As NASA prepares for the next chapter of lunar exploration through the Artemis Program, excitement is building around the world following last week's spectacular Artemis II launch and its mission around the Moon. The Artemis missions aim to return humans to the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to begin building foundations for a human-inhabited Moon base. 

While the Artemis program represents the future of space exploration, visitors can explore the history that made it possible at the National Museum of the United States Air Force™ in Dayton, Ohio. The museum's Space Gallery highlights decades of innovation, experimentation, and courage that helped launch humanity beyond Earth, connecting back to today's missions to the Moon.

Image courtesy NASA

Apollo 15 Command Module

One of the most impressive artifacts in the museum's Space Gallery is the Apollo 15 Command Module from the historic Apollo 15 mission. Apollo 15 was NASA's fourth successful moon landing mission and focused on lunar science as well as using the first ever lunar rover vehicle. Astronauts (featuring an all-U.S. Air Force Crew) explored the moon's surface for nearly three days conducting experiments, before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. 

The command module on display in the museum carried astronauts safely back to Earth after their mission. Seeing this spacecraft up close provides for a powerful experience that puts into perspective what it took to travel nearly 240,000 miles to the Moon and back. It also serves as a reminder of the groundbreaking achievements that paved the way in space exploration. 

McDonnell Gemini B MOL & Mercury Spacecraft

Before the Apollo missions could reach the Moon, NASA first had to learn how to safely send humans into space.

The Space Gallery features spacecraft from the early days of America's space program, including models from the Project Mercury and Project Gemini missions. From 1963-'66, these programs helped scientists and engineers answer critical questions about human spaceflight, such as how astronauts could survive in orbit, maneuver spacecraft, and eventually perform spacewalks.

Visitors can also see the technology that helped launch these early missions with the Convair LV-3B / SM-65D Atlas Rocket, which was used to send Mercury astronauts into space. Atlas was also the first American nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and played a vital role in the space race with the Soviet Union. 

Space Shuttle Crew Trainer & Titan IVB Rocket

Space exploration didn't stop after Apollo. The museum also highlights the next generation of spaceflight with artifacts from the Space Shuttle Program. The Space Shuttle Crew Compartment Trainer, which was used to train astronauts for shuttle missions, is on display. This trainer allowed crews to practice operating the shuttle's controls and systems before flying into space.

Nearby, visitors can also see examples of advanced launch vehicles such as the Titan IVB Rocket, which played an important role in military and scientific space missions. Titan IVB rockets carried several payloads, including classified National Reconnaissance Office satellites, early warning satellites and meteorological satellites.

More to Explore in the Space Gallery

Beyond spacecraft and rockets, the Space Gallery also features:

• Authentic space suits worn by astronauts 
• Equipment used in space missions
• Satellite and spacecraft technology
• Exhibits highlighting the partnership between the U.S. Air Force and America's space program
• Women in Air Force display

Together, these displays tell the story of how decades of research, engineering, and exploration have helped shape the future of space travel.

Whether you're following the Artemis missions closely or are simply fascinated by space exploration, the National Museum of the United States Air Force™ offers a deeper appreciation for the innovations that helped make it all possible. 

Plan your visit and explore the legacy of space exploration in Dayton.

Images courtesy National Museum of the U.S. Air Force unless otherwise noted.