America 250

Nebraska

This week we visit Nebraska! The Cornhusker State played a critical role during the Cold War.

This week we visit Nevada! We discuss the Nevada Space Proving Grounds and Nellis Air Force Base, home of the Air Force and Space Force’s Weapons School, the Red Flag Exercises, and the famed Thunderbirds.

West Virginia

This week we visit West Virginia! Home of Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager and the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory, plus Katherine Johnson.

Kansas

This week we visit Kansas! Some of the biggest names in aviation have roots in the Sunflower State, including Clyde Cessna, Walter and Olive Ann Beech, Al Mooney, Clyde Stearman, and Bill Lear. During World War II, Wichita was a key site for Boeing’s production of the PT-17 Stearman and the famed B-29 and these plants still produce aircraft today. On the space side, 4 astronauts come from Kansas, and 15 Kansas suppliers support NASA’s Orion spacecraft.

Oregon

This week we visit Oregon! The Beaver State has often served as a training ground for astronauts. When it comes to aviation, the state was home to famed pilot Tex Rankin.

Minnesota

This week we visit Minnesota! We discuss Robert Gilruth—the first Director of NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center plus famed aviator Charles Lindbergh.

Aerospace Advantage

The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is proud to present the Aerospace Advantage, with veteran fighter pilot and Senior Resident Fellow Heather “Lucky” Penney as the host.