About the Exhibition

Have you ever wanted to know how an airplane flies? Or why you become "weightless" in space? These and many other questions are answered in the How Things Fly Web site, a companion to the physical exhibition at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Our goal is to explain the basic principles that allow aircraft and spacecraft to fly.

The emphasis here is "interactive." We want you to discover for yourself answers to things you've always wondered about flight. You can explore the flight environment, aerodynamics, propulsion, structures and materials, flight dynamics, and more. Design and make your own paper airplanes, take the Distance Challenge, and see the forces of flight in action for yourself.

Planning a visit to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.?  Stop by the How Things Fly gallery in person for one of our free hands-on science demonstrations offered daily to the public, or reserve one for your group.  More information on How Things Fly science demonstrations.