueling company, Orbit Fab, who aims to create gas stations in space.Join us as we talk with Adam Harris, the Chief Commercial Officer at Orbit Fab, who gives us insight on the state of LEO (low earth orbit), orbital infrastructure, and explains how on-orbit refueling could be a key part of enabling this new era in space activity more sustainably and efficiently.Orbital refueling is not a new idea, but as space technology, and the cost of launch has come down, the possibility for this type of service at scale is closer to reality than ever before. This is going to be cool!Key Takeaways: Adam Harris is an Air Force Academy graduate, who spent several years in the military as an Intelligence Staff Member, Senior Advisor, and more. He then moved to the private sector, joining SpaceX and eventually, his current role on the Orbit Fab team. Orbit Fab is creating some of the first commercially available orbital refueling, including refueling depots and shuttles that will bring the fuel straight to the satellites! Orbit Fab is working alongside other space companies, and space agencies to help create industry standards, so that someday all spacecraft, satellites or space stations could potentially be refueled. Like how gas stations on Earth can refuel any car! The refueling depots and shuttles will be launched into the same orbit as the satellites to keep traveling between the two to a minimum. Orbit Fab has already successfully launched one refueling depot into Earth’s atmosphere. By 2025, Orbit Fab hopes to start launching more refueling depots and shuttles into Earth’s orbit. Resources: Orbit Fab Website Risk Analysis of On-Orbit Refueling (nasa.gov)

This episode will dive into the story of Kim “KC” Campbell, one of the few pilots ever to land the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” manually. Kim is a graduate from the United States Air Force Academy. She has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog and more than 100 combat missions including in Iraq and Afghanistan.  In 2003, Kim received the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism, as she skillfully recovered her battle-damaged aircraft following an intense close air support mission in Baghdad. Campbell has since retired from the Air Force and now is a guest professor, speaker, and bestselling author. She shares with us her pathway to becoming an A-10 pilot, and lessons she’s learned from the cockpit. THIS is going to be cool!Key Takeaways: Kim served for 24 years before retirement, holding positions such as a fighter pilot, Deputy Chief and then Chief of the A-10 Operational Training Development Team, Commander of the 355th Operations Support Squadron, Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, and more. Kim and her father both graduated from the Air Force Academy at the highest rank of Cadet Wing Commander, making them the first father daugther duo to hold that accolade. At the time, only a handful of pilots had ever tried to land the A-10 Warthog manually. Kim later was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for her bravery and airmanship while flying the A-10. Campbell is now retired and has started her new career of speaker, coach, and author, telling stories about her lessons from the cockpit and how they can be used in every day life. Kim's book, Flying in the Face of Fear, tells several stories about the missions she was on and how they can be used as learning tools for businesses and employees. Resources: Kim "KC" Campbell Flying in the Face of Fear: A Fighter Pilot's Lessons on Leading with Courage: Amazon Books

The Behind the Wings Podcast is back for Season 3!This episode delves into the legacy of the iconic Apollo program and its profound influence on NASA's ambitious Artemis Program. In celebration of the 54th anniversary of Apollo 11 and the Apollo Program, we’ve got an exciting two-part conversation for today’s episode. Our esteemed guests, Dr. Teasel Muir Harmony, curator of the Apollo Collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and NASA Astronaut Harrison Schmitt, who walked on the moon during Apollo 17 help us unravel the significance of Apollo's groundbreaking achievements, the scientific discoveries made, its political significance, and the lasting impact on human space exploration. Discover how the Apollo program paved the way for Artemis, fueling our dreams of returning to the moon and exploring even further into the cosmos.There is a LOT to learn in this episode! Pack your bags, or at least your spacesuits, as we are taking one giant leap back to the moon. THIS one is going to be cool! Key Takeaways: Dr. Teasel Muir Harmony, curator of the Apollo Collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, uses artifacts including Kennedy's 1960 debate chair to bring the history of Apollo alive. President Kennedy was skeptical about the space program at first, but quickly changed his mind when he saw how Yuri Gagarin's historic flight helped unify the Soviet Union. Dr. Harrison Schmitt is the first and only scientist to fly with the Apollo program and land on the Moon without a military background. The Moon rocks that were collected and returned to Earth during Apollo 17, totaling about 842 pounds, are still being studied today! The Artemis mission can learn a lot from Apollo, including being sure to pack extra duct tape. Someday we may have a permanent base or settlement on the Moon, allowing for tourism not just to the Moon, but for Moon inhabitants to visit Earth. Resources: Teasel Muir-Harmony | National Air and Space Museum (si.edu) Amazon.com: Teasel E. Muir-Harmony: books, biography, latest update The Honorable Harrison H. Schmitt | NASA Return to the Moon: Exploration, Enterprise, and Energy in the Human Settlement of Space: Schmitt, Harrison: 9780387242859: Amazon.com: Books

Calling all aviation lovers, space nerds, history buffs, and futurists – The Behind the Wings® Podcast is back for Season 3!  Ready or not, strap in, because we have 10 great episodes coming up. It’s time to Go... Behind the Wings!We’ve got a lot to explore – stories about how history shapes aviation today, trailblazers in space, and up-close looks at iconic aircraft of the past, present and future. New episodes are published every other Monday, starting on July 17th, 2023.You can find the Behind the Wings podcast wherever you listen. For past episodes and show notes visit: WingsMuseum.org/podcastWe’ll see you next time on Behind the Wings!

What is it about Colorado?Coloradans have had a major impact across every aspect of aviation and space exploration.Our state produced the first American flying ace, the first civilian helicopter ambulance service, and the first female airline pilot. We’ve grown astronauts and executives, entrepreneurs and visionaries, and the aerospace industry has brought hundreds of thousands of jobs and hundreds of billions of dollars into our state’s economy. In fact, Colorado has the nation’s second largest aerospace economy, and aviation is the fastest-growing industry segment in the Denver area. Aerospace research and technology developed in Colorado’s schools and labs is out there exploring other planets—and a lot of it finds its way into products you use every day. Key Takeaways: Colorado has the largest number of aerospace jobs in the nation per capita, and aerospace being a major economic driver in Colorado, and CO continues to establish itself as a leader in aerospace - the Aerospace Frontier.  Emily Howell Warner, became the first female pilot for a scheduled US airline in 1973, and the first female airline captain in 1976. “Jepp” Jeppesen's handwritten notes in a ten-cent notebook grew into the aeronautical charting industry. Scott Carpenter was the first person ever to eat solid food in space and the second American to orbit the Earth. Jessica Watkins is a Colorado astronaut and is the first Black woman to work on the International Space Station. Dr. Serena Aunon-Chancellor, daughter of a Cuban immigrant, became an engineer, a medical doctor, and an astronaut who spent more than six months in space.  The exhibit focuses on people and their stories, but visitors will see some really cool artifacts to illustrate those stories, including some that we’ve never put on display before, so even if you’ve been to the museum, you’ll see something new. Resources: Pioneers – Pacesetters – Possibilities | Colorado on the Aerospace Frontier - Wings Over The Rockies (wingsmuseum.org) Chuck Stout - Wings Over The Rockies (wingsmuseum.org)

This episode will dive into the story of Tracy "JackieO" LaTourrette, Colorado’s first lady fighter pilot. LaTourrette graduated from the United States Air Force Academy before women were even authorized to fly combat aircraft. After working in the back of an AWACS airfract, she moved to a window seat, becoming one of the first female fighter pilots in the Air Force and flew the F-16 Fighting Falcon, earning numerous accolades for her skill and leadership.LaTourrette flew direct Presidential protection missions and in a classified location for Operation Iraqi Freedom. "JackieO" is known for breaking barriers, from the sound barrier to beyond. This one’s going to be cool!Key Takeaways:Tracy LaTourrette retired after 22 years while serving as the Deputy Director of Operations at the Colorado National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters. Tracy flew F-16s. She has over 3,300 combined flying hours as a pilot and AWACS Air Weapons director. Her call sign is "JackieO".Post 9-11 “JackieO” flew direct Presidential protection missions and flew in a classified location for Operation Iraqi Freedom.Tracy is a highly sought-after international speaker and executive consultant for Fortune 100 companies, associations and more. Her interactive workshops and executive consulting are second to none. Tracy is a married mother of three and grew up in Evergreen, CO. Her husband is also an F-16 pilot.Tracy will be the host of a Behind the Wings PBS episode all about the F-35. Quotes:"Those barriers that drive you to fight for what you really want to achieve- those are the barriers worth breaking. Not all barriers are worth breaking.""Find what inspires you- what really fires you up. It may not be the thing everyone around you tells you you're good at or tells you that you should be pursuing. Sometimes it's something completely out of the left field. IF we allow ourselves the space- the quiet- to search inside for what really matters to use then we will find the thing we are truly willing to fight for.""It took me awhile to find that dream inside of myself, but once I identified that I wanted to break the sound barrier then the path became crystal clear. The sacrifices I was willing to make along the way became crystal clear because I knew where I was going.""Don't shy away from doing the hard thing. Face it.""I'm so glad I pursued greatness because it gave me options."

Gain insight into the newest branch of the U.S. military- the Space Force.In this episode, we explore the creation and operations of the Space Force, the newest branch of the United States military. From its roots as a small office within the Air Force to its current status as a fully-fledged branch, we delve into the challenges and successes of the Space Force as it works to defend and protect American interests in space. Our guest, Colonel Marcus Jackson, is the Commander of Space Base Delta 2, headquartered at Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. As commander, he leads an 857-member team providing Base Operating Support to more than 757 military, Department of Defense civilians and contractor personnel serving at 14 operating locations world-wide, executing critical United States Space Force Missile Warning and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions. In addition, SBD2 hosts 6 wings (or equivalents) and 92 tenant organizations as well as supporting over 14,000 base personnel and a 98,000-retiree population. THIS is going to be cool!Key TakeawaysEstablished as a new branch of the United States Armed Forces: The US Space Force is a newly established branch of the US Armed Forces that was created in December 2019. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Air Force and is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping military personnel to conduct space operations.Focuses on space operations: The primary focus of the US Space Force is on space operations, including satellite communications, missile warning, and other activities that take place in space. The Space Force also aims to protect US space assets from potential threats, including those from other countries.Supports the civilian space industry: The US Space Force also supports the civilian space industry by providing satellite launch and other services. It also collaborates with other agencies such as NASA to advance space exploration and research.Emphasizes technology and innovation: The Space Force places a strong emphasis on technology and innovation to improve its capabilities and stay ahead of potential threats. This includes investments in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and space-based sensors.Relies on partnerships and collaboration: The US Space Force works closely with other branches of the US military as well as with international partners to achieve its goals. It also collaborates with the private sector and academia to develop new technologies and capabilities.[ChatGPT was used to generate these key takeaways]Resourceswww.spaceforce.mil https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11495 https://www.axios.com/2021/12/05/us-space-force-china-threat https://www.axios.com/2020/12/18/astronaut-mike-hopkins-space-force https://www.axios.com/2021/02/03/biden-keeps-space-force